Jump to content
 

Little Loco Company - Class 22

The Nth Degree

By The Nth Degree,
in Little Loco Company

 Share

Recommended Posts

  • Popular Post
The Nth Degree

The Nth Degree

Posted
  • Popular Post
Posted
Little Loco Company
proudly announces its third ready-to-run model
 
NBL Type 2 Diesel-Hydraulic / Class 22
supporting Project 22 Society
 
post-11337-0-53440800-1516302726_thumb.jpg
 
We are very proud to introduce one of the most advanced ready-to-run models ever designed. From the outset we wanted this model to be as accurate as possible, but the open bogies presented an engineering problem to solve. We couldn't use the typical compound gear train within the bogies as this would have been quite obvious, so we set about designing an inboard reverted reduction gearbox fixed directly to the custom-spec motor. The output of the gearbox then drops to a transfer box to transmit power via accurate driveshafts to the bogies, and then to transverse gears to each axle, exactly like the prototype. The motor pinion and all bogie gears are metal, where most of the torque is, so no split gears.
 
post-11337-0-46742900-1516300063_thumb.jpg
 
This allowed us to really go to town on the bogies. Barring pick-ups, these are exact replicas of the real thing – every pipe, bolt and spring. This is possibly the only RTR model that looks just as good upside down as it does on the track, and with extendible metal driveshafts it should stay there too. The wheels are solid steel using the latest metal injection moulding technology, so they are as accurate on the inside face as they are on the outside.
 
post-11337-0-49985300-1516300074_thumb.jpg
 
Inside we have an all-new future-proof electronics suite. This is all plug-and-play, so should any part fail you simply unplug it and plug in a replacement. No soldering, no expensive repair shops, anyone can do it. Fitted to every model is a tuned HiFi-quality speaker pushing close to 100Hz of pure bass. The voice coil and suspension ring have been tuned just for us. Just as we fit speakers as standard to all our models, we are now fitting attachments for smoke units too. Fixed internally to the exhaust port is ducting to connect directly to a fan-assisted smoke unit, along with all the control and power connections. We are now working with a manufacturer to produce our own specified unit, which will be available by the time the models are released. Our sound decoders will come pre-configured and timed, so you just plug in and go. And talking of decoders, amazingly this model is still all controlled by a standard PluX22 decoder. Nothing else comes close.
 
post-11337-0-94938600-1516300085_thumb.jpg
 
We are starting with the production versions (6306 onwards), with the Pilot Scheme locos coming soon after. At least five different liveries will be available and five different nose designs, plus two gauges – both O gauge and Scale 7 models are available to order with no premium. The model is now in the factory and deliveries will start before the end of the year. Each model comes with an intelligent decoder, either sound or non-sound, plus a capacitor bank to ensure non-stop running. Plus of course, we will be making a substantial donation to Project 22 Society who have helped, among others, with this challenging but rewarding project.

As soon as the website is completed before the end of the month we will reveal the incredible prices and reservations will be open.
 
Steve
Little Loco Company
  • Like 26
Link to post
Share on other sites
Western Star

Western Star

Posted
Posted

I've just bought up Vallejo's entire stock of Spilled Hydraulic Oil weathering paint, as I think there'll be a run on it soon.....

And when LLC announces the Class 21...  are you going to hoard Vallejo's stock of Generator Flashover Scorch Orange?

Link to post
Share on other sites
F-UnitMad

F-UnitMad

Posted
Posted

Smirk all you like, F-Un - I've just bought up Vallejo's entire stock of Spilled Hydraulic Oil weathering paint, as I think there'll be a run on it soon.....

And when LLC announces the Class 21...  are you going to hoard Vallejo's stock of Generator Flashover Scorch Orange?

The smoke unit ducting may not neccesarily be for the exhaust. :jester:

Link to post
Share on other sites
CME and Bottlewasher

CME and Bottlewasher

Posted
Posted (edited)

Why don't you use the search options that are available on facebook?

I have!

 

And FB is still 'pony', like many sites, their own search facility aint as good as Eg. as a Google search-imho FB is a messy looking platform and full of virtue signallers, faux PCs, taking photos of themselves every second of the day (pales compared to instafamegram, but you catch my drift), present company all excepted. I bet that TPTB and 'abc' agencies just love it, makes photo recognition a breeze, funny though how they never seem to catch the bad guys in time though (more often than not), makes one wonder just who are they really watching, all a bit too Big Brother 1984 too......

 

Little Loco Company

proudly announces its third ready-to-run model

NBL Type 2 Diesel-Hydraulic / Class 22

supporting Project 22 Society

attachicon.gifC22 lineup.jpg

We are very proud to introduce one of the most advanced ready-to-run models ever designed. From the outset we wanted this model to be as accurate as possible, but the open bogies presented an engineering problem to solve. We couldn't use the typical compound gear train within the bogies as this would have been quite obvious, so we set about designing an inboard reverted reduction gearbox fixed directly to the custom-spec motor. The output of the gearbox then drops to a transfer box to transmit power via accurate driveshafts to the bogies, and then to transverse gears to each axle, exactly like the prototype. The motor pinion and all bogie gears are metal, where most of the torque is, so no split gears.

 

 

 

attachicon.gifC22 drivetrain.jpg

This allowed us to really go to town on the bogies. Barring pick-ups, these are exact replicas of the real thing – every pipe, bolt and spring. This is possibly the only RTR model that looks just as good upside down as it does on the track, and with extendible metal driveshafts it should stay there too. The wheels are solid steel using the latest metal injection moulding technology, so they are as accurate on the inside face as they are on the outside.

 

 

 

attachicon.gifC22 bogies.jpg

Inside we have an all-new future-proof electronics suite. This is all plug-and-play, so should any part fail you simply unplug it and plug in a replacement. No soldering, no expensive repair shops, anyone can do it. Fitted to every model is a tuned HiFi-quality speaker pushing close to 100Hz of pure bass. The voice coil and suspension ring have been tuned just for us. Just as we fit speakers as standard to all our models, we are now fitting attachments for smoke units too. Fixed internally to the exhaust port is ducting to connect directly to a fan-assisted smoke unit, along with all the control and power connections. We are now working with a manufacturer to produce our own specified unit, which will be available by the time the models are released. Our sound decoders will come pre-configured and timed, so you just plug in and go. And talking of decoders, amazingly this model is still all controlled by a standard PluX22 decoder. Nothing else comes close.

 

 

 

attachicon.gifC22 chassis.jpg

We are starting with the production versions (6306 onwards), with the Pilot Scheme locos coming soon after. At least five different liveries will be available and five different nose designs, plus two gauges – both O gauge and Scale 7 models are available to order with no premium. The model is now in the factory and deliveries will start before the end of the year. Each model comes with an intelligent decoder, either sound or non-sound, plus a capacitor bank to ensure non-stop running. Plus of course, we will be making a substantial donation to Project 22 Society who have helped, among others, with this challenging but rewarding project.

As soon as the website is completed before the end of the month we will reveal the incredible prices and reservations will be open.

 

Steve

Little Loco Company

Looks superb Seteve, really superb, well done!

 

I love the engineering and ethos.

 

One slight concern, if Im reading this right, the model comes supplied with smoke and speakers-even if one doesnt want smoke or sound (does it come sound decoder fitted?)?

 

ATVB

 

CME

Edited by CME and Bottlewasher
  • Like 1
Link to post
Share on other sites
pauliebanger

pauliebanger

Posted
Posted (edited)

I have!

 

And FB is still 'pony', like many sites, their own search facility aint as good as Eg. as a Google search-imho FB is a messy looking platform and full of virtue signallers, faux PCs, taking photos of themselves every second of the day (pales compared to instafamegram, but you catch my drift), present company all excepted. I bet that TPTB and 'abc' agencies just love it, makes photo recognition a breeze, funny though how they never seem to catch the bad guys in time though (more often than not), makes one wonder just who are they really watching, all a bit too Big Brother 1984 too......Looks superb Seteve, really superb, well done!

 

I love the engineering and ethos.

 

One slight concern, if Im reading this right, the model comes supplied with smoke and speakers-even if one doesnt want smoke or sound (does it come sound decoder fitted?)?

 

ATVB

 

CME

 

The 'plumbing' for smoke generator output to exhaust port is designed-in. This is the most efficient way - the manufacturer does the development work so modellers don't need to do so later, only to find that 'something' is in in the way of the best solution.

 

Provision will be made for simple, plug and play smoke generator installation. This may become a factory fitted option, but is not mandatory.

 

All LLC models have and will be equipped with speakers. That's stated company policy. Again, best solution is a designed-in solution.

 

I recently bought a new car, but there was no option to exclude the 'in car entertainment' pack even though I don't use it because I consider it a distraction when driving. That's the way it is and something I accept (and pay for) in order to benefit from all the excellent engineering and build quality of my chosen model.

 

There is an option of DCC and DCC sound decoders. Using ZIMO decoders allows all users, even on analogue, to benefit from the Stay-Alive supercapacitor pack.

 

I don't know if a final decision on pure DC models has been made, but if not, it's simple to remove a PluX22 decoder if a user does not wish to benefit from the improved control afforded.

 

Kind regards,

 

Paul

Edited by pauliebanger
Link to post
Share on other sites
The Nth Degree

The Nth Degree

Posted
  • Author
Posted

...I love the engineering and ethos.

 

One slight concern, if Im reading this right, the model comes supplied with smoke and speakers-even if one doesnt want smoke or sound (does it come sound decoder fitted?)?

 

ATVB

 

CME

As Paul says, the smoke unit is an option, but all the plumbing and wiring is there if you want to install it later. The sound decoder will even include all the correct settings so you won't have to worry about that either – just plug in, top it up and off you go. Smoke is not a hugely popular upgrade at the moment, but perhaps if all the planning and thinking has been done already it could well be. 

 

Sound is becoming more and more important to modellers, just have a look at all the threads about butchering models to put a speaker in. It makes total sense to me (at least) to build it in from the start. You'll never have to risk an expensive purchase again. Plus, of course, if you decide to sell it later there is more value in a sound-ready model than not.

 

We go through an awfully long planning process when designing new models, and all the work that has gone into this one will stand us in good stead for the next couple years or so. Well, until we get to steam locos, and then you're in for a brand new engineering revolution...

  • Like 3
Link to post
Share on other sites
The Nth Degree

The Nth Degree

Posted
  • Author
Posted

I've had a lot of emails about the Class 50 yesterday and today, so I'll put up the response here so it's public.

 

Yes, we are still producing it (the most common question by far!). The Class 50 will have the same brand new modular electrical system. We designed this for every model, not just the 22. That means it will have the same features – built-in capacitors, replaceable parts and room for growth in whatever way you want to take it, including all the plumbing and cabling for smoke. It will use a bigger motor (the loco is almost half a metre long!) and the same efficient but compact inboard gearbox. The bogies will also be fully detailed, including dummy traction motors. We are looking at an off-board amplifier to power two of these unique speaker systems, so it will sound as good as it looks too.

 

We are well aware that we are in direct competition with another manufacturer, but with the same estimated price point we hope that you will reward the effort we are putting in to giving you the most advanced, accurate and value for money models as possible, produced as much as we can in the UK.

 

The Class 50 will also be the last model we openly announce before the EP1 stage. There are a lot of projects at various stages of development, so the next few years are going to be very busy!

  • Like 12
Link to post
Share on other sites
CME and Bottlewasher

CME and Bottlewasher

Posted
Posted (edited)

The 'plumbing' for smoke generator output to exhaust port is designed-in. This is the most efficient way - the manufacturer does the development work so modellers don't need to do so later, only to find that 'something' is in in the way of the best solution.

 

Provision will be made for simple, plug and play smoke generator installation. This may become a factory fitted option, but is not mandatory.

 

All LLC models have and will be equipped with speakers. That's stated company policy. Again, best solution is a designed-in solution.

 

I recently bought a new car, but there was no option to exclude the 'in car entertainment' pack even though I don't use it because I consider it a distraction when driving. That's the way it is and something I accept (and pay for) in order to benefit from all the excellent engineering and build quality of my chosen model.

 

There is an option of DCC and DCC sound decoders. Using ZIMO decoders allows all users, even on analogue, to benefit from the Stay-Alive supercapacitor pack.

 

I don't know if a final decision on pure DC models has been made, but if not, it's simple to remove a PluX22 decoder if a user does not wish to benefit from the improved control afforded.

 

Kind regards,

 

Paul

Hi Paul,

 

By and large agree-thanks

 

Excellent build quality on a motor? Youre very lucky after working in the trade and with mates who are design engineers such are becoming a rarity, due to 'design smart' stupidity. Enjoy it while it lasts. Know what you mean about some new ICE and Heads Up, it can be a distraction....

As Paul says, the smoke unit is an option, but all the plumbing and wiring is there if you want to install it later. The sound decoder will even include all the correct settings so you won't have to worry about that either – just plug in, top it up and off you go. Smoke is not a hugely popular upgrade at the moment, but perhaps if all the planning and thinking has been done already it could well be.

 

Sound is becoming more and more important to modellers, just have a look at all the threads about butchering models to put a speaker in. It makes total sense to me (at least) to build it in from the start. You'll never have to risk an expensive purchase again. Plus, of course, if you decide to sell it later there is more value in a sound-ready model than not.

 

We go through an awfully long planning process when designing new models, and all the work that has gone into this one will stand us in good stead for the next couple years or so. Well, until we get to steam locos, and then you're in for a brand new engineering revolution...

I really love your ethos and continuous improvement, really good to hear. I also realize-as with certain US models-its cheaper to inc these 'enabled' facilities rather then have them as 'options', the former means the cost of adding such is marginable (and can be applied/facilitated in all cost effectively) etc. Also 7mm RTR really has been the poor cousin, the bridesmaid and never the bride, meaning, at times, lots work to make DCC, or DCCS, also voiding warrenties etc.....

I've yet to see smoke coming from a model that looks anything like the smoke one expects to see from the real thing. Technology might surprise me though.

 

John

John, sadly neither smoke or sound-like real water-scales in the smaller scales (inc 7mm) some are better than others with cognitive estrangement applied....

I've had a lot of emails about the Class 50 yesterday and today, so I'll put up the response here so it's public.

 

Yes, we are still producing it (the most common question by far!). The Class 50 will have the same brand new modular electrical system. We designed this for every model, not just the 22. That means it will have the same features – built-in capacitors, replaceable parts and room for growth in whatever way you want to take it, including all the plumbing and cabling for smoke. It will use a bigger motor (the loco is almost half a metre long!) and the same efficient but compact inboard gearbox. The bogies will also be fully detailed, including dummy traction motors. We are looking at an off-board amplifier to power two of these unique speaker systems, so it will sound as good as it looks too.

 

We are well aware that we are in direct competition with another manufacturer, but with the same estimated price point we hope that you will reward the effort we are putting in to giving you the most advanced, accurate and value for money models as possible, produced as much as we can in the UK.

 

The Class 50 will also be the last model we openly announce before the EP1 stage. There are a lot of projects at various stages of development, so the next few years are going to be very busy!

I wish you well, Im sure that your QC will be better, the design features too-twin speakers really help with the scaling of sound issue.

 

ATVB

 

CME

Edited by CME and Bottlewasher
Link to post
Share on other sites
Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...