From the FWIW Dept:
Okay, so I've prosed-on with much pontification about the various pros/cons of K-Line/Marx/RMT's interpretation of an Alco S-2/4. So why stop now, right? 
THAT said...
IF I really wanted to push my anal nature about traditional 3-rail to my highest level yet... I would take an RMT (best runner/best detailed of the trio) and stretch it... to make it look even better.
To my eyes, this would help RMT/K-Line versions look their best and the added length does wonders to minimize the "high water" look of the RMT/K-Line versions.
Compare:
The above stretching results in a pretty stinkin' good lookin' "traditional" switcher, eh?
Downsides: $$$$ (Lots of them.)
Consider: It would take TWO RMT "Bangs" to make ONE stretched version. AND... it would be a ton of work. (Splicing frames, splicing bodies/etc.)
See? You just didn't realize just how insane my insanity could be, did you, huh? Huh? Did you?? 
No... I'm not seriously entertaining the thought of tackling such a project.
However...
If I found a couple RMT's at give-away prices... then who knows? I've performed much more involved modifications in HO in years past!
Andre
