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MDC Big Hustler

Engine

So what's a small industrial diesel doing in with a bunch of steam engines? At the time this page was written, Model Die Casting was closing out its G scale line and these engines in kit form were selling for $32.50.

Drive Block

Drive blocks were available separately for $22.50. Historically, the MDC blocks had a reputation for lack of durability and for wheel wobble. The drives being closed out are upgraded blocks with heavier duty gears.

	This photo shows three MDC drives, fully assembled (right), with bottom plate removed (middle), and with drivers removed (left).
	This Chris Walas photo shows the beefier drive gears in the most recent Big Hustler drive.

In a post to MyLargescale.com, Chris Walas pointed out that this drive is still plagued by a flimsy bottom cover held on by spring clamps that break off easily. In the past, the inadequate stiffness allowed the bottom cover to flex, allowing slippage in the gears that ultimately allowed them to fail.

He posted photos of two modifications to the bottom cover that stiffen the bottom cover and allow use screws to secure the bottom case.

	The bottom is reinforced with two white heavy styrene pieces that run the length of the case. Two styrene angles allow the bottom to be screwed to the ends of the case. Photos courtesy of Chris Walas.
	Plastic shims were glued to the inside of the bottom of the case to keep axels from wobbling. They fit into the slots in the second drive photo on this page.

Specifications

Component		MDC Hustler Driver Block
Classification		Four wheel driver block
Length	Width	Height	Driver Diameter	Shaft Diameter	Driver Wheelbase	Overall Wheelbase
4"	2.25"	1.75"	1.188"	.158"	3"	n/a

Length is driver block case length. Height is from rails to top of driver block. Width is between outside edge of drivers. Wheels are metal and appear to be press fit to shaft. Power is picked up via a brass strip that makes contact with the inside edge of both wheels. Power from the motor is delivered to both drivers via worm gears.

Drive Train Comments

Earlier versions were criticized for wobble and durability. This version has upgraded gears. The modifications suggested by Chris Walas should improve durability. But until additional feedback is received, this block should only be considered for light duty applications like a rail truck.

Conversions

English - inches	Model	1:20.3	1:22.5	1:24	1:29	1:32
Driver Diameter	1.19	24.1	26.7	28.5	34.5	38.0
Driver Wheelbase	3.00	60.9	67.5	72.0	87.0	96.0