January 2003

DIESEL LOCOMOTIVE MODELPLAN

INTRODUCTION

Bogies and Chassis

Bumpers and Undercarriage

Cabin and Body

Roof and Fans

Optional Components

Mounting the components and The Track

PARTS LIST

Designed and described by Chris Els

Head End Motor design by Chris Bourne

Photographs by Anthony Els

INTRODUCTION

I decided to build this model because of my fascination with these huge and powerful machines. The model can be built in two ways:

·        The full model with the removable top to display the machinery inside.

·        The optional model. The loco is the same except the inside machinery is not built.

There are two parts lists:

·        Full list, listing all the parts needed to build the full model.

·        Partial list, lists all the parts needed to build the loco, excluding the following components (Figure 1): (a) Main motor, (b) Head end motor, (c) Main generator, (d) Head end generator, (e) Air compressors and (f) Power distribution board.

There are no parts listed for the track, you can pretty much do what you like for that.

Features

This model has been based off pictures and information of the Amtrak Diesel locomotive.

The model has a MO motor in each bogie that collects power through the track. The fan radiators on the roof are powered by a M.O. motor in the roof. The top comes off to show the components of a diesel locomotive inside.

From the rear is the head end motor, main motor, generator, power distribution, drivers seats and even a toilet in the nose of the loco!!

Statistics

• The loco has a max speed of 177 kph, weighs 270,000-pounds (122,470-kg) and is 54-ft (16.2-m) long.
• The main motor is a HUGE two-stroke, turbocharged V-12, weighs over 30,000 pounds (13,608 kg) and can make 3,200-horsepower.
• The main generator weighs 17,700 pounds (8,029 kg) and could supply electricity to 1000 suburban homes! It supplies power to the electric motors in the bogies.
• The head-end power unit is a four-stroke, twin-turbocharged Caterpillar V-12. The engine itself is more powerful than the engine in almost any semi-truck. It powers a smaller generator to supply power to the carriages.
• The fuel tanks in the underbelly of the locomotive hold 2,200 gallons (8,328 L) of diesel fuel.
• The batteries operate on a nominal 64-volt electrical system. The locomotive has eight 8-volt batteries, each weighing over 300 pounds (136 kg). These batteries provide the power needed to start the engine.
• The bogies are the heaviest things on the train. Each one weighs 37,000 pounds (16,783 kg).