Rob,
Outstanding models. Beautiful work.
Thanks for posting the pics John and thanks Bruce for the kind words.
As regards HJ’s coment on possible better NA prototypes to build and market, firstly that is a big debate in itself as we all have a favorite that we would like to see made (good idea for a new post???) but secondly, I have never looked for a good model to make money with, that is why I don’t build steam (where the big money is) and only take on the projects that interest me. The Krauss Maffei is a commision, so I have to make it anyway and I just wonder if anyone else would like one as an interesting adition to their collection and conversation piece? I ask because firstly I would like one myself and I have had interest from a couple of my regular customers, so I only need another handfull and its all systems go! There would be no deposit required, only pay when its done and ready. I just need people to register their interest so I can get an idea on numbers and also set the price too, if enough register then the price can be reduced by a large amount.
I would have thought that it may be ok as SP in the 1960’s seems very popular, but i am not too sure so that’s why I joined this forum to get the valuable help, advice and opinions of its members.
Thanks Rob
Rob,
Anytime. Yer welcome. 
What the dismal drivers over here want are (in no particular order):
Alco Century C 424 or it’s big brother the C 600 series.
FP40 or 45
SD9
Rob,
Very nice model work indeed!
As to the K-M’s all the cab units wound up on the SP and were eventually painted grey and bloody nose red. you could tell the original D&RGW units by their headlights. D&RGW had single lights while the SP units had twin lights in the same spot. This would be a cheap and easy variation for the models.
A further order for K-M’s in road switcher configuration brought about 15 (going by memory) additional units to the SP. In addition Alco built 3 very large hydraulics for the SP also so they were very serious about getting them to work. They operated out of Roseville and Oakland mostly.
Thanks Richard.
I intend to produce them as an example of the first SP units without the large round headlight surround found on the D&RG one’s, this can easily be added with a bit of K&S brass if desired, the same goes for all the other small differences including the large air intakes and external air tanks fitted in latter years.
I have ordered some brass and nickle so I will shortly be putting my money where my mouth is and also getting some construction progress pictures posted up if anyone is interested.
Thanks
Rob
Wow, that’s some nice modeling!
Rob, what UK forum are you using? I’m a member on GSM, and can’t find you there.
Dave
I use the “G scale mad” forum in the UK and I can highly recomend it, look in the G scale news section under “new diesel in pipeline Krauss Maffei”.
Thanks for the compliments Ray.
Rob
Hans-Joerg Mueller said:Given how obscure and limited it is, I'm surprised it isn't already available from at least 3 large scale manufacturers.
My take: since this was a real odd-ball on the proto - with a checkered performance history - in a very narrow era .... if it would be me I'd leave it at the nickel silver model. ;) :)
Rob; first, welcome to LSC.
Please keep us posted here, on your progress. I may not be interested in the model, but I sure appreciate your skill in modelling, and look forward to seeing pictures of your progress.
Thank you for showing those pictures earlier in the thread.
Rob Fern said:Yes, that's the GSM I belong to. Found Jason's post where you said it would be. Good luck with the project - it's out of my price range.
Dave I use the "G scale mad" forum in the UK and I can highly recomend it, look in the G scale news section under "new diesel in pipeline Krauss Maffei". Thanks for the compliments Ray. Rob
Hi all and a happy new year to you.
Just a note to say that I have started construction of the bodywork and made some good progress, with the cab and nose being next on the “to do” list. I will get some shots sorted and posted up here as soon as possible, with a little help as usual guy’s!
Thanks
Rob
Neat looking loco. Doesn’t go with my narrow gauge world … but a very interesting piece nonetheless!
Now… should you find yourself wanting to build ugly 1:20.3 diesels … we’ll talk! (US Potash? US Gypsum?)
Matthew (OV)
Great Rob!
While not a diesel (type) fan myself I still do appreciate fine model work and am looking forward to your progress photos.
Also, while undoubtedly a rare and unusual prototype to many it was not so to SP fans in the sixties in spite of its relatively small numbers. They were seen frequently (especially the road switcher version) all over northern California during that time period and you could hardly go on an SP photo jaunt without spotting at least a couple of them. I think the model will have considerable appeal for SP fans that model the sixties period.
More progress from Rob
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/jebouck/KMjan15post.jpg)
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/jebouck/KMjan15post%20a.jpg)
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/jebouck/KMjan15post%20b.jpg)
Nice work…
Thanks for help in posting the photo’s John.
Hi all.
Here are some shots of the latest progress on the ML4000.
As you can see she is fabricated up from nickel silver sheet and soldered together.
One of the shot’s has the old Rivarossi HO model next to her for size comparison.
I am now at the stage of cutting out the radiators and motor air intake grills, doing one end at a time to keep the strength in her. After that I will build up the fuel tank and battery boxes for mounting underneath and then the front plough/pilot. All these will be included in the body moulding for modelling convenience and also strength, no glue joints to break or give way later.
I hope to start with the filler (bondo?) on the nose top soon and also any other small bits that need attention.
So what do you guy’s think? I know she is a very ugly duckling at the moment, but with some more time and care she will be a very nice, fine scale, highly detailed ugly duckling to be proud of I hope!!!
Thanks
Rob
Update:
(http://www.lscdata.com/users/jebouck/KMmar18post.jpg)
Thanks John for posting my pics.
Here are the latest shots of her in gray primer after adding the first bits of filler/bondo. She seems to be working out quite well and only needs a little more attention before I can start adding all the details like roof hatches, doors, lights ect.
As you can see she now has her tanks and front pilot added, so you get an idea of what the final casting will be like, not much construction work to do on the kit at all really.
I hope you guy’s like what you see, even if you don’t like the prototype!
Cheers
Rob
Rob,
truly excellent work. Is the fuel tank a fixture, or able to be removed on the planned epoxy model? Remember that these things get filled with electronics, batteries, etc and access is essential.