Introduction

The intermediate design color scheme (mellomdesign in Norwegian), was introduced in 1981 and only lasted a few years. 5 Di3 locomotives were repainted in this color scheme; Di3.604, Di3.606, Di3.607, Di3.641 & Di3.643.
Heljan made a model of the Di3.643 in mellomdesign. As I was able to get another copy of this model I decided it to renumber it to Di3.641 and give it the full DCC sound treatment.
Heljan Di3 renumber
Di3.641 - Skansen 1987/04 - Copyright: Kjell Hegna (NJK)

Renumber

The original Di3.643 model. It will be completely taken apart. Then the masking starts around the number.

A few years ago I found out that airbrush thinner was an easy way to remove the old Heljan numbers. Applying a small amount with a Q-tip (cotton swab) and a little bit of rubbing and the old number dissapears without a trace. Then the new number (Di3.641) will be applied.

DCC Sound install

The Heljan models are known for having poor wheel conductivity and therefore a power pack is a must in these locomotives. For this install I've used the Train-O-Matic SPP. The power pack is installed in the diesel tank under the frame. A small whole is drilled in the frame for the wires. To do this the motor has to be taken out.

An ESU Loksound 5 DCC with an iPhone 4 speaker are being installed. The wires of the power pack are coming up from behind the PCB and are connected to decoder.

The end-result. A NSB Di3.641 in mellom design, as it ran from 1982 to 1987.
Last update: 2021-01-03