ML4000 Krauss Maffaei

[SlobberingPennsySharkNoseFreak]

I have been trying to confirm the dimensions of the wheels on the ML4000 Krauss Maffaei. I have numerous plans that give other dimensions but not the wheels. If anyone can help it would be appreciated.

[dragonriversteel]

Give critter3368 on You-Tube a shout. These guys are restoring this very same ML4000 locomotive. If anyone it is critter3368 that can give you a answer you seek.

Very interesting channel with plenty of under the hood views. They recently started the unit for the first time since the 60's. The Maybach engine sounds wonderful !

Hope this helps.

[7j43k]

I scaled off of drawings and photographs and got 39".  With wheel wear and my approximation, I would expect original sizes at 40".

But I agree with the above comment, if you really need it right.  And who doesn't?

Another contact approach is through the PLA/Niles Canyon Railway:

 

http://www.ncry.org/content.aspx?page_id=4&club_id=541047

 

You might even want to join up and help out on the K-M.  That might get you the right to measure the wheels yourself.  Should that be necessary.

 

Ed

[DS4-4-1000]

7j43k

I scaled off of drawings and photographs and got 39". With wheel wear and my approximation, I would expect original sizes at 40".

Sounds to me that the wheels were likely 1 meter diameter.

[7j43k]

DS4-4-1000

 Sounds to me that the wheels were likely 1 meter diameter.

 

 

A very real possibility.

 

Ed

[jjdamnit]

Hello all,

I don't know if this helps...

I have two HO scale Rivarossi K-M ML4000s.

Using my digital caliper I measured the wheels, they measured 7/16-inch.

Using the Garden State Central Model Railroad Club's Scale Calculator that comes out to 39-7/64-inches (a shade less than 39-1/8-inches).

Given the margin of error of the model and the European manufacturer of the prototype MLs I would say the wheels were probably 1-meter in diameter.

Hope this helps.

 

[SlobberingPennsySharkNoseFreak]

Hi Ed,
I am about to manufacture a replacement mech for the Rivarossi model and I will be forwarding two untis to the group for a raffle prize. It is a bit hard for me to just pop over and measure the wheels as I live in Australia.

Al

[Anonymous]

Hello, I'm Volker. I live in Germany but interested in American Railroads since the mid 1980s. It is my first post so it is moderated and takes some time to be shown.

Robert John Zenk's book "Southern pacific & The KM Hydraulics" gives a wheel diameter of 40'' for early and late type.
Regards, Volker

[SlobberingPennsySharkNoseFreak]

Hi Folks,

Well this has been a test if nothing else. For those who are interested I contacted a number of people connected with the rebuild of 9010 but nothinh. Then in frustration I found another email address. Also in the process I found an old MRC Hardcover which gave me a scale drawing but when I scaled the wheels they came out at 42". I have been also looking for my copy of the October 1984 Mainline Modeler as the article there was supposed to be spot on. I founf the copy but it still did not give me a definate answer on wheel size. It told me that they had 12 wheels but not much else. Then near to pay dirt I got this reply from Donna

Hi Alwyn,

I've forwarded your email to Howard Wise, who is in charge of the Krauss restoration.  He knows everything about it and will answer your questions. 

Thank you,
Donna Alexander 
Station Agent 

and right on top of that I received this reply from Howard Wise.

Hello

The wheels are 40 inches in diameter.

PLADiesels

 

The message may have been short and to the point but it sure was appreciated. Now for all those who are interested I hope to have a replacement mech available in the not too distant future with correct size wheels that will with a little modification drop into the old Rivarossi KM and extend it life for some considerable time to come.

To all those who contributed thank you.

 

Regards

 

Al

[7j43k]

Al,

 

Good to hear you were able to get your needed info from PLA.

 

Ed

[SlobberingPennsySharkNoseFreak]

7j43k

Al,

 

Good to hear you were able to get your needed info from PLA.

 

Ed

Yes it was but it was even better when I found I had all the information here. I have now scanned both articles and have them on file.

Regards

 

Al

 

 

 

[SlobberingPennsySharkNoseFreak]

I have just looked at my second last post. I had failed to mention that I also found another article in the April 1985 Mainline Modeler which concluded with the info on most dimensions of both series of the KM including the dimension of the 40" wheels. 

[NVSRR]

I have drawings for the trucks on these someplace since I am working large scale version.  Rob Fern did the shells. As a fund raiser for the 9010. I can post that and progress pics or the units. When.I get home if you.want.  they are paint shop ready now.

[rrinker]

 I hadn't seen any of those YouTube videos in a long time, amazing how far along they've come in having it be able to run under its own power. The mechanicals look nice after all that cleanup and painting.

                        --Randy

 

[SlobberingPennsySharkNoseFreak]

Would love to see the pics.