Author Topic: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?  (Read 2277 times)

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GGNInNScale

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Hi  I just bought a static model of the K-M diesel from Del Prado.  I really liked this AHM/Rivarossi unit when I was younger- had three on my old HO layout.  I read that people have converted this to a working n scale engine with a Kato SD40 or 45.  Anyone with experience?  Thanks.

Sept 25- I got the model yesterday (from Spain in 8 days...).  Took it apart.  Need to get the center weight out without ruining the shell.  The grayish color is a bit off, maybe from the bleed-through effect of the bright yellow??  I milled off the two body shell attachments.  The weight is glued in, but I cannot tell if it is epoxy or a hot-melt adhesive.  Anyway, more to come as I progress. 
« Last Edit: September 25, 2024, 08:10:51 PM by GGNInNScale »

Spades

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #1 on: September 18, 2024, 09:15:25 PM »
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No experience but here is someone who has.

https://sp9010.ncry.org/models.htm

From the website:

On the Don Pardo shell

Diecast Models: Del Prado

Del Prado is a Spanish collectibles company founded in 1988 in Madrid. They offer a collectible set of "The World's Great Locomotives" in N scale (1:160), sold by online subscription. Included in the set is a representation of the Krauss-Maffei ML 4000 C'C' Denver & Rio Grande USA Prototype. The models appeared in 2005.

It appears from the front 3/4 view that the mold makers may not have had the benefit of anything but a side view drawing. (We'll leave it at that.)

The set may still be available from Del Prado, and single units of the KM model often appear in online auctions at modest prices.
http://www.delpradocollections.com/us/group.asp?CollectionID=1

From the same web page. Mike Danneman built a shell had a friend cast it and used a Kato SD45 mechanism.

Scratchbuilt Models: N Scale

Mike Danneman scratchbuilt these three fantastic Krauss-Maffei ML 4000 C'C' Prototypes. Here's his account:
 
"I model N scale Rio Grande, and I always thought it would be neat to have a KM for the layout. After checking plans and other sources, I realized that I'd have to scratchbuild a body shell that would hopefully work over a modified mechanism. I choose the N scale Kato SD45 mechanism since its length is only a few inches different than the KM. I built my original KM shell out of styrene, with only a few commercial parts added. The lower portion of the nose and pilot are from a Kato F7 shell, and the cowl and cab is made of .015 styrene. The fuel tank and trucks are modified Kato parts, used to retain the reliability of a good-running model."

After finishing the first model, I dreaded trying to build two more. Neighbor Keith Sorci, who casts 1/24 and 1/25 scale automobiles, saved the day and cast three KM shells for me using my model as a master. Because I didn't construct the master with casting shells in resin in mind, I was only able to get a a few resin shells out of the mold. The cast resin models were then finished in Rio Grande paint and sent out onto my Rio Grande Moffat Road for testing (with Dynamometer car No. 10 tagging along, of course). The models aren't perfect, but as far as I know, they are the only N scale ML 4000 (Prototypes) out there!"

For more information on how Mike built the models, please see the November-December 2003 "N Scale Railroading" magazine.

Spades

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #2 on: September 18, 2024, 09:42:27 PM »
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As Global Moderator Ian MacMillan says" " Learn to use the search feature" so there is a thread out there.

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=40036.0

GGNInNScale

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #3 on: September 19, 2024, 10:05:01 PM »
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Thanks for the tip on the website.  These are the now-defunct Shapeways model (sadly).  So, when I get the model (enroute from Spain), I will come back with observations.

Wolf N Works

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #4 on: September 20, 2024, 09:02:34 AM »
+3
I have the 3D files (STL) for these KM, have not had time to work on them. They can be made to work with a little patience. I have three Athearn F45 mechs with ESU Loksounds and the KM sound file from Brian ready, really need to get to these.

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GGNInNScale

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #5 on: September 20, 2024, 11:24:30 PM »
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Way cool!  Should have asked before I ordered the model... Oh well.  Pity that Shapeways went away.

Point353

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #6 on: September 21, 2024, 12:59:28 PM »
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PIKO has produced a Whitcomb loco model in both HO and N scales.
I'd be inclined to wait and see (or inquire) if their (HO) Krauss-Maffei model will be made in N scale.
https://www.piko-america.com/




sandypsj

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #7 on: September 25, 2024, 10:39:33 AM »
+1
For what it's worth, there is one such instance for sale on eBay right now (using a Con-Cor chassis): https://www.ebay.com/itm/146048693105

spookshow

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #8 on: September 25, 2024, 10:52:06 AM »
+2
OMG, on an old Roco chassis no less. Gnarly!

-Mark

GGNInNScale

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #9 on: September 25, 2024, 05:46:55 PM »
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For what it's worth, there is one such instance for sale on eBay right now (using a Con-Cor chassis): https://www.ebay.com/itm/146048693105
Thanks, it looks like the delPrado shell on a ?Austrian? or other EU supplier?? frame.

peteski

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #10 on: September 25, 2024, 06:14:41 PM »
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Thanks, it looks like the delPrado shell on a ?Austrian? or other EU supplier?? frame.

That is correct.  The bottom of the model's fuel tank shows "CON-COR AUSTRIA" indicating that it was a Roco model made for Con-Cor in USA.  Roco was/is an Austrian manufacturer (they merged with Fleischmann few years back).
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spookshow

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #11 on: September 26, 2024, 06:12:36 AM »
+1
This nasty assed beast to be precise -



Pretty much the absolute last chassis I would want to convert to DCC, yuck.

-Mark

GGNInNScale

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #12 on: September 26, 2024, 08:58:59 PM »
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OMG- this resembles some really old AHM/Rivarossi/ConCor HO models from decades back.  I remember working on similar designs under C626 models.  Broke a number of the clips that hold the drive worm and bearings... :facepalm:

Jimbo

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #13 on: September 26, 2024, 09:37:11 PM »
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PIKO has produced a Whitcomb loco model in both HO and N scales.
I'd be inclined to wait and see (or inquire) if their (HO) Krauss-Maffei model will be made in N scale.
https://www.piko-america.com/




Despite being a transition-era steam modeler, if they offer them, I would buy a pair in a heartbeat… and use them to pull my Kato California Zephyr set I received for Christmas a few years back.

How a locomotive can look so ugly and yet so beautiful at the same time remains a mystery!!

Jim

peteski

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Re: Has anyone converted a Del Prado Krauss-Maffei model to operational?
« Reply #14 on: September 26, 2024, 09:59:21 PM »
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How a locomotive can look so ugly and yet so beautiful at the same time remains a mystery!!

My feeling's the same. Probably because it is unique and different from other US diesel locos.  I like unique things.

OMG- this resembles some really old AHM/Rivarossi/ConCor HO models from decades back.  I remember working on similar designs under C626 models.  Broke a number of the clips that hold the drive worm and bearings... :facepalm:

Well yes, because it was made around the time those H0 locos were made in the same part of the world.  Remember Yugoslavian N scale Mehano locos?
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