Friday, September 11, 2009

Loco ideas


Someone on the retrospective NZR group the other day came up with some pictures of Df's in the bay of plenty in the 1970's, and it got me thinking about building one. the question that I did ask was, would it be possible to build one from 2 Dg noses plus new body sides and roof, given that the Dg was supposed to be 1/2 a Df when they were built. The nose is the hardest part to do (a hex on designers who thought that curved loco's were a good idea) so this might be a simple solution.

Or are the 2 loco's completely different and I'm stuffed?
(thanks to John Dennis for the use of the picture, more here)

10 comments:

ECMT said...

I have thought of the same approach ( 2 Dg ends), but nothings ever that simple is it ! I think Russell will confirm that they are slightly different profile. Certainly a contender for casting a few bodies if the proportions were well done. As to the cost of a chassis !
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/KATO_N_1372001_GG1_Electric_Pennsylvania_4935_p/kat-1372001.htm

sxytrain said...

I do believe the nose profiles are indeed different. Its a worthy loco for a kit though, espcially in etch-brass. Any investors?

MaverickNZ said...

The DG and DF are very similar. The DF is very slightly wider and taller and the nose is slightly taller but the differences are around 100mm so not worth worrying about at this scale. The nose profiles are very similar.

The idea of using 2 DG noses and making side body panels is a good idea.

I have line drawings for both locos because I am a member of the DTG if they are wanted by anyone

Motorised Dandruff said...

I'd be interested in the line drawings, as I would like a Dg as well at some point.

ben scaro said...

What about the mechanism?

Kato GG1?

Or is there some other sort of 2-C-C-2 that is more suitable, most likely some type of Kato or other Japanese electric?

Ben

MaverickNZ said...

I just realised the line drawings are on the DTG Flickr page.

DG:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dtg/1564730983/in/set-72157602991955582/

DF:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dtg/1564731071/in/set-72157602991955582/

Cheers

Ryan

P.S. apologies if the links didn't embed correctly

Motorised Dandruff said...

the japanese make a stack of 2-C-C-2 electric models that could serve as a base. I think thats what David Weedons used in his model, though I would like to hear from him on how he did it.

Amateur Fettler said...

Ha! Thats the DG plan I've got printed out in A0 size on my wall at work...

Amateur Fettler said...

But seriously, just going off the two plans on the DTG (Stands to attention, salutes) web site, I would say that from the required 2' viewing distance you could get away with it, although the nose may need some butchered to remove the footplate around the base of the nose (The Df not having any). Plus, it looks like the TM Blower vent on the nose is smaller in the Df plan, but whther that is the case in real life is another matter.

Can I suggest McDruff prises open the wallet for a DG top and make a call once it arrives in the Antipodes? The worse that can happen is that you have a DG....

MaverickNZ said...

Let me know if anyone wants any photos of specific parts of DG or DF as I can grab them when I'm down at Ferrymead each week.

95% of people won't notice the differences from 2 feet.