ASF EL-16 SERVICE VEHICLE (1:32)

A simple handcrafted locomotive for the compact European 1:32 layout.

Built from 1966-1990, the EL 16 is a small battery powered service vehicle used for general towing duties around railroad yards and maintenance halls. Hundreds of EL 16 remain in service today in the DB, PKP and private depots. It is now possible to commission your own EL 16 in any colour scheme, any weathering state and any configuration to your preferences. Click here for an example of the wildly different prototypes available.

Just like all of our other work, the EL-16 was designed, developed, finished and tested in-house here at Studio Chilap by no more than two different pairs of hands. The upper shell is primarily made of high resolution 3D printed resin, then painstakingly hand polished to remove layering lines and other printed imperfections. Brass and real glass was used to represent hand rails, window panes, rivets. A brass CNC chassis and running gear, along with “Goldcap” capacitors and Zimo MS450 DCC sound card allow smooth slow speed performance (from below 0.5 scale km/h to 6.0 km/h). Each model is individually painted and weathered so the finish of each model is unique. Prior to delivery, each model is tested on our test track for 2 hours to check for reliability.

Even though the real prototype is a battery powered vehicle, our 1/32 model operates as a normal DCC train and would be compatible to any Gauge 1 standard gauge layout. The model is available in NEM or FineScale wheels as defined by MOROP standards.

The first batch of eight hand-built EL-16 models have been sold out.

We are accepting new commissions for our second batch of EL-16s. Pricing in 2024 is Euros 1,280, plus applicable shipping and sales tax. For example, if you are in Germany, the expected all-inclusive price should be somewhere around Euro 1,500.

If you are a new customer, we would expect a small deposit when you place an order, otherwise full payment is only due when the model is ready to ship.

Please write to us directly if you are interested in participating in the second batch. We are very grateful for your appreciation of our work.