The BR234 belongs to the diesel locomotive family which comprises the DR Class 130 (DBAG Class 230), DR Class 131 (DBAG Class 231), DR Class 132 (DBAG Class 232 as well as Classes 233, 234 and 241 produced through modifications).
They were produced in the Soviet Union in Luhansk, Ukraine from the 1970s onwards, and were imported into the GDR. After the reunification of Germany, the Deutsche Bahn (DBAG) inherited them and continue to make use of them mainly as heavy freight locomotives. Nicknamed Ludmilla, over 700 units were produced between 1970 and 1982.
The BR234 is based on the BR132/232 but converted for operation at 140 km/h using higher speed bogies which were found in the scrapped Class 130s. 64 examples were made. Over the years, they got different liveries.
The BR234 304-4 got a mint green colour scheme and was used in the local transport until 2002.
Duo to the limited bricks colour palette, I decided to build my MOC in dark turquoise, which comes the original colour quite close. Also, a wider variety of brick shapes is available with this colour.
This model is based on my previous MOC of the BR132 (MOC-62517) but now it got more realistic dimensions and is close to the scale of 1:43 (minifig scale). The original locomotive has a length of 20820 mm (60.5 studs), a height of 4590 mm (13.3 studs) and a width of 2950 mm (8.6 studs).
The MOC would need a motorization concept or a ghost wagon to move it. It can pass tracks with R40 without issue but because of the total length of the model and the resulting curve overhang, I recommend larger radii.
MOC stats:
Length: 59.1 studs
Width: 8.9 studs
Height: 13.9 studs
Weight: 1200 grams
Parts: 1691
I provide a detailed step-by-step building instruction. At the end of it, you find an overview of all needed parts.
A print-ready sticker sheet is available too (in case the model contains stickers). I provide it in the widely used PDF-format in high-resolution and print-ready.
Furthermore, I provide the parts list in Excel format. This makes it easy to filter out needed parts and create order lists.
Upon request, I can provide the physical stickers for the model, complete with kiss-cut. The shipping of the stickers is under your own risk and will be sent via non-registered mail to keep the cost on a reasonable level. The sticker sheet will be cut to fit in a smaller envelope. The cost for the sticker service will be additional USD 45.00.
Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any damages or injury on parts and humans happen while following my instructions. Everything you do is your responsibility and under your personal risk.
Link to the instruction and sticker files:
Link to more pictures of the model:
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