THESE ENGINES ARE HEAVY (around 40kg without batteries) AND POWERFUL MACHINES. PLEASE ABIDE BY OR TAKE NOTE OF THE FOLLOWING.

• A moving train is a danger. Please take appropriate actions to avoid collisions with people or other trains. Do not under estimate the force a loaded train can exert.

• Avoid lifting the engine with the batteries fitted.

• Take care while lifting the engine to avoid back injury. Keep your back straight and lift with the legs. If possible use two persons to lift the engine.

• Young children should be closely supervised if allowed to drive. - Ideally fit a speed restrictor to reduce the chance of an accident. See electrics

• If you are carrying young children we recommend using a controller extension lead and driving from the back of the train. That way you can keep an eye on them. Children do not sit still and can / will derail a train.

Do not -

• Speed. Excessive speed is a danger for all concerned.

• Plug the controller in with out checking it is at zero. To help this we recommend using a small "push to make" switch to create a deadmans switch. See controller literature for wiring diagram.

• Work on or near any moving parts with the battery connected.

• Get the control board wet. In the event it does disconnect the batteries and dry it off. Do not use it again until it is totally dry.

• Push the engine by the body

• Sit on the engine. The body is not designed to take the weight.
  

BATTERIES

If you are using lead acid car or leisure batteries please take note of the following

• If you have to transport batteries in a car, place on the floor and on a tray or in a container.

• If any acid is spilt wash off immediately with plenty of water. If left on clothes it will eat them away.

• Do not charge batteries in a confined space and keep them away from naked flames. Do not smoke near them. Charging batteries give off hydrogen.

• Protect battery terminals from risk of shorting at all times. Yes a spanner dropped across the terminals will melt, wrecking the spanner and battery.

• If in the unlikely event you do have an accident and the engine ends on its side, 1st check the welfare of your passengers, then get the batteries in the upright position as quick as possible. Wash any liquid from yourself, clothing and the engine with plenty of water. Do not use again until you have carried out a thorough inspection of the batteries and engine.

REMEMBER – PLEASE GET IN TOUCH IF YOU HAVE ANY PROBLEMS, QUERIES OR SUGGESTIONS.

Well if you got to here then CONGRATULATIONS on building your Hercules engine.

As part of the package I have allocated a web page to each engine. Please feel free to forward picture, comments, contacts etc so I can post them up for you.

Happy Running.

Paul Middleton Oct 05