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Deutz G611 Class

The Prototype

In an effort to save a number of lightly used branch lines from permanent closure, CIÉ bought three lightweight diesel locomotives from the German Motorenfabrik Deutz company. Known as the G601 Class, they were delivered in 1956 and 1957, they were powered by the 130bhp Deutz A8L 714 diesel engine driving the four wheels via chains through a Voith hydraulic transmission. They were put to work and postponed the closure of these lines for a number years. Pleased with the success of these diminutive eighteen ton locomotives, CIÉ placed a further order with Deutz for seven more locomotives which arrived in 1962. This second batch differed slightly from the original type and were classified G611. Although powered by the same engine, the output had been increased to 160bhp and the weight had crept up to twenty two tons. The body design was also slightly different. All had been withdrawn by 1977 with five of the G611 Class being sold to Comhlucht Siuicre Éireann (Irish Sugar Company). Four of the locomotives have been preserved, G611, G616 and G617 by the ITG and G613 by the Downpatrick Steam Railway.

The Model

No models or kits of the G611 Class had been produced when I built this model. However, I did notice a similarity between the Deutz locomotive and one half of an Orenstien & Koppel (O&K) industrial locomotive made by Fleischmann (ref. 4200). I managed to acquire just the body and proceeded to convert it. The O&K locomotive had two bonnets either side of the central cab. I removed one of the bonnets and cab fronts with a razor saw. I then made a new cab end from plascticard and secured in place. The body was then tidied up and painted. A Tenshodo Spud motor bogie was used for power. Although the result looks similar to the Deutz, it is not quite right.

Silver Fox Models G611

Silver Fox Models have produced both a resin kit and ready to run models of this class. It must be noted that the illustration of G614 on the Silver Fox website is incorrect. Although the locomotives were delivered in green, they were repainted white, black and tan before entering service. The kit consists of a body and chassis and can be motorised with either a Black Beetle or Tenshodo motor bogie. I have one of these kits, but have not yet built it. I do have a Black Beetle bogie re-gauged to 21mm P4.