News Update
News Update |
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11th March
Welcome to our news update
March has been an exciting month for RoR. I am now working for it full time with help from my father and wife. We have nearly cleared all our back orders while still spending a bit of time on a few other projects. This month we have launched the first of three new engines. Yes that is three totally new engines, not just bodies.
The second will probably be out end of May while the third will probably be the back end of the summer at the earliest.
Having more time also allows us to offer ready to run engines again. Unfortunately we can only offer them in primer as we simply do not have a clean enough workshop to spray in. Even if we paid a paint shop we do not have safe enough storage to protect the finish. We are therefore offering them in grey primer.
To help offset the impending price increases, we are going to start some costing exercises to help keep costs down. An example is the option of offering the control board mounts in the Hercules and Trojan as an optional extra. The reason for this is the same as why we made the grills an optional extra. Many people take them but then don't use them.
The only down side is it might make for complex pricing. We will see as I am working to publish the new price list at the end of the month.
On other news,
we currently have an application under way for credit card services. This should make it easier and quicker although it will be for over the phone orders only (internet services cost more). Still it will be nice to talk to you before confirming your order.
March saw our first paid advertising. A single advert in the English Heritage Magazine. Target market is the new comer to 5" gauge garden railways.
Watch out for our new riding truck next month - one for the club members
Paul
Scroll down or click on title
NEW RELEASE FOR APRIL 06
Ride on Railways are proud to announce the launch of their third battery electric locomotive.
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Picture of the new chassis with a temporary body.
Today (11th March) we test ran our new chassis. The chassis is a short wheelbase and designed to look more like an industrial narrow gauge locomotive. The example shown runs on a single car battery and two 150w motors. The body work was cobbled together from scrap and is only a temporary one for trial running.
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While the chassis is shorter and narrower than a Trojan it could still fit two car batteries on the deck, sideways on. This has lead to the possibility of producing a 24v version with two or four motors.
Above drawing showing the first proposed body for the chassis.
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The prototype also showcases our trial
into producing an industrial style coupling. This has
been produced by building it up in layers of 8mm steel. The results look far better than I anticipated so we will be looking into producing a retro fit, bolt on version and even possibly a 7 layer one. |
The initial trials of a single 12v battery and a 4QD Vortex controller were very positive. Although it is not in the same power or speed leaque as the Hercules and Trojan, it did perform well. A 2 motor 12v version would provide a considerable cost saving and would be ideal where lower speeds and lighter loads (3 adults max) aren't a problem. There is just enough power to make the wheels slip.
With all this in mind we should be able to get the chassis out on the market in kit form for just £475. The Vortex 12v 75amp controller is cheaper at £87.50 (from 4Qd) than the Pro 120 £130.
NEW VIDEO OF JASPER No.1 ON TEST
After repeated requests we have finally had 5 Industrial Hercules bodies built. I think the results are so good we have decided to keep one and put it on number 1. Two others have already gone out, both to the Isle of Man.
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The bodies have been built out of 1.5mm steel and at £140 come with rubber edge beading, front grill, RoR badge and handrail for the doorways.
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I have also had a few alternative buffer beams cut which will except our new pin coupling. These are offered as an alternative to having buffers.
Part of the last lot of laser cutting included two prototype braked bogies. I will over the next month be experimenting with the two different designs and how best to progress. Both bogies utilise PNP Railways brake shoes but one is designed for cable operation while the other relies on mechanical rods through the mounting bolt.
Well thats the plan, I will of course publish information as it happens.
We are now in a position to offer kit building service on our three locos. Initially we are only able to offer them unpainted or rather in primer. Prices quoted are on top of basic chassis kit price. For running chassis the 4qd controller RoR kit must be purchased (Vortex controller for 12v Jasper)
Some example of our prices
Hercules bearing version - Bogies assembled £150, Running Chassis £200 (collection only)
Trojan bearing version - Rolling Chassis £120, Running Chassis £150
Jasper 2m Rolling Chassis £100 - Running Chassis £125
Please call for more details and comprehensive prices
Saturday 8th April 06
Romford - Havers 'O' Gauge Exhibition - Marshalls Park School, Pettits Lane, Romford, Essex. We will be having our portable track set up in the corridor. Once again it will be longer than last time and hopefully we will have two trains running. If you want to bring along an engine (no steam) you are more than welcome. It is roughly 40m on the straight then a 10' radius corner. Collecting on behalf of the local hospice.
See events page for other dates
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