About the model:
In 1959, the T 435 project won its first "competitive match". At the same time, the T 444.0 class locomotives, which were favoured by the railways, were also produced. It was only after some disappointment with their performance that the first series of T435s were ordered. The new locomotives became quite popular with the staff and a total of 287 were built in three series for the CSD, industry and export. 7 machines of the first series were also converted to 1524 mm and two of these were sold to the Soviet Railways as CME 2. These two locomotives, run at the Moscow-Lubino depot, also essentially started a very successful saga of export of ČKD locomotives to the USSR. But that's another story.
The design of the locomotive is a diesel-electric chassis locomotive of the Bo´ Bo´ arrangement. Its superstructure has a bonnet arrangement with a cab at one end of the vehicle. It rests on a welded frame which varies in height from series to series. Virtually the entire locomotive, except for the sides of the cab, is surrounded by a relatively wide walkway, which facilitates the work of the locomotive crew and shunters as well as maintenance.
The chassis of the locomotive had a wheelbase of 2400 mm and thus basically set the standard used in all serial four-axle locomotives of ČKD The length of the machine over the buffers is 12560 mm, weight 61 tons, max. speed 60 km/h, except for the T 435.087, which was converted to 80 km/h.
The locomotive was initially deployed by ČSD for line service, as a replacement for steam locomotives. Over time, it was pushed onto sidings and shunting service.
About the model:
Our model represents the form of the series in Series III design. This features ventilating louvres on the bonnet doors (instead of the mesh on previous series) and "Pennsylvanian" bogies.
What is new is that the design of the model already provides for motorization.
Originally, the kit included an etched frame to use components from the Tillig Start V 100 locomotive. In the current version, the etched frame has been omitted (which has reduced the price of the kit) and it is possible to order a frame made of 2 mm brass, laser cut and milled on a 3D milling machine, which is also made to use components from the V 100.
You can see what the motorization of the kit looks like with this running gear here.
Kit contents:
-etched brass sheet with the kit body and vehicle frame and chassis masks
- building instructions
.png)
