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Miniature SJ Class S1 No.383 - A Profile

Trainmaster64

Entry posted by Trainmaster64

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german_2-6-4t.jpg

The Class S1, No.383, reasssembled cosmetically for photographing. It is a European locomotive, Swedish and within the 20th Century, and is a 2-6-4T. Numbered 383, I purchased this locomotive as a non-runner, and have since taken it apart to try to get it running again - if this proves impossible, it will need to be converted into a rolling static exhibit.

 

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The side of the locomotive, showing where the motor used to reside. This locomotive is an old Lima-built engine, unfortunately employing the dreadful 'pancake' motor. The mechanism is also prone to binding in this locomotive, though it fortunately uses a metal chassis to eliminate wires in this engine to transfer current. The final attempt to make the locomotive operate with its original motor resulted in smoke and a bright orange light emanating from the motor in the cab - any information about replacing this style of motor or repairing it is appreciated. The locomotive had already been disassembled prior to photographing it, and was hastily reassembled in a fairly substantial piece for photographs.

 

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The tanks in detail, showing the branding of 'SJ,' the company this locomotive belongs for. The valve gear is also seen - all wheels are geared, and prone to binding - possibly contributing to the motor's failure in a minor way.

 

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The rear of the locomotive - one buffer was missing when it was obtained, and will need to be replaced prior to display. The rear coupler will also be reattached as well.With details like riveting and lamps represented, the hope is that this locomotive will eventually be put on display, if not operating again.

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justin1985

I've seen a few of these on eBay, but never been tempted enough to buy one! I have no idea how accurate the bodywork is? The chassis is pretty shocking through - personally I would be tempted to either find a similarly sized chassis from a more modern locomotive, and see if it can be made to fit, or build a new chassis entirely from 2mm Scale Association parts! (i.e. to fiNe standards)

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Trainmaster64

I've seen a few of these on eBay, but never been tempted enough to buy one! I have no idea how accurate the bodywork is? The chassis is pretty shocking through - personally I would be tempted to either find a similarly sized chassis from a more modern locomotive, and see if it can be made to fit, or build a new chassis entirely from 2mm Scale Association parts! (i.e. to fiNe standards)

 

Hi justin1985,

 

Thanks for commenting on this - I do appreciate the feedback. In regards to your queries, the locomotive itself is unique in terms of looks - not many Swedish locomotives out there in any gauge. From the limited photographs of the real Class S1s out there, the locomotive seems to be fairly accurate to its looks; considering that this model could have originated from as far back as the 1970s, I feel it's fairly accurate. Lots of molded detail, but plenty of character.

 

The chassis, however, is the biggest letdown. A standard 2-6-4T chassis (look up the American Q1B at the link below), its biggest problem lies in its motor - a standard amongst Lima products, and wholly unreliable. The issue with replacing the chassis would be the alignment of everything - steam pipes, motor placement, etc. This could be a bigger problem than first thought. However, I do believe that you do have a point, and in time I may consider doing that. A modern chassis would probably not work in terms of fit and placement, but a newly-built chassis could work.

 

Alternately, I could try to simply replace the motor - although I have no idea how well that would work, or indeed if there are any motors that would work for replacement!

 

Thanks again for commenting on this; I do appreciate it.

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justin1985

The Swedish N Gauge history page run by N-Modell.se (http://swen.nmodell.se/) recommends a Fleischmann BR91 as a suitable donor chassis for the model. I'm sure some cutting/filing work would be involved, but probably doable!

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Trainmaster64

The Swedish N Gauge history page run by N-Modell.se (http://swen.nmodell.se/) recommends a Fleischmann BR91 as a suitable donor chassis for the model. I'm sure some cutting/filing work would be involved, but probably doable!

That appears to be a decent thought - in time, I will definitely consider doing this, cost permitting. Thanks for the heads-up - wasn't aware of that, myself.

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