AFR
2000 Class....

Well
it has happened the AFR is building freelance diesels, why well
the main reason is cost. We are after something cheap &
quickish to get into service & of course something different
to what is on the market. I came up with this design as a compact
diesel was required, the aristo-craft FB unit fitted the 2
requirements. These units seem to be the cheapest medium size
diesels selling on e-bay plus there were plenty to choose from
under the required budget.

Above Left;
In due course the FB arrived safe & sound, it was tested on
the railway with everyone quite empressed with its preformence.
But the day arrived when it met its fate with a cut off wheel both
front & back, we had thought of a single cab but it wasn't
suited for point to point running! Above Middle; The roof
ends have been capped & extra surports glued in to take the
cab, all parts not required were taken off & stored for future
projects. Above Right; The cab has been cut out of 1mm
styrene.

Above Left;
cab has been assembled with a foot step being installed under the
door. Above Middle; Test fitting the first cab in
place it is already starting to take shape, I still have to putty
& sand. Above Right; An extra pannel has been added to
the roof to hide where the fan was as it had to be relocated at
the other end between the exhaust & pannel of the 2nd cab.

Above Left;
New fan & shroud has been made & relocated, I am still
going to use the original fan grille.Above Middle & Right;
Here is a before & after shot of the side grille arangement, I
replaced the original clear plastic etched grilles with a security
door mesh which looks far better. We can also see the posistion of
the new cooling fan.
Above Left;
I decided to go with a chopper coupling made by 10 Mille in
England as these also fit my NZR choppers nicely, plus the big
square face gives it a bit of solidness. The cowcatcher has been
added awaiting the putty & sanding. Above Middle; Well
hand rails , ditch lights, head lights & front lifting lugs
have been added also sanding has been done ready for the paint
shop!! Above Right; A head on view of all the extra detail.

Above Left;
Wasn't happy with the orginal exhaust so made up a new one with a
plate to cover the existing hole. Above Middle; Well I did
it!! Forgot to get a photo of it in primer grey I was to carried
away with the blue I had picked out it slipped my mind completely,
next time! The main colour has been added it is a Royal Blue it is
a deep blue the flash has made it quite bright in the pic. It is
masked up ready for some black to break it a bit. Above Right;
Black has been added masking is removed, really starting to take
shape now.

Above 3
Pictures; The linning, number & logo has been added. Hand
rails need to be painted white, light lenses need to be added
& the cab windows need to be put in. Nearly Done!!
The Final
Result

Above 3
Pictures; all done! Very pleased with the finished loco, it is
a welcomed addition to Ashrails fleet.

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