EMD model 40 Here's another project I'm working on, it's a EMD model 40 loco, plans were taken from the Railroad Modeler (database DVD mag). It's design is not finished, the front coupler is a dummy, it will be modified to resemble more of the MTL coupler. a real 903 coupler is in the back. All made to go on the PowerMax loco from Searail. At first I've tried Lajos little loco, but the model 40 does not fit on it unfortunately. I want to finish it with a imaginary CN scheme, either two red noses or diagonal white stripe... not sure yet. Ben
Love it! you'll be able to change out that dummy coupler one day soon for one of the new NTZ types. That will be welcome addition. Great work on the Loco, Ben. dave f.
Ben, That is a cool little loc. It looks great. What era is that from? Is the Powermax narrower, lower (than the LGThek) or just able to be modified to fit? They look to be about the same dimensions. Dan S.
Critters Regarding the era. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EMD_Model_40 They were built between 1940 & 1943, I know that one or 2 were still in operation until 1994, (forgot the link) The PowerMax is 0.123" shorter in height than the L.G.Thek when you take out the center attachement, (But please, this is not a fight between loco's, because both are great.) it is just that I tried at first the L.G.Thek and my design was not able to fit into it, when I was following the Model 40 drawings, both loco have their wheels much closer than the real model 40, and all their surrounding dimensions are pretty much the same. PowerMax height when you take the top attachment out, 0.475" L.G.Thek height: 0.598" All the other measurements are very close to each other. Ben
Ben, Thank you for the info. Believe me, I wasn't trying to put either loc power unit down. I was just curious. I have two of the LGThek units and they are great. I just didn't remember the dimensions of the PowerMax being any smaller (from the drawing). I forgot about the center pivot. Handy to know. an 1/8" is quite a bit in Z scale land. Thanks. Dan S.
Dan your welcome, but my point about being careful doing comparisons was not intended at you directly, it was rather at large for readers, since "I" had started the thread about what loco I ended up with. I wanted to make sure that I was not showing preferences to a single model. Ben
Yes I did, but just the thoughts, :headspin:and a few drawings so far, some issues had stopped me. I'll probably pick the idea back up some day, and when that day arrives, the 3D printing surface finish will probably have improved. Ben
For those who haven't seen: http://www.shapeways.com/model/645764/z-scale-sd-40w-cab-body.html And http://www.shapeways.com/model/672730/z-scale-sd-40w-cabs-and-frames.html - but I am not sure what advantage the frame gives, as the steps are still wrong. http://www.shapeways.com/model/632377/sd70ace-cab1.html - not for sale, and everything behind is missing.Some other interesting models as well. Sorry, Ben - back to your thread, now.
Till now I was thinking the powermax was the same unit as Zthek but sold by searails. After my realization it is different I went to http://searails.com/powermax.html on the top the pictures look like the Powermax chassis but the bottom pictures looks like Zthek. You can see the different motors and the gear covered in a square box. so I am thinking now maybe that's why I thought both were the same. I have been zzzzzz when it came to Z for a while and trying to catch up for the winter. does anyone know how each one runs at different voltages? Thanks Kim
For what it's worth here are pics of both chassis side by side. https://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/Nn3#5787070918521223682 https://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/Nn3#5787070926817751218 https://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/Nn3#5787070922960880066
The Powermax is really a Craft-S' loco: http://www.craft-s.com/locomotive/narrow_gauge/hon.html I think the paperwork I got from Craft-S said the motor was like a 4 or 6v motor, but I used a snail controller at almost full for hours on it, and it ran fine. I want to get the new tiny CT Electronix (sp) decoder for it. -James
I don't think it is from Craft-S. The frame is different in a few ways and the gears on the axles are different. And the Power Max says nothing on the bottom plate. There is nothing wrong if it is from Craft-S, but I just don't think it is. I'd bet that the Power Max frame was RP'ed in metal. Here is a Nn3 Plymouth loco I built for the Power Max chassis: https://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/Nn3#5752151173908179314 https://picasaweb.google.com/ErieChris333/Nn3#5752151100505495426 At the end of this video you can see it running: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wIL93zeIHro
OK, I shouldn't have written "is really". I should have written "probably, or a close clone to". -James
Ouch, this Craft-S model is selling at 13,900 Yen plus 1,980 Yen Tax/flange option, that's about $203.00 USD not counting shipping. but thanks for the link, it's always good to see what's available around. -Ben
Oh man... I dunno they both run a little bit differently at different voltages. I believe the larger one will run at 12 volts and the smaller one is 6 volts. I did not wire up the diodes to the small one yet. I like the smaller one because I can fit more weight into it. Both of them had problems with wobbly wheels. I was able to fix that making a sort-of press with my lathe and 2 wheel cups. I'll let you guys battle out which one is better : )
