AHM/IHC C-liner Coupler Conversion

[Bigt]

I have a few old AHM / IHC C-line diesels (powered & dummy) that I am thinking
about converting over to body mounted couplers. Has any readers have any experience
in doing such a conversion? I would imagine filling in the pilot and such will be involved,
as well as bracing / blocking of some type. These locos are certainly not up to today's
standards, but, have sentimental value, therefore, the effort. Any advice would be
most appreciated! Thanks in advance.

[Backshophoss]

This is a "figure it out on the fly" type project,take a look at http://hoseeker.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for an exploded
diagram of the C-liner in the AHM section of the site.
Would try to convert the "dummy" unit 1st,if the powered unit is a "running" loco.
Consider the use of "underset or overset" KD's (#'s 25/26 series) so you don't need to as much modication
to the model/underframe as required for the KD #5 to get correct coupler height.
Do you intend to "repower" the power unit,or keep it "stock"??(factory motor)

[Bigt]

Nope, at this point, they both are just going to be "static desktop" jobs, no repowering.
And, more than likely, they will be a learning experience! I know, there are a lot of these
cheap units on the used market, but, this is when I really miss the old Athearn blue box
jobs. They did not break the bank, and, you did not mind cutting one or two of them up.
Thanks for the tips.

[Backshophoss]

As a looong term project,have been working on a trio of AHM GP-18's,painted in Amtrak's NEC Orange scheme,
had to remove the truck mounted "horn-hooks" and their boxes,built up a mounting pad for the KD box,and made sure
to clear the truck's movement,rebuilt the trucks and gear train to work properly,still trying to find a "can" motor,along
with a way to mount the motor to the frame,then put in a basic DCC Decoder,headlights,and finish it off.
Have already filled in the pilots to complete the coupler swap.(used #5's back then,before the #24 series exisited )
Had to pick up a few parts donor units along the way to repair the trucks gear train.