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[JMORG]

We've been busy here in Gloucestershire!
After 1 year, it looks like we'll soon be finishing our 2 Playmobil locomotives (finally).
So far, the big work is connecting up the huge amount of wiring!
The steam engine now:










So far, the locomotive is almost finished!
All that is needed is:
Wiring up the radio gear and motor.
Attaching the cylinders and valve gear.
Adding the steps, vac/air pipes.
Lining and naming.

The diesel is even closer to finishing!






Both should prove to be useful machines!

[Dannypenguin]

Like the look of the steam loco

[SpudUk]

Ah ha! I knew this must be possible! I have been considering re-gauging Playmobil as the answer to my durability/kid friendly problems. How hard was it?

[JMORG]

Many thanks for the kind words!
They are reletively easy, as the power unit is seperate!
Just need to make a new chassis and thats it
Mine are more complicated, with radio and sound in the dieseasal

[steamie1]

that's got me thinking..

[JMORG]

Danny
I'm hoping to get them both running by the Monmouth Show!
You can 'ave a go if you like!
However, I've noticed a weird technical problem with either the reciever or the speed controller...
When I connected it all up for a test run, it all worked beautifully! When I connected it back up it didnt want to know
Ideas anyone? It's an Mtronics controller from C2B[/quote]

[Dannypenguin]

Danny
I'm hoping to get them both running by the Monmouth Show!
You can 'ave a go if you like!  :lol:

I'll be too busy draining the battery on my Little John and crashin' my Bertie (as always... )! It'll be good to see them. Can't help on the R/C problem I'm afraid...

[philipy]

Danny
I'm hoping to get them both running by the Monmouth Show!
You can 'ave a go if you like!  :lol:
However, I've noticed a weird technical problem with either the reciever or the speed controller...
When I connected it all up for a test run, it all worked beautifully! When I connected it back up it didnt want to know
Ideas anyone? It's an Mtronics controller from C2B

[/quote]

This may be a bit obvious, but have you connected the ESC to the correct set of servo pins on the receiver?
It is also possible to put the connector on 'upside down' because there is no polarity lock.

[JMORG]

Yeah The ESC lead is abit annoying, but I have tried it both ways up.
I use channel 3 (it's a 4 channel controller). Channel 3 is the traditional "left vertical is regulator" so it's nice and easy to remember which one you toggle to make it go faster!

[philipy]

Could try it on one of the other servo connectors, just to see if it makes any difference?

Have you got another rx and/or ESC to do temporary connections to, to try to identify which is causing the problem?

I've just had another thought, which just MIGHT be a 'lightbulb' moment - I wonder if in the process of moving things around, you have accidentally somehow affected the ESC calibration with the Rx. It may be worth going through the calibration procedure again, just to be sure.

[JMORG]

Hi all,
After more testing (and swearing), I discovered the cause of the problem: the Receiver.
The ESC is working good, but the receiver isn't, looks like I'm going to have to visit antics!
Handrails and vac pipes are currently being fitted to the diesel. The vac pipes are being shorted to allow the bonnet to be fitted.
In other news, Garratt number 4 (the homemade Garratt) is currently receiving light TLC. Lamp irons are being painted and fitted to each end (for headboard use), along with a (dummy) whistle.
Nameplates have also been ordered. For the first time in 15 years, the Garratt will be named!
Also, the frame of the Simplex has been made. The next job is to fit the upper superstructure.
Many, many photos to come tomorrow! Many thanks for the suggestions for the electronics!