An old but nice model: the Lufthansa Airport Express with BR111 converted to DCC with sound.
Original
The Lufthansa Airport Express service is long gone (see Wikipedia article here). But as someone who travels a lot, I have a bit of a thing for airport trains. I have started converting the “Donald Duck” LH Airport Express (see article here), and still have a CAT Train (Vienna Airport Train) to modify properly.
On a side note, there is one train I would love to see in N scale (but with little hope): the Norwegian Flytoget. The austere but beautiful Class 71 train is one of the few high speed airport links in the world, linking Oslo Airport to the capital at 210kph (about 130mph).
Model
Back to the Arnold Lufthansa Airport Express. This set, with a BR111 locomotive, part no 0180, was a 1991 limited edition. I got my hands on it on Ebay.
As many Arnold models, it stood the test of time pretty well.
[review]
Click here to read which criteria apply to reviews.
Reminder on reviews: I am a hobbyist and these articles only represent my personal views. I am not receiving any compensation, in any form, from the brands or stores mentioned here. The product names, marketing names, and brands mentioned here are the property of their respective owners.
Conversion details
I found enough room for sound in the locomotive, so here was the plan:
- Doehler & Haass SH10A sound module in locomotive + DH10C DCC decoder
- Replace bulb headlights with LEDs
- 3 coaches each with Tams FD-R Basic decoder.
Custom LED interior lighting in each + red lights for last coach.
Locomotive
The original board had to be cut, to leave room for the SH10A sound module from Doehler & Haass. As usual when possible, I am using a homemade 1.27mm plug between the decoder and the sound module, in case I want to upload a new sound project someday.
Coaches
I am using a cheap Tams FD-R Basic decoder in each car, with a custom led board.
Conclusion
It’s nice when a 25 years old model ends up running as smoothly as fancy new models. Now I still need to finish the BR403 Airport Express conversion, it’s been lying around for more than a year. Unfortunately, the old N scale Lima models don’t have the quality of Arnold ones, so the result won’t be the same.
Pierre,
Nice transformation.
Being myself a heavy traveler, I share your interest in airport trains, as it reminds me the various place that I’ve visited.
The Flytoget in Oslo is really good, fast and comfortable. Who knows maybe one day in N
scale. And maybe, why not, Arlanda Express, Heathrow Express…. The only one missing is CDG Express, to start with in scale 1:1 ;-(
When you come to do some transformation in your Vienna CAT, I’m interested. For the
moment, I’m not satisfied with the locomotive (very slow and not powerful) and the cab unit (very poor power pick-up that brakes the whole consist).
Thanks Alain!
Couldn’t agree more: CDG Express in 1:1…everybody is still waiting 😉
I don’t have specific plans for the CAT. But for the driving cab, I’m guessing I’ll apply my new power pick up method (see latest blog post).