The BR 215 diesel is a real Roco classical. It was one of this manufacturer's first locomotive constructions. It has been improved for several time, however it remained optically unchanged so far. Despite of its age, however, the model still looks good also compared to newer Roco engines.

For some years now, Roco has been offering this model also as a cheaper hobby version. It's mainly optically - but also a little bit technically - simplified, so it has an easier varnish.

Together with the hobby edition, Roco presented an AC version for the first time. Unluckily, only hobby versions were produced until now, no full version.

In late 2003 Roco announced a new BR 215 hobby edition. Compared to the previously produced hobby models, it seemed to be much less simplified. So I orderd this model, thinking that I wouldn't need to have to exchange the shell with that of a DC "full version", like many AC railroaders have done it in order to get a "full version" for AC. When I took the model out of its box for the first time however, I was a little bit disappointed. The loco was more simplified as the picture in the prospect had shown it, so it had a simplier varnish, and some details were missing.

First, I planned to exchange the shell. However, I decided to go another way: a DC model should be bought, but it should become a double traction.

So I looked on ebay for a fitting DC model - soon I found one, which became mine for a very nice price: 25 € only!

At once, I started to dismantle both engines. The shells were taken off, the motors were demounted.

The has hobby model is equiped with a motor which has no flying wheel. The DC motor, however, had such a flying wheel - so the motor of the DC model was mounted in the AC chassis. The feeder contacts had to be exchanged as well. This was no problem, because they are fixed on the holderings of the brushes; in order to renew the brushes, this holderings can be pulled out quite easily.

It's important to work carefully, to damage no wire - so no soldering will become necessary during this conversion!

Let's now have a look inisde the locos!

	The motorized "full version". The motor is placed beyond the board.
	The "dummy" with its empty insides.

There's one more optical simplification: the hobby model does not have the steps which the full version has. Of course, I have mounted the steps on the bogies of the driven model. It has to be removed carefully with a screwdriver or a pair of tweezers from the bogies of the DC loco. It can as well be ordered as a spare part.

The driver's cab of the the driven model. The bogies are equiped with steps.	The simplified "dummy" model without these steps.

	The completed, driven "full version".
	The dummy with its light optical simplifications - such a dummy is also an ideal object for shunting with an V 60 or a Köf!

Because of the NEM coupler pockets it's no problem to install electric couplers, so that a lighting of the dummy model can be realized.

If the models are always operated as a double traction, the lighting on the interior sides can be removed. For this, however, it's necessary to sever the light transmission sets. These is only reversible with new light transmission sets, which have to be ordered as spare parts! For me, it was important that I could operate the dummy with other V 160 diesels as well, so I decided against any electrical connection.

Digital railroaders still have more possibilities; however this kind of technology is not my special field.

I have used era V models for my conversion - of course versions of other eras can be used as well! 

And last but not least: it doesn't have to become a double traction in every case. One can also assemble a DC hobby model of the remaining parts and selling it via ebay!

A conversion which can be done only with a screwdriver and a pair of tweezers. A soldering bulb was not necessary, it could remain in the tool chest. Sometimes it was really detailed work - but it was really worthwile. The double traction is an eye catcher on every layout.

Disclaimer. I can NOT be held responsible for any damage you cause by following my instructions, on modifying your model railway equipment. Everything you are doing, you are doing it at your own risk!