Garden Railway Forum

Some of you may recall that when I was testing various combinations of Arduino radio control systems, I used a bright blue off-the-shelf LGB ToyTrain diesel loco. I bought that a few years ago with the intention of either bashing into something appropriate for the PLR or using its motor block as a spare for when others gave the the ghost. In the end, I decided it was actually quite useful as a test-bed loco, as the body simply clips on to the chassis, thereby making it ideal for testing various control and power arrangements. I therefore have decided to do a quick and dirty conversion. Rather than just a repaint, I wanted it to look appropriate for 1930s setting. So, windows were replaced with spectacles, doors fitted, buffer beams added and a bit of tinkering with the radiator grilles. Oh, and lots and lots of rivets. I felt if anything was going to age her, then rivets were the way! . . . . .
She's ended-up looking a bit gawky, but somehow I think that adds to her appeal and makes he look more in period.

Still more work to do - I need to add a few features such as an exhaust pipe, air intake(s), spectacle rings, door handles, grab-rails and maybe some running-board clutter. I'm also considering adding a layshaft and fly-cranks. And I want to weather her - make her look as if she's been pottering around since the end of WW1.

Just out of interest - if the diesel engine is under the larger bonnet - what would be under the smaller one, do you think? If she was a DM, would it have been the gearbox?

Rik

Not quite a Swan perhaps but it does have charm. As for under the other bonnet perhaps the fuel tank above the gearbox?

Don

As always Rik, a lovely project which you have done full justice to, very neat

ge_rik wrote: ↑Tue Sep 03, 2019 4:47 pm
Just out of interest - if the diesel engine is under the larger bonnet - what would be under the smaller one, do you think? If she was a DM, would it have been the gearbox?

Rik

It'll be aircon and a beer fridge for the crew
Are you going to colour the wheels when you add cranks. Red wheels are quite continental, I think, but also make it look more toy like, imho. I blacked the wheels on my Faller railbus, rather than keep the red ones with shiny chrome tyres. Not that I've finished that project yet!

Great work again Rik. That's a real workhorse. Good work!

Andrew

Now added a few details - spectacle rings, exhaust, air intake, fly cranks, grab rails and a few handles. . . . .
Next job is to add a driver and then carry out a bit of distressing and weathering.

Rik

She's a beauty Rik, I love it! Just my kind of creation, looks like a real workhorse.