Diesel Loco 2 - A Simplex hybrid

Another GN15 diesel started when I went through my old Cottesmore (0-16.5) stock when we were getting ready to exhibit Worton Court for the first time. I came across a small 4w diesel built on a Piko chassis that had employed the usual speedy method of rebuilding the cab and keeping the bonnet. The body was damaged and didn't fit the layout 'ethos', so it never made the cut. However, after a strip-down clean and lubrication, it ran quite well and was transferred from the running-in track to BE. A pair of ON3 Kadee couplers were offered up to the chassis to establish the extent of bodywork that was needed. Then, a book on Simplex diesels was then scoured for inspiration, which didn't take long.

To 'absorb' the long couplings, rather than build a long body, the weights used to give additional traction looked like they could disguise quite a bit of the couplings. The use of an over-hanging rear cab added to the effect. Many sketches later, a reasonable design (in my view) was achieved. 2mm plastic was used for the main framework and lighter plastic for the new bodywork. The body is attached to the metal chassis with a magnet mounted on a cross-beam in the engine compartment. Tiny magnets were also used to secure the cab doors to the body. Easily removable for access to the cab interior.

A lot of finishing to do.....