Ride on Railways Ltd

Hercules Locomotive

Technical Specification 4 x 150w axle hung motors (peak output). Commercial mass produced motors. 24v operation via two standard car batteries (not included). Direct drive (no whip effect when backing off power). Steel to Delrin gears (wears 1/3 less then steel to steel). Top speed 10-11mph . Good hauler - depending on stock and track but 8-12 adults no problem. Good run time (timed at Chingford - 2hrs 30m on continous public running with between 6-9 adults). Owners report anything up to 4 hours on public running. Digital controller with 50% speed govenor switch. Progressive regenerative braking with idrive option. Truecharge battery meter/fault indicator. Dash board for battery isolator, switches, hand controller socket and Truecharge meter - accessible from side window with out lifting the body. All steel body Independent suspension to each axle box. Manufactured by us in our UK workshop.

NEW FOR 2012 All locomotives supplied with plug in bogies Bodies supplied with grills and hand rail to body Body work now 1.2mm steel Industrial body option

Options / extras- Bearings or industrial style cranks Quick release battery connectors Industrial slot coupling instead of buffers

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the advantage/disavantages of cranks?
   • Cranks provide arouns 10-15% more adhesion. This is only when high power is applied and is just the difference between when a bearing version will see a wheel set slip before a pair of wheelsets slip on the cranked version. This only applies if you intednd to pull heavy loads or rapid excelleration.
   • Cranks need to be maintained. Check regularly for tightness of all components. The chances of a crank falling off is incredibly rare but the potential of a majot incident happinging if one does is high.
   • Sealed bearings do not require any servicing whereas the cranks version will require regular oiling of the delrin axle boxes.
2. How many can I pull?
   • On a reasonble level track with good coaches you can easily pul 10-12 adults. Ideally if you intend to pull more and a couple of passengers you should use stock with fitted train brakes.
   • Haulage is greatly reduced by gradients, tight curves and rolling stock that is hard to push.
3. Why do you state car batteries are ok to use?
   • Ideally traction or semi traction batteries should be used but they are expensive and often do not last any longer than car batteries.
   • Car batteries are not designed for constant drain but technology has mored on and car batteries last. We usually see a set last 4 years + on reasonbly heavy use.