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This page shows the engine body construction of the M7 project.
The engine body comprises several sections starting from the nose end section at the front. Next is the radiator and pump compartment or section. Next is the bit that provides the basic power, the engine compartment. Adjacent to this is the electrical compartment that houses the equipment that generates the electrical power to the motors. Inserted between this and the cab is the dynamic brake compartment.
The cab has two driving positions, on the left-side looking forward along the bonnet and directly in the opposite (right) corner looking over the battery box compartment.
Our engine however will be a “battery electric” having two 24 volt Bosch, 750 watt x 1 hp motors, giving it a total traction output of 2 horse power. This should be capable of hauling a load of 2 tons at up to 12 mph, it will have the necessary torque to do this but you then need to have the necessary means to STOP it safely.
I have already purchased some miniature air compressors that operate from a 12 volt dc supply, the idea is that the engine will have one and the driving truck will also have another of these fitted over the manual brake system. A low pressure air cylinder will be fitted so that it can work independent of the manual braking system. Once the manual system has been fitted checked and tested then the air system will be added and be the regular means of brake application. Should something fail then this still leaves a mechanical hand lever for operating the brakes.
Two heavy duty semi-traction batteries will provide the energy / power source to operate this engine. Each are 12 volts, connected in series to provide the 24 volt dc supply to the controller unit that will manage the heavy currents etc during operation. It will have regenerative features as well as providing braking on the motors.
These two batteries are situated low in the centre section of the main body area and help with the weight adhesion properties.
Our engine will also have two driving positions, to avoid having to turn it round at any track site, a plug in hand controller unit can be operated from either end of the locomotive. Only one hand controller will be required although there will be a master and slave connection fitted to allow this kind of working.
A fuel tank sits underneath the centre body section, however this is a dry container and will house some of the electronics systems that will provide sound effects etc.
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 side view plan of body
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 cab - battery compartment end
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 engine bonnet side panel construction
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 nose end and radiator section
Note:
Once the engine has undergone its test trials and has been satisfactorily performed under loaded conditions, then it can be finished to the correct colour scheme.
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SLM7 – Body – stage. i