By Simon Pavitt

I first met Paul and David back in May 2001 when I went to collect a carriage and bogie chassis from them. We had already discussed their idea to design and build a powerful but reasonably priced battery powered loco. I was very interested in the concept and agreed to be a "guinea pig" and test the prototype "001" which I now own.

	The loco is constructed from a kit of parts, most of which are laser cut from steel for accuracy and ease of construction. The chassis body and motor mounts are Paul's own designs whilst some of the running gear is commercially available. Power is via two 12-volt batteries and the speed controller is a 4QD PRO 120 unit.
First impressions Wow…..what a super little Loco! The tight bends at the ROR track meant that a fast run was not possible but the loco was very smooth to pull away and negotiated the uneven track bed very well. It was great fun to drive. Further testing at speed A couple of days later I took the loco to our ¼ mile club track where it was possible to test it at speed. It was very powerful and very fast; however, the top speed could do with being reduced. This can be achieved via the 4QD control board. Braking is regenerative and very efficient. In fact, the loco performed just as I had hoped it would. I'm still very impressed with the performance
	Wear and Tear I have not run the loco for long enough yet but it is easily disassembled for maintenance and there are only a few bushes etc to wear. Providing it is regularly lubricated these should last for some time. I will update this review in the summer once the loco has had plenty of use and abuse ! The bodywork is styled after a basic typical industrial type diesel shunter, not to any particular scale but with the emphasis on the power and drivetrain. Handrails, horn etc are not supplied but can be fitted at your own leisure if required. In fact you can detail the cab as you require, as I have.
16/12/01

Loco ran from 12-45 to 16-00 along with four others constantly around the 1/4 mile track only to stop at the station each lap to pick up and drop off passengers. It must have done around 30 laps, unfortunately I lost count........must try and keep accurate count next time. Motors/controller just luke warm. Batts still reading full power on meter with only the first green LED going out when running. Very powerful, pulled two trollies with nine people no problem. ( Five adults and four children )

Video Clip Unfortunately most of us of us do not have a high speed link to the internet. A short video clip turns out to be 2.4mb - half an hour for me. Click link on right for resampled version. - Paul

page13a.mpg - 210kb (no sound) page13b.mpg - 1.28mb (no sound)

Pictures showing detailing work including wasp stripes, handrails, exhaust, window trim and dummy leaf springs.

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