Hi all, just bringing my two cents here. Currently I´m making loco class 163 in slovak ZSSK livery. Loco is completely created from scratch, both exterier, interier models and textures. Fully scripted, I would call it advanced scripting including custom brakes, signal repeater, behavior based on real electric schemas as close as possible. Few screens...
A video from cab. Notice that small LED diagnostic window. It shows current traction scheme (both braking and driving schema), main switch state, trolley power state, all important control points for faster search in case of failure... And many more.
You can actually turn it into a 15 kV version the Czechoslovak Railways 371/372 classes which is known in neighboring Germany as DB Baureihe 180 DR Baureihe 230
Look carefully, there are considerable differences in the radiator grilles and pantographs. The 163 is a 3kV DC only machine without a transformer the CZ371/372 + DB BR180 are dual voltage 3kV DC and 15kV AC with a transformer/rectifier system hence the different radiator grilles and pantographs. You can of course run what you want anywhere you want to (almost).
Thank you for telling me about that speaking of the pantograph it's actually a Metalized Carbon 1.95m AC/DC strip.
Well, turning it into class 371/372 would mean to make a completely new cab, roof equipment, engine itself (371/372 has square windows on engine compartment), different pantos etc... simply - a new machine. Also, class163 is using thyristor regulation for traction motors, while 371/372 is still using old resistor notched regulation. But you know that old saying - there´s nothing money can´t buy
Another progress - Automatic speed control (called ARR in former czechoslovakia and now in Czech and Slovak republic):
