Here's the latest shot of the wireless remote control test bed loco. It is being modelled as 35 "Freshwater", one of two push-pull fitted O2s which were used on the Ventnor West branch in BR days. The object of the exercise has been to create as much space as possible for the remote control equipment and battery in the loco body. This has been facilitated by the use of a HighLevel Roadrunner Compact Plus gear box, which means the motor (a Mashima 1015) fits almost entirely between the frames, leaving the tanks and boiler cavity largely clear, as well as the bunker for the electronic gubbins. The remote control gear won't be arriving for some weeks to come so the loco will be mothballed pending arrival. It is hoped that we will be able to operate the branch wirelessly at our first exhibition in October...

Chris
Alton
Hants.