The Middle Cab Loco is a new industrial outline locomotive designed for builders looking for a practical and adaptable diesel or electric style engine for garden railways. The design is primarily intended for 3.5 inch gauge but can also be built in 5 inch gauge, making it suitable for a wide range of layouts and applications.
The locomotive features a central cab with short front and rear bonnets, a layout commonly found on narrow gauge and industrial railways. This arrangement provides good proportions while keeping the overall length compact. The front and rear bonnets can be built with opening panels for access, or with fixed sides using grated panels for a more industrial appearance.
The body is designed around flat panels that are well suited to laser cutting, keeping construction straightforward while still allowing builders to add their own details such as vents, handrails, lamps and exhausts. The design can be finished as a diesel, battery electric or overhead electric style locomotive depending on the builders preference.
The Middle Cab Loco is ideal for hauling passenger cars or freight on garden railways and light railway layouts. Its simple construction, adaptable gauge options and flexible detailing make it a practical and attractive addition to the GardenTracks range.
Design Overview
The digital package includes PDF plans, DXF, and STL files to build a diesel-outline locomotive frame and body. The components are designed for laser-cutting and bending by a third-party metal fabricator.
The loco design can handle tight curves (as small as 5ft radius) at low speeds and was created with hobby-friendly engineering in mind.
What is Included with Digital Download
Frame layout in PDF, DXF, and STP formats:
Basic body shell plans in PDF, DXF, and STL formats
Motor mounting holes compatible with
MY1016 (12V) series motors
What You Will Need to Supply
Wheels, axles, and running gear
Electric or mechanical drivetrain and electronics
Take up bearings and springs (e.g. RS Online part 750 9062)
Welder for strong frame assembly
(Frames may be bolted if tapped, but welding is recommended for strength)
Angle grinder or similar tools for smoothing, trimming, or shaping parts
General workshop tools including clamps, files, measuring tools, and a solid workbench
License Summary
This design is licensed for personal, non-commercial use only.
? You may:
Build as many locomotives as you wish for your own use
? You may not:
Sell or share the plans, STL files, or completed models
Use the design for any commercial purpose without a specific license
If you're interested in commercial use, please contact Neil Hancox to discuss licensing.
Need Custom Features?
If you would like to modify the design or add special features for your own build, Neil is happy to help by prior arrangement.
Feel free to message with your requirements or ideas.
Neil Hancox 2025. All rights reserved.
The locomotive features a central cab with short front and rear bonnets, a layout commonly found on narrow gauge and industrial railways. This arrangement provides good proportions while keeping the overall length compact. The front and rear bonnets can be built with opening panels for access, or with fixed sides using grated panels for a more industrial appearance.
The body is designed around flat panels that are well suited to laser cutting, keeping construction straightforward while still allowing builders to add their own details such as vents, handrails, lamps and exhausts. The design can be finished as a diesel, battery electric or overhead electric style locomotive depending on the builders preference.
The Middle Cab Loco is ideal for hauling passenger cars or freight on garden railways and light railway layouts. Its simple construction, adaptable gauge options and flexible detailing make it a practical and attractive addition to the GardenTracks range.
Design Overview
The digital package includes PDF plans, DXF, and STL files to build a diesel-outline locomotive frame and body. The components are designed for laser-cutting and bending by a third-party metal fabricator.
The loco design can handle tight curves (as small as 5ft radius) at low speeds and was created with hobby-friendly engineering in mind.
What is Included with Digital Download
Frame layout in PDF, DXF, and STP formats:
Basic body shell plans in PDF, DXF, and STL formats
Motor mounting holes compatible with
MY1016 (12V) series motors
What You Will Need to Supply
Wheels, axles, and running gear
Electric or mechanical drivetrain and electronics
Take up bearings and springs (e.g. RS Online part 750 9062)
Welder for strong frame assembly
(Frames may be bolted if tapped, but welding is recommended for strength)
Angle grinder or similar tools for smoothing, trimming, or shaping parts
General workshop tools including clamps, files, measuring tools, and a solid workbench
License Summary
This design is licensed for personal, non-commercial use only.
? You may:
Build as many locomotives as you wish for your own use
? You may not:
Sell or share the plans, STL files, or completed models
Use the design for any commercial purpose without a specific license
If you're interested in commercial use, please contact Neil Hancox to discuss licensing.
Need Custom Features?
If you would like to modify the design or add special features for your own build, Neil is happy to help by prior arrangement.
Feel free to message with your requirements or ideas.
Neil Hancox 2025. All rights reserved.