Model Railroading > Up-scaling

Hi all.

Fair to say the end of 2020 coupled with the start of 2021 has been interesting. November 2020 together with my father we purchased a 5" English Class 66 loco and joined the group of large scale modelers. Just prior to this the seed had been sown after a local modeler gave us both the opportunity to experience the larger scale (as my father and I both model OO/HO). A Dunedin local had originally brought this Class 66 direct from Abbots Model Engineering, who are based in England, and specialise in producing 5" & 7-1/4" models powered by electric motors and 2 x 12v batteries. So after purchasing the locomotive and collecting it from Christchurch we returned to Blenheim (New Zealand) with it and began operating it at the local model engineering club. The local club provides two tracks, the first a raised track with multiple gauges up to the max 5", the second a ground based track with 5" and 7-1/4" track. This became a lot of fun, and soon had HO modelling on the back burner.

For myself, Christmas in the construction sector always provides a close down period of around 2 - 3 weeks. In the weeks leading into Christmas I had the brain wave that "why not build another body to fit on the Class 66 chassis". The Class 66 was equipped with a sound system, and as per the prototype was based on the EMD 710 motor. So whatever the replacement body was, had to fit (if possible) that same EMD 710 sound. With a model of a Montana Rail Link SD70ACe (HO Scale) sitting in the display cabinet, the idea became a little more realistic. Soon, some MDF board was marked out with the base plate (running boards) and the various side and cab panels. The photos show the progression of the assembly, which started on boxing day, and consumed many hours in the coming week(s). End result is a MRL SD70ACe body, that can be exchanged with the Class 66 body and provide members of the public with an enjoyable ride on experience. 

I'll add some more commentary to the additional photos. But for now, here's some images of the Class 66.

1. Trial operation on the Class 66 on the day we collected it.
2. My father at the controls.
3. My daugther at the controls the next day (in Blenheim).

 

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So after marking out the varous panels, and routering the grooves to represent the various access doors, and cutting grille holes assembly of the main body commenced. The sill board is made from 18mm MDF, with the main body pieces from 6mm MDF.

Enjoy.
 

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Due to the width of the body (required to conceal the batteries and control gear) the long hood is wider than it should be. So modifications were made to replicate as best as we could the large angular radiator section.
 

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Then came a trial fit on the chassis, with a temporary packer to elevate the model to a more suitable height.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/16/21 17:44 by ajgreen.

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Next came the cab, and nose section. The cab sides were easy, the nose section took some working out, and in these next images you'll see the sill board has been trimmed and shaped, and the cab interior worked on. Beneath is the chassis of the Class 66. And whilst not 100% accurate for length, axle spacing and fuel tank size/profile it provides the basis for the both models. The overhang of the sill board and front & rear pilot provides a space for the Class 66 buffers to reside, as it was a lot simplier to retain these in place resulting in only minutes to exchange the bodies. Work had also been done on the exhaust and radiator sections.

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Next came installation of the steps (major pain in the backside) and the tidying of the body, with filler applied and sanded, and the primer coat going on.

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Next the white primer was painted on, then the first coats of the MRL Blue (Plasikote "Royal Blue"), followed by some masking and application of the black.

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By now the end was in sight. Wiring of the lights and fans (2 x radiator fans & 1 x dynamic brake fan), battery meters and installation of the Magnese Bronze handrails (2.4mm & 3mm). The fans are 120mm PC Fans (4 pack for NZ$28).

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Prior to completing the handrails, the body was taken to local signwritters BB Signs (Here in Blenheim). Working from my HO Scale model, they were able to upscale the various graphics. Then handrail installation, and the final article is presented.

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Then the test run on the local track, in typical Blenheim sun. Forgive the shakey video, I was trying to walk and pace the locomotive with my cellphone in hand.

Hope you've enjoyed the story of creating the SD70ACe for use on the 5" Class 66 chassis. Maybe more bodies to follow, we'll see.

Allister
Blenheim
New Zealand.

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A very impressive project!

TJY

WOW WOW WOW!  That takes talent!  The working fans are really cool too!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/16/21 20:18 by 1Train2Many.

I'm not even a modeler and I'm impressed. Beautiful job.
 

Robert Morris
Dunsmuir, CA
Robert Morris Photography

My goodness!!

Bill Deaver
Tehachapi, CA

Am into several scales my large scale is 7.5" but your way of building looks great and since you seem to be very skilled at it keep it up.  To build any engine or car takes skill and dedication hats off to you for doing so and sharing it with everyone.

Great to see these. I would love to see the MRL SD70 in action. Back in 2013, here in the UK, I watched a class 66 in action on the local engineers track in the park. A superb model. Chris uk

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Quite a bit of impressive work went into this project. Thanks for sharing.

What talent, most impressive, beautiful workmanship.

That is some fantastic work.  The finished product is outstanding!   But what would you expect from a GS rider?
I trust you are going to get a lot of enjoyment from operating that locomotive.   Thanks for posting this, it is very interesting to see the construction process.
 

Whoa, monster engine.