built for Robert Ray. He's first getting one of my very limited series MP15DC. Thanks to Robert and his GP39 conversions I entered into kitbashing and custom building years ago. The loco showing is a ex BN MP15DC, still in Cascade Green, but with BNSF patches. The loco was refitted for remote control yard switching operation and received additional cabinets and antennas. There will be another 4 locos + 1 "special" in the series coming soon, that's it. So if somebody says now hooray and want one too the answer is: forget it! I have completely underestimated the complexity of this project. Not the shell, that's a piece of cake, but having a shorten and thinned stock chassis converted to run smoothly seems to be beyond my skills. The chassis used is the MTL GP35, converted a la DKS, but made thinner too: that might not be the nicest and best built switchers around, Gerald Huet switchers are excellent in etchings and assembly, but this is the only one with a prototypical accurate hood width. Because I'm not a fan of big compromises I had to suffer and lost nearly my model building mojo. Making those chassis thinner and shorter makes them fragile, not when they are assembled, but in the manufacturing process, so I learned my lessons and counted the scrap... Alternative chassis I tested were no solution either, AZL's GP38-2 chassis has the correct width, but no material to connect shorten pieces back together. On top the AZL motor, after removing the flywheels just falls apart and never ran the same after careful assembly. Searail's Powermax is just too big, 8mm width as MTL's motor, but the shell needs to be even wider to make a single Powermax swiveling. If the motor would be upright the width would be only 6mm, ideal, great! But Searail don't want to make such a version... Making a chassis for Z locos is the greatest art, all respect to those taking up the challenge. I discovered it's nothing for me, beyond my skills. That's the reason why there will be no more MP15 than the initial lot. That means too if there is no stock chassis, no experiments anymore. Still hope one day MTL gets the SW1500 going... Enough words and winching, I feel better now:
Hi Gerd, You did again a remarkable job! We modelers are way ahead of the real railways, our trains are all remote controlled. I know what you mean with the chassis conversion from my SW1000 project. I'll guess your switcher is better to scale. I used the chassis width as is and still is the hood much slimmer than MTL's GP. Tens of milimeters can make the difference! Yes, I also hope MTL still brings out the SW1500. They can cast the smaller chassis parts. It would be to short for an MP15DC or AC though. Neverhtheless the small chassis would be a welcome basis for other switcher projects. Looking forward seeing the next MP15DC's to come.
That is a great model! Sounds like you're burnt out because of it, but just take a breath and enjoy the results for a bit! And, realize that you are clearing a path for more progress in Z-scale for everyone. Somebody will see this and design a frame and "move the needle" even further, building off what you have done. Anyway, once again--outstanding work!
Quite impressive indeed. I can tell you really went all out on this one for sure. I certainly hope you keep one for yourself!
Oh Boy! That looks fantastic Gerd! I can't wait! PM me the details and I will send the remainder due. I can really appreciate all the work involved, as I have taken on complex projects too, and they do have a way of getting overwhelming in a hurry. When I first seen Gerd's original offering of this loco, I knew it was a project way over my head, and something I really want in my collection. Patience is rewarded.
Thanks guys for the kind words. That recharges my batteries (at least a bit). Yes John, you are next, than James, Than Alex...
Well, I can tell you for sure when you are making something for another it is a different level of stress because you want to get it more right. When you make things for yourself, only you know the imperfections, when you make it for another, you don't want them to have any issues. That said, carry on because you motivate me and I am sure many others to keep doing the simple things after seeing projects like this!
Thanks Joe, you are spot on. I appreciate very much every comment on this board. Not like other boards where a picture of a stock loco raises more attention than some custom item...
John, True buddy, true. Mike, sorry mine should be gray with a red nose. I think you're seeing the world through yellow tinted glasses, friend. James
