Small Dock 0-4-0 Shunter (Switcher)

[doug72]

To use with my Ship to Rail transfer crane a small 0-4-0 dock shunter was needed.

This uses a PF Train motor, AAA battery box and a PF Receiver. The aim was to make it as compact as possible - some slight mods needed to achieve this.

PF train motor extended at each end by two 4 x 6 studded technic frames which clip into the locating points normally used for the buffer beam / couplings.

Top of frame built up until level with studs on train motor and AA Battery box placed on top level with top of train motor.

To achieve this a small hole was drilled through lower battery casing (through the centre ring between securing screw and casing end) to allow battery to sit on the train motor pivot pin thus securing that end - other end connects normally vis studs to the front 4 x 6 frame.

PF receiver sits one brick behind battery box and is attached to rear 4 x 6 frame with a gap below to allow its PF cable to pass underneath.

Both cables coiled up in the one brick space between battery box and PF reciever, the two side frames with doors helps to give more room for this.

Body work built around AAA box and PF Rx. Yellow sticky back plastic film applied to battery box sides and colour is close match to lego bricks.

I obtained the film from a road sign company.

All studded surfaces covered with tiles. PF connector diguised as the engine exhaust.

At first used decorative sides on the PF motor but they interferred with building the lower grey frame and were removed.

Cab has a flat roof to allow loco to pass below my transfer crane and also the Block setting crane.

I tried to add a centre wheel to make it a 0-6-0 but result failed.

The engine is capable of pulling several wagons.

Edited March 5, 2014 by Doug72

[Ashi Valkoinen]

Great MOC, I'm happy to see that there are other not afraid of a little modification.

To make your loco 0-6-0, use 7L (maybe 8L needed) long technic axles in the PF-train motor, put on the wheels, than connect the axles with a 7L long technic THIN liftarm, then close the original axles with these

http://img.bricklink.com/P/9/4265c.gif

To the center hole of the 7L technic liftarm put a 2L axle, to the inner part comes the third (centre) wheel), stabilizied by the hole on the PF-motor's side, closed from the outer side similar to the original axles. These center wheels won't be driven, but it will look like as a 0-6-0 engine.

Edited February 25, 2014 by Ashi Valkoinen

[doug72]

Ashi,

Thanks for info re middle wheel will give it a try on a spare motor I have.

Found buffer / coulplings were one plate too low and have now raised to correct height.

Alternative to drilling a hole in battery box base was to cut off the motor pivot but that would render it not usable later if used as a powered bogie. Also that end of the battery box would not be fixed.

Not sure but old 9 volt motor without cable, I think the pivot plate could be removed making fitting battery box easier.

[Chromeknight]

For a visual reference adding a wheel to the motor as Ashi describes above, see the Class 08 shunter here. (Yes I know it's shameless self promotion....)

Edited February 25, 2014 by Chromeknight

[doug72]

I,ve tried it on a spare PF motor but don't like the visual look so will keep with an 0-4-0 arrangement.

Re mounting of Battery box - drilling a hole in the lower casing can be avoided if you use a 2 x 4 technic plate with holes over the pivot pin then place battery box on top - but raises everything by 1 plate.

[ShrikeArghast]

I like everything but the cab, which seems on the smallish side to me. Having said that, dockside and industry critters can come in so many shapes and sizes that anything is probably possible. I really want to see someone take on a trackmobile next, considering they've supplanted small switchers in a lot of places, and are neat to watch work.

[zephyr1934]

Looks like something that should be pulling boats into the locks of the Panama Canal (you definitely nailed the feel)