Steve

Die-Cast Toy to Loco Conversion

I do enjoy ‘bashing’ models to see if I can turn them into something else.

Here, I’ve tried to convert a model pick up into a ‘critter’ loco for Apadobe Mine.

Click on the photos for a larger image…

A lovely 1:43 scale die-cast model. Almost too nice to cut up….
It looked like the Kato N gauge chassis would fit underneath.
I removed two screws and the model came apart.
The interior was unclipped.
The cab was separated by drilling out two rivets.
It definitely looks like the chassis will fit.
I tested the clearances on Apadobe Mine.
It went round without hitting anything.
I removed the glazing and other plastic parts.
The metal mounting was drilled off. Don’t do this at home kids!
I made a dummy footplate from cardboard…
..and mounted the die-cast toy on the footplate using blu-tack.

Before proceeding any further I decided to test run it on the layout.

For me this test was a success.

  • The chassis was powerful enough to carry the metal die-cast body
  • The loco didn’t foul on the mine entrance, the point levers or the various rocks on the ground
  • It definitely looks like a homemade loco !

Encouraged, I continued with the next stages of the build. Click on the photos for a larger image…

A footplate was created using plasticard.
Fake axle boxes were added.
The N gauge coupling was replaced with a Peco 009 one.
Footplate and chassis were ready.
I stripped the original paint from the model. It looks sad doesn’t it 🙂
This gave a nice, clean metal body.
The die-cast model was glued to the chassis and the other pieces prepared.
I used plastic C section to hide the gap between the toy and the footplate.
I liked the headlights and wanted to reuse them on the loco.
Small pieces of brass were added to hold the headlights in position.
Here’s what it will look like.
A plastic fuel tank, from another toy car, was added to the rear.
Here are all the components of the model ready for painting.

To complete the model I will need to paint all the pieces before I can reassemble them.

I’m hoping to reuse the original glazing too.

We shall see if I can fit the pieces for the interior and the glazing through the small hole in the underside of the footplate !

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