MPD Loco Storage

The DCCconcepts MPD

(MOTIVE POWER DEPOT)

MPD is the PERFECT way to store or add a loco to and remove it from the layout

Delicate detail is safe too as there is no need to handle a loco.

MOST importantly... for lovers of sound equipped steam locomotives and diesel lash-ups, you will never have to risk damaging the delicate inter-unit wiring connector again

MPD is ideal for transporting your loco’s, storing them safely or even inverting them for servicing…. whether it is a small Tank loco, a heavy freight or passenger loco, Articulated Big Boy, Diesel Electric passenger set or an A-B-B-A diesel lash up.

MPD is primarily designed for HO or OO 16.5mm gauge usage, but we built-in an easy conversion for English EM & P4 use too

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MPD was conceived based on the wants and needs of both a professional loco builder who needed a safe way to pack and post his commissions and a prize-winning modeler who just wanted a reliable and easy to use way to take his loco’s on and off the layout and to safely transport them to exhibitions / shows or to the club without needing to wrap or handle them and without compromising fine detail or risking damage.

We thought it through and saw that it was possible… and it really suited us too, as we also see problems with the handling of locomotives every day, so there was a clear need for a better way!

For example, we’ve often watched as clients who come to see us to get special work done on their locomotives un-pack their pride and joy only to either knock detail off while getting it out of the badly designed original display box … or take it out of whatever wrapping they’ve used only to notice missing detail, damaged piping or handrails and missing steps etc…

Additionally the complex installations we are asked to do also often mean permanently coupling loco and tender or diesel to diesel… and then they won’t fit back in the original box… So we also needed something in which we can safely pack our clients loco’s to make sure they get back to them in perfect condition!

MPD is a totally new way to store, handle, transport and generally take good care of your valuable locomotives, whether they be HO or 4mm scale, Australian, US, UK or European prototype, Kit-built or ready to run.

Clumsy fingers will never need to handle your finely detailed loco’s again!

About MPD:

How big is it?

Size isn’t an issue - To accommodate all needs we have made MPD in 3 sizes which will accommodate anything from small tank loco’s or switchers to heavy freight and passenger loco’s - diesel or steam, heavy articulated locos and multiple unit diesels or DMU or EMU sets.

MPD has been designed to work really well “as bought” with all HO or OO scale models running on 16.5mm track, and has also been designed in such a way that it can be very easily adapted to accommodate English Finescale gauges (EM and P4)

(Click HERE to see how easy changing MPD for EM or P4 use can be)

As far as “what will fit into MPD” - The answer is just about anything at all!

We checked many possible combinations and as a result we have made the DCCconcepts MPD in three very versatile sizes, each a totally complete locomotive railing/re-railing, handling, service & storage solution.

MPD360 is 360mm (14.1”) long.

Big enough for two small locomotives and large enough for the largest single diesel or electric loco. Big enough for mid sized US loco’s and long enough too for the largest of the non-articulated locomotives ever to run in Australia, South Africa, UK or Europe.

MPD460 is 460mm (18.1”) long.

Fits the largest of the rigid frame US loco’s and pretty well all US articulated loco’s too. Its also Perfect for English and South African Garratt's, many A-A or A-B diesel sets and passenger DMUs from most parts of the world.

MPD560 is 560mm (22.1”) long.

The sky is the limit now! An F7 A-B-A, E8 A-B or A-A or diesel combinations.

Even A Big Boy, cab forward or Triplex with lots of room to spare....

Any 2 unit DMU or EMU…. You name it… it will fit within MPD560!

MPD560 is also big enough for a “Cassette exchange system” on a small show or exhibition layout too… it will easily fit complete short goods or passenger trains!

How is it constructed?

Each MPD consists of several important parts:

The MDP Drive on/Drive off “Cassette”.

This has been made extremely strong and durable as we are aware how important it is to look after your (and our own) precious locomotives.

There are two basic components to the basic “cassette” - two strong plastic spacer/handles which are in a reinforced plastic, and two strips of our custom designed high grade aluminium extrusion which act as rails for the locomotive as well as protection for it once on the cradle. All parts are designed to complement each other, and make for a very strong and reliable product.

The Moulded Poly-foam loco cover and cradle.

We have created a separate foam tool for each size of DCCconcepts MPD to ensure the best possible fit and maximum strength for this moulding.

Each of them fits neatly within the plastic end cap/handles and slips down between your locomotive and the raised sides of the aluminium extrusion to totally protect running gear and valve gear.

The foam is in turn pre-lined with a high quality soft non-catching velvet fabric which will protect without damaging detail or paint, and the inner top surface has a firm but gentle 5mm EVA Foam inset in place for added protection.

Each has been made wide enough to cradle the widest modern US diesel yet will also, thanks to the added EVA Foam sheets provided as additional packing, firmly hold and protect all steam or diesel prototypes in 1:84 HO or 1:76 OO scales.

The Added “personalized protection”.

As all loco’s are different, a “one size fits all” has its limits so we have added the following to allow you do personalize your DCCconcepts MPD or add extra protection for longer journeys…. Or shipping across the world!

* A large sheet of ultra strong but very gentle non woven and totally acid free fabric - always the best thing to wrap directly onto a model that will be shipped anywhere.

* Added foam protective inserts to make sure that the ends of your loco’s are as well protected as the sides and top - these are made in a soft but springy foam. They are large enough to fit snugly at each end of the loco and long enough to allow you to cut them to suit your own loco, big or small, in any way you prefer.

The Super tough presentation box - the icing on the cake!

The whole DCCconcepts MPD comes packed in a very strong and classy looking top quality Velvet covered reinforced box, even stronger than those usually supplied with top quality Brass locos!

Even though the box is made of quality hard material nearly 2mm thick, we wanted more so the velvet was added to give double protection, as the velvet provides a “No slip” surface that feels great in the hand.

The lid fits snugly and yet stays easy for you to remove, and both box and lid also have a foam lining, further cushioning and protecting your loco’s during transit.

If you are anything like us, its impossible to own too many loco’s so some form of ID is needed… To help with this, each box also has labels provided for you to place on the box ends to identify the loco stored within.

How is it used?

It all starts with driving the locomotive onto the MPD:

Once you have unpacked your MPD, you will need to remove the protective coating from the “rail” surfaces top and bottom by gently rubbing with a track cleaner or similar, then its ready to use… and it is simplicity itself.

Removing a Loco from the track.

· Remove the foam cover and any accessory items packed within the MPD

· Place the MPD onto a straight section of track.

· Drive The locomotive onto the MPD.

· Add foam end blocks and any added foam packing to prevent fore and aft movement

· Place the Foam cover on the MPD

· Lift The MPD containing your loco off the track and place it in the Linen storage / shipping box.

Replacing a Loco back on the track.

· Remove the MPD from the Linen box, take the MPD to the layout.

· Remove the foam top cover and any packing pieces (put them back in the box to keep them safe for later)

· Place the MPD on the track

· Drive the loco off

· Remove MPD , run your locomotive.

The versatile DCCconcepts MPD also does double duty as a convenient “hands free” service cradle!

Every now and again we all need to turn a loco over to service, clean or oil it. With a lash-up of diesels or a larger loco this is difficult and its all too easy to do damage to delicate roof detail etc.

However with MPD, all you need to do is drive the loco onto it, put the moulded foam cover in place then turn the whole MPD over. Once its been placed on its top on the bench, lift the MPD off the cover and hey presto - your loco is upside down and ready for you to work on it.

When you are finished, simply replace the MPD on the moulded foam cover, turn it the correct way up and its ready to go again… simplicity itself, and throughout, you did not need to handle the loco in any way!

Buying DCCconcepts MPD

MPD is available either individually or in a “same-size six-pack”.

To acknowledge the extra commitment of the six pack, a 10% discount will be applied to all “six pack” purchases.