South African Route Gauge Conversion
Posted: 24 Jun 2010, 11:11
In mid-April I thought that the conversion of the Natal Mainline v2
(Ladysmith - Petermaritzburg) to the correct gauge of 3'6" would take about
2 months. That time has passed and like all software projects, this one is
running late. There were 2 major parts: the track and the rolling stock. The
track was finished weeks ago, but we decided to celebrate by creating a
brand new model of the 6E1 electric locomotive for 3'6" gauge. Niel Wilson has now
nearly finished this, with a bit of interference from me. The rest of Niel's
rolling stock has had wheels and bogies narrowed.
The new 6E1 has been modelled in more than a dozen combinations of
pantograph style*, colour, livery, and weathering. In all, 75 different
numbered locos (65 AI) are included with the route. They have depot
assignment and other stickers. Some locomotives have their original brass
number and/or builder's* plates. The new 6E1 has the
prototypical characteristic suspension, perforated cowcatchers, driver's
mirrors, and grab handles.
Making use of MSTS Bin functions, both pantographs operate, the driver's
doors open (see E1520), and the lights work in both directions, with the
loco flipped and/or cab-switched, and on AI locos.
The idea is that in the course of a single activity, you will not see the
same locomotive twice, and it is not just the numbers that are different.
The attached pictures should give you some idea of the (almost) finished
result. The view from the driver's cab is certainly improved by the regauged
track. We believe that the improvement in overall feel and appearance has more
than justified the switch. The intention was never to be precisely accurate
in every respect. But for me, 4'8" just wasn't "Good Enough" for South
Africa.
I now <think> the converted route should now be ready by mid-July(-ish!)
Cheers,
Russell Westwood
* 2-arm pantographs and builder's plates have not yet been finalised.
(Ladysmith - Petermaritzburg) to the correct gauge of 3'6" would take about
2 months. That time has passed and like all software projects, this one is
running late. There were 2 major parts: the track and the rolling stock. The
track was finished weeks ago, but we decided to celebrate by creating a
brand new model of the 6E1 electric locomotive for 3'6" gauge. Niel Wilson has now
nearly finished this, with a bit of interference from me. The rest of Niel's
rolling stock has had wheels and bogies narrowed.
The new 6E1 has been modelled in more than a dozen combinations of
pantograph style*, colour, livery, and weathering. In all, 75 different
numbered locos (65 AI) are included with the route. They have depot
assignment and other stickers. Some locomotives have their original brass
number and/or builder's* plates. The new 6E1 has the
prototypical characteristic suspension, perforated cowcatchers, driver's
mirrors, and grab handles.
Making use of MSTS Bin functions, both pantographs operate, the driver's
doors open (see E1520), and the lights work in both directions, with the
loco flipped and/or cab-switched, and on AI locos.
The idea is that in the course of a single activity, you will not see the
same locomotive twice, and it is not just the numbers that are different.
The attached pictures should give you some idea of the (almost) finished
result. The view from the driver's cab is certainly improved by the regauged
track. We believe that the improvement in overall feel and appearance has more
than justified the switch. The intention was never to be precisely accurate
in every respect. But for me, 4'8" just wasn't "Good Enough" for South
Africa.
I now <think> the converted route should now be ready by mid-July(-ish!)
Cheers,
Russell Westwood
* 2-arm pantographs and builder's plates have not yet been finalised.
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