Bob Dow

The first Australian built diesels obtained for the sugar cane tramways were the two 6 wheeled 14 ton chain drive locomotives built by Bundaberg Foundry under license from Jenbacher Werke of Austria. The first locomotive was delivered to North Eton mill in 1953, the second in 1954 (D1 and D2). These locomotives remained in regular cane haulage service till about 1985, when they were relegated to work train duties. D2 was subsequently named Netherdale and is now located at the Australian Narrow Gauge Railway Museum at Woodford, Queensland. The fact that the locomotive was chain drive makes this a suitable modelling project as no chassis modification is required, and the body is easily constructed from styrene. The chassis selected for the model is a Bachmann N gauge Plymouth Diesel 0-6-0 Switcher. Before commencing, study the accompanying plan and photographs. Remove the body and couplers from the chassis.  Plan  Photos

Construction for a HOn30 model is as follows. Draw the component pieces on 0.5 mm (0.020") styrene sheet or as indicated, and cut out with knife and steel rule. Glue pieces of 2 x 4 mm strip onto base plate as indicated on plan. Assemble cab. Glue cab sides to cab front and then cab rear. Ensure square and correct orientation (see picture). Glue onto base plate. Shape the bonnet top (sand). To bonnet sides, glue small pieces of 0.25 mm (0.010") styrene on inside of the bonnet sides to provide support for mesh that will be added following painting. Assemble bonnet by first gluing sides onto base plate and cab and then glue top into place. Test fit on chassis. Glue a piece of 1 mm strip on front to provide support for grill. Glue strips of styrene in place for the grill. Glue front buffer plate into position ensuring the opening for coupler corresponds to the bottom of the 2 x 4 mm strip glued previously underneath the base plate. Shape the two buffer beams and glue into position. Glue the four support pieces into position between buffer plate and base plate. Finally shape roof and glue onto cab. The side of the roof is formed by bending around a screw driver. Fit hand rails (staples are fine), steps and exhaust. A hand brake covering was on the external wall of rear of cab. This is easily modelled from styrene strip. Test fit couplers (Micro Trains 1025). Your locomotive is now ready for the paint shop.

I have finished off my locomotives using bronze green. It is believed that this is close to their original colour. After painting fit mesh to the sides of the bonnet, fit details, horn and builders plate on front grill. All that remains is to secure body to chassis. This is done by drilling for 12 BA screws (# 61 drill) through support plates on chassis and fitting screws. There you have it, a very nice model of a narrow gauge cane locomotive, which would fit in well in a sugar cane or freelance theme. Until next time, happy modelling!