• Scratchbuilding Metro-North ACMU's in HO?

  • Discussion related to everything about model railroading, from layout design and planning, to reviews of related model tools and equipment. Discussion includes O, S, HO, N and Z, as well as narrow gauge topics. Also includes discussion of traditional "toy train" and "collector" topics such as Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and others. Also includes discussion of outdoor garden railways and live steamers.
Discussion related to everything about model railroading, from layout design and planning, to reviews of related model tools and equipment. Discussion includes O, S, HO, N and Z, as well as narrow gauge topics. Also includes discussion of traditional "toy train" and "collector" topics such as Lionel, American Flyer, Marx, and others. Also includes discussion of outdoor garden railways and live steamers.

Moderators: 3rdrail, stilson4283, Otto Vondrak

  by ANDY117
 
Is there any way to make an ACMU in HO? If possible, how many are there in a standard length train?

  by astrosa
 
Probably the best way to form the body is to use a Pullman-type core kit from Eastern Car Works or Train Station Products and build your own sides from styrene sheets. You can draw guidelines on the sheets and drill holes at the corners of the windows, then cut and file the openings to the right size. You'll also need to make your own ends from styrene. The result won't be 100% accurate because ACMUs are slightly tapered at each end while the core kit roofs are straight, but I doubt anyone would ever notice that.

I don't know where to find drawings of the cars, though...you might have to guess the window sizes and locations based on photos. It looks like they're somewhat similar to the windows on Horizon/Comet cars, so that might help.

  by ANDY117
 
Thanks for the input guys!