Re: Modifying the K-Line MP15 diesel

Modifying the K-Line MP15 diesel

The K-line MP15 is a very basic dual powered conventional model that can be easily modified to improve the appearance for some of the details. Repainting the bell and horns on the hood and custom building a new fuel tank are very easy modifications to be made. Also shown is a scratchbuilt replacement fuel tank.

Prototype photos are attached.

The EMD MP15DC was a 1,500 hp (1,100 kW) switcher-type diesel locomotive model produced by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division between March 1974 and January 1983. 351 examples were built. A MP15AC variant, with an AC drive, was also offered. The MP15DC replaced the SW1500 in EMD's catalog, and is superficially very similar to the predecessor model, using the same engine (a V12 EMD 645-series powerplant) in a similar design of hood and bodywork. The primary difference is the MP15’s standard Blomberg B trucks.

The following is the original unmodified engine. Model photos also shown. Notice the scratchbuilt fuel tank installed on the model.

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10/20/1410:24 AM

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DMASSOOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

That model has the motors in the trucks and it goes very fast. Are you dong anything to slow it down?

10/20/1410:28 AM

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86TA355SROGR Forum Member

I bought the K-Line CSX version when I was younger.

Great little locomotive. I'm sure they're still readily available.

10/20/1410:31 AM

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martindOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I have added tmcc and electric couplers in addition to painting in csx colors. Tmcc from electric railroad has slowed a lot

10/20/1410:48 AM

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pro hobbyOGR Forum Member

Originally Posted by DMASSO:

That model has the motors in the trucks and it goes very fast. Are you dong anything to slow it down?

I could wire the motors in series to reduce the top end speed. I also could add diodes for direction lighting on the headlights when I replace with LEDs.

10/20/1411:32 AM

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CBS072OGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

martind, who did you add the electric couplers to the K-line truck?

pro hobby, I made a new fuel tank for my dummy MP-15. I used part of a white plastic fence post from Lowes.

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10/20/141:42 PM

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pro hobbyOGR Forum Member

Originally Posted by Mike CT:

Atlas has also done the MP15.

MTH has also produced an RailKing model with PS2.

This posting was intended for those who run conventional engines and for those who do not have the budget to afford an MTH or Atlas unit.

10/20/142:12 PM

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Southwest HiawathaOGR Forum Member

Later versions of the K-Line engine had a slide switch on the bottom to switch between series and parallel motor operation to address this issue. Early versions were hard-wired.

Originally Posted by DMASSO:

That model has the motors in the trucks and it goes very fast. Are you dong anything to slow it down?

10/20/142:24 PM

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prrhorseshoecurveOGR Forum Member

here are pics of my K-line Mp15DC.

Thanks to truck mounted can motors, I was able to place inside a full cab interior!

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10/20/142:39 PM

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DMASSOOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBER

I just looked at mine. It has a switch but only for locking out reverse.

10/20/142:54 PM

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martindOGR Forum Member SUPPORTING MEMBERDIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

I believe I used either an MTH or Atlas electro coupler. Which fit into a pre-existing hole on the truck assembly. I had to had a small piece of plastic just below the coupler on the front and rear of the assembly which it passes through to prevent sagging. The only thing which does not work well is the centering of the coupler. Sometimes you have to help center by hand. I have attached a couple of pics of the coupler and finished engine.

Marty