OK, so here it is- my first battery/RC conversion using the Hobby King hardware I previously wrote about.
I started with this thing – which I picked up cheap on eBay (~$50). It was ugly, but had very little use and ran quite well. Using some bits and pieces I had laying about, a few parts I got from Silvergate and some paint, I was able return it to its German roots.
But along the way, Gustav and I decided we needed battery power and remote control. We also added some extra weight for better grunt.
First, the batteries. After extensive research and testing
, I determined 6 AAA batteries could be squeezed into each side tank. I got 12 AAA NiMH batteries (with tabs) and made two battery packs. I also installed a switch to let me select battery or track power (RC works with battery power only). The batteries are 1000 mAh, which gives about 1 1/2 hours running on a full charge.
The RC parts all came from Hobby King and are installed as you see. They are held in place by velcro. The ESC is rated for 12 volts, but it will take 14.4 with no problem. Judging from the full speed of the loco, 12 volts (10 cells) would have been plenty, though.
A DPDT switch was attached to a servo with super glue to serve as a reverse switch. The servo and switch are also held in place with velcro. Things are a bit tight in the cab, so Gustav has to be careful so as not to trip (having one's feet glued to the floor has its advantages).
The antenna wire was run up over the boiler and held down with zip ties; a charging port is under the cab, accessible from the side.
Another view of the charging port, under the cabin.
And now, the finished product. I kind of like the looks of it.
So does Gustav. Driving the Circus Lok always embarrassed him. I’ll need to add some lettering and maybe a touch of weathering.
Another view; I think I see Gustav smiling
.
And a final view.
I'm pretty pleased with how it came out. It run smoothly, pulls well, and, I think, looks good.
Thanks to GregH for his help and support in my project.
I started with this thing – which I picked up cheap on eBay (~$50). It was ugly, but had very little use and ran quite well. Using some bits and pieces I had laying about, a few parts I got from Silvergate and some paint, I was able return it to its German roots.
But along the way, Gustav and I decided we needed battery power and remote control. We also added some extra weight for better grunt.
First, the batteries. After extensive research and testing
, I determined 6 AAA batteries could be squeezed into each side tank. I got 12 AAA NiMH batteries (with tabs) and made two battery packs. I also installed a switch to let me select battery or track power (RC works with battery power only). The batteries are 1000 mAh, which gives about 1 1/2 hours running on a full charge.
The RC parts all came from Hobby King and are installed as you see. They are held in place by velcro. The ESC is rated for 12 volts, but it will take 14.4 with no problem. Judging from the full speed of the loco, 12 volts (10 cells) would have been plenty, though.
A DPDT switch was attached to a servo with super glue to serve as a reverse switch. The servo and switch are also held in place with velcro. Things are a bit tight in the cab, so Gustav has to be careful so as not to trip (having one's feet glued to the floor has its advantages).
The antenna wire was run up over the boiler and held down with zip ties; a charging port is under the cab, accessible from the side.
Another view of the charging port, under the cabin.
And now, the finished product. I kind of like the looks of it.
So does Gustav. Driving the Circus Lok always embarrassed him. I’ll need to add some lettering and maybe a touch of weathering.
Another view; I think I see Gustav smiling
.
And a final view.
I'm pretty pleased with how it came out. It run smoothly, pulls well, and, I think, looks good.
Thanks to GregH for his help and support in my project.
