Kiruna Fammoorr 050 Buttom Dumper Unit of LKAB’s Iron Ore Line in Sweden
- langemat
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
The bottom‑dump ore wagons used by LKAB on the Iron Ore Line are a perfect fit for my IORE Electric Locomotive (MOC-267914).
These cars are engineered specifically for the harsh Arctic climate and the enormous weight of iron ore pellets. Known as the FAMMOORR 050 in LKAB’s internal designation, each wagon is not actually a single vehicle but a tightly coupled two‑part unit consisting of a master and a slave car. These two halves form one operational entity: they share mechanical systems, braking logic, and load distribution, and they are never separated in regular service. This paired design allows the train to carry more ore per axle while maintaining stability on the demanding route between Kiruna and Narvik.
Each half - often referred to as a Fanoo 040 segment - sits on its own bogies, but the short‑coupled connection between master and slave creates a long, articulated wagon with exceptional structural rigidity. The bottom‑dump system is built around large, centrally placed hatches that open downward into the unloading pits at the harbors. LKAB’s unloading facilities are designed for extreme throughput, and these wagons match that ambition: a full 68‑wagon IORE train can be emptied in minutes, with ore flowing through the robust hatch system engineered by Kiruna Wagon.
The Arctic environment shapes every detail of the design. The wagons must endure temperatures below –40°C, ice buildup, and constant mechanical stress from heavy pellet loads. Their steel structure, hatch seals, and pneumatic systems are optimized to remain reliable even when snowstorms sweep across the line. The master‑slave configuration also reduces the number of couplers and simplifies maintenance, since each pair behaves as a single, predictable unit within the train.
In operation, the bottom dumpers form an impressive sight: long, rhythmic chains of paired wagons behind the powerful IORE locomotives, moving thousands of tons of iron ore from the mines to the ports. Their engineering reflects a clear purpose - maximum efficiency, maximum durability, and seamless integration with LKAB’s high‑capacity logistics system.
An original LKAB Iron Ore train with the IORE electric locomotive consists of 34 of those double units.
About this MOC:
The MOC contains one double unit. If you want more cars, just repeat the building steps and multiply the number of parts accordingly.
As for the locomotive (MOC-267914), I recommend curves of R72 or higher.
Both wagon halves feature a sliding gate that can be opened to unload the bulk material. The bulk material itself is not included in the instructions and does not appear in the parts list. For a realistic load, I recommend using 1x1 round bricks, 1x1 plates, or 1x1 tiles.
MOC stats (double unit):
Length: 63.1 studs, 505 mm
Width: 8.0 studs, 64 mm
Height: 11.9 studs, 96 mm
Weight: 612 g
Parts: 869
I’ve put together a detailed, step‑by‑step building guide for you. Throughout the instructions, you’ll find small comments and helpful hints - little signposts to make the trickier steps easier and more enjoyable.
At the end of the guide, you’ll find a visual parts list so you can quickly see everything that goes into the model.
If this build includes stickers, I’ve prepared two print‑ready sheets for you:
• a PDF you can print at home, and
• an Adobe Illustrator file for professional print shops.
You’ll also get the full parts list as a CSV file. This makes it simple to check which pieces you need and to prepare your order on common brick‑trading platforms.
Disclaimer: Please build responsibly. I cannot take responsibility for any damage or injury to parts or individuals that may occur while following these instructions. You follow at your own risk.
Link to the instruction and sticker files:
Link to more pictures of the model:
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