Some might say that engines that look like a big box have no soul. That they are just what they are, big boxes with no aesthetic value. I however tend to differ. Just like how American diesels have found aesthetics in absolute utilitarianism with all kind of weird vents and other hood elements sticking out of the weirdest places, so do boxes on wheels have a certain beauty in a ‘form follows function‘ way of thinking as well. In fact, the box on wheels is the European version of exactly that, the absolute utilitarian engine. So, little surprise that I was blown away when Dennis aka TECHNO posted his rendition of the BR 143, the absolute max in German boxes on wheels.

According to the builder, it is meant as a birthday present for one of his colleagues who – luckily for both – don’t use social media. Which means that we have now seen the model sooner than the intended new owner. Talking about the privilege we have as a community!

Currently it’s now powered, but Dennis aka TECHNO has semi-promised us he will in the future build a second, fully functioning, version. I for one definitely look forward to that version as well.

One more thing: Some people might say ‘yeah it’s a box, it’s not that hard. Just try to model a GE ES44AC with all it’s vents and quirks, and after you finish doing that, we will talk again. To those people I say: Well… Boxes aren’t that easy to do either. Ironically, because they have so little design elements, they look way off if you just mess up one. Point to prove is the render that Dennis aka TECHNO made before building. Just have a look at all the little details, the slightly sloped windscreen, the cheese graters on the roof, etc. etc. Point made.