MODEL BUURT SPOOR
M.B.S. EL 104 ( D III )
The fifth model from the second series is M.B.S. EL 104 (D III).
The driving position of coach AB 14 naturally includes the power car to make the D III combination
this version as EL 104 (the version from 1936 to 1941, without wood gas installation).
This model has a working air scoop (air intake) on the roof to which the blower is connected.
The drive is again an H.L.W. 'Interurban' motor truck with excellent driving characteristics.
All details such as air couplings, the electric bell at the front, a spring buffer and three opening doors complete the motor car.
Detail: the electric bell at the front of the railcar was previously mounted in the same way on M.B.S. EL 106 from the first production series of 1994 (see inset photo)
The construction time was 'only' seven weeks and the railcar has had the correct markings since the end of 2020.
M.B.S. EL 104 has been in service in combination with AB 14 since December 2020.
Construction report from M.B.S. EL 104 D III
With the construction of Maas Buurt Spoorweg Mij. EL 104 (often referred to as D III 'Diesel 3') commenced operations in October 2020.
As a guide, the original drawing by M.B.S. EL 106/EL 105 (D I and D II) was used instead and adjusted where necessary from available photo material, no drawings are available for the EL 104 D III.
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On October 12, 2020, the frame profiles of motor car EL 104 were custom-made to form the frame.
The associated control car AB14 is just ready.
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The two frame parts are then joined and soldered on a very flat surface.
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After soldering into one piece, some alignment is necessary, despite the very flat surface.
After various measurements and comparisons, it has been approved for further construction.
In the background AB14 and EL 103 D IV.
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For comparison, both frames must have the same length, after all, all motor cars originally were alike
M.B.S. postal baggage cars series 101-106.
On October 17, 2020, the frame is ready to the extent that pivot brackets, track sliders, motor truck, walking truck and adhesion weights have been installed.
The frame is ready for assembly.
In the background the spare motor trucks of Hartland Locomotive Works type Interurban, these are also among the D IV and other motor trucks.
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October 17, 2020
Testing the frame height compared to AB14, everything is fine.
The temporary axles are still in the bogie, and the working drawing is next to AB14.
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Adjusting the fixed coupling, here a rigid (non-divisible) shaft.
This rigid axle would be replaced by a divisible connection, so that everything does not have to be placed on the side first
to disconnect vehicles.
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The first profiles have been riveted to the frame and the wagon floor has just been made.
Apart from the pivot of the motor truck, which is located in the engine room, everything is neatly concealed under the floor.
The track sliders will be covered at a later stage.
It is important when installing the standing profiles that they are always placed perpendicularly.
This is almost impossible to correct in a later construction phase.
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October 23, 2020,
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The wagon body is ready for further construction.
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October 24, 2020,
Clearly visible the pivot of the motor truck and its wiring.
The standing profiles have now been installed and checked and the cornice has begun to be installed
that connects all profiles.
All standing profiles are 2½ x 2½mm, with the exception of the high rear corners, which are 5 x 5mm.
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Both M.B.S. motor cars side by side for comparison.
Because the cabins of EL 103 were shorter, the sloping profiles are at a greater angle than those of EL 104.
The cabin doors of EL 104 are the existing, unchanged doors of the postal department.
The next window after these doors is an existing window and we therefore also see the front cabin of both cars.
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October 27, 2020,
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The first planks have been mounted.
Like EL 103, each plank is secured to each post it rests against with a 1mm bolt with a 2mm head size nut.
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Detail shot of the blind rear.
During construction, the two connectors for the connections to the AB14 are processed immediately, so that the wiring is not damaged
hangs annoyingly loose in the vehicle body.
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November 1, 2020,
Testing the blower with smoke generator.
The smoke above the exhaust confirms correct operation.
The square tube will later emerge through the roof under the air scoop, this was also the case in reality.
The windows of the wagon body next to it are already recognizable.
In contrast to the first two motor cars, EL 106 and EL 105, EL 104 had windows between all pillars and two sliding doors.
Initially, a passage along the engine room was taken into account, but ultimately a dividing wall was added across the full width.
The cabin and luggage compartment were one whole and had no dividing wall.
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November 3, 2020,
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Installing the headlights is a precise job, any deviation always remains visible afterwards.
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November 7, 2020,
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Finishing the sloping corners of the cabin.
In reality, behind this were the sandboxes containing the dry sand that fell in front of the wheels to obtain extra traction.
The controller box has also already been installed.
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November 14, 2020,
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On the front, the characteristic bell (which was once used on the Nijmegen horse-drawn tram) has been given its final place.
All other attributes, such as the air valves and hoses, and even the wagon driver are already in place.
The progress is visible on the wagon body, all windows are in place, as are the sliding doors and cabin doors.
Under the car body the tangle of wires that will later be connected to the distribution board is visible
where the various switches are also attached for light, smoke generator and carriage lighting.
Above the windshield the green frontlight, a regulation at the time meaning 'tram along the road'.
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November 16, 2020,
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The connection of the air scoop during installation of the roof.
In essence, the entire roof is not made removable, all internal matters are fixed in such a way that this is not necessary.
The air scoop is made of plastic, the roof itself is made of wood.
The former hatch can be seen in the roof in front of the air scoop, which made it possible to connect it properly to the engine installation.
It was subsequently glued shut again and nothing of the service access is visible anymore
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The scoop again, viewed through the last three windows.
Also clearly visible are the many 1 mm bolts and nuts with which all the planks are secured.
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November 17, 2020,
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The first test drives on the outdoor track.
The behavior in curves and switch streets, running wheels, pulling force (traction) of the motor truck was examined.
and space for movement of the bogies.
The rides went without any problems, but there were some errors in the wiring.
The railcar does not yet have running boards and still needs to be painted.
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November 19, 2020,
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The M.B.S. EL 104 - AB14 D III is technically ready and can be delivered.
Shortly after taking this photo, the running boards and lettering were installed, and we had to wait for a new printer.
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November 21, 2020,
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The M.B.S. D III has been delivered and put into service.
The combination just has passed through the upper curve on the terrace, on it's way to the depot.
Test drive passed.
The official name is now M.B.S. EL104 - AB14 D III (diesel three).
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August 21, 2021,
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M.B.S. EL104 - AB14 D III is on it's way as a tram set and drives onto the 'false slope' via the turning loop back to the depot.
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September 16, 2021,
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The M.B.S. EL 104, just like AB 14, has bearing axles in the truck.
Because EL 104 only has two driven axles and must be able to haul at least two carriages, it is important
that D III combination has as little rolling resistance as possible.
For the same reason, AB 1 and AB 7 both also have axles with bearings.
With these new axles, tram D III has power pick-ups on all axles.
April 5, 2023,
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Motor car EL 104 D III has undergone a minor change in the form of moving the PCB under the car floor.
This hung annoyingly visible underneath, which required a ballast block of 440gr. be removed to make room.
A visibly better result with a concealed switch print, the switches are also labeled.
At a later stage, when the equipment is digitized, this PCB is unnecessary.
The motor car also receives new logos on the woodwork.
This is because the old ones were on the rather coarse side, but the workshop is now better equipped to carry out this in a more refined manner.