I started this project before Christmas but then the modelling mojo abandoned me for a while so I've only just finished it off. This is the excellent Loco Remote kit (
https://www.locoremote.co.uk/3dprints.html) for the Brush Battery Electric Locos supplied to the Ministry of Supply during WWI. These locos worked at various depots in the UK, including Gretna Green armaments factory, the mustard gas factory at Avonmouth and Queensferry Supply depot in North Wales. After the war several locos found their way to the slate quarries in Blaenau Ffestiniog and two are still in daily use on Hythe Pier.
The kit is 3D printed and very well thought out. It's driven by a gearmotor between the wheels (there is a layshaft here on the actual locos) and controlled by a Loco Remote MiniB unit under the bonnet. There is supposed to be a LiPo battery in the compartment behind but I preferred to use AAA Nimh batteries, so I have squeezed a 4x AAA holder under the other bonnet - only a prewired one will fit here as the traditional PP9 battery snaps take up a lot of room (I had a similar issue with the De Winton). Note that one of the battery slots is wired across to give the correct voltage. The only other change that I've made is some additional detailing in the cab.
Loco Remote Brush WWI Battery Electric kit by
Stuart, on Flickr
Loco Remote Brush WWI Battery Electric kit by
Stuart, on Flickr
Loco Remote Brush WWI Battery Electric kit by
Stuart, on Flickr
Loco Remote Brush WWI Battery Electric kit by
Stuart, on Flickr
The cab parts had become a bit distorted after being packed in the box for too long, so the cab is a little wonky - clearly the loco had suffered an accident of some kind before it was bought by the quarry! However the loco was pronounced mechanically fit and given a new coat of paint before being set to work shunting the quarry. A war surplus dynamo was connected to one of the existing waterwheels to charge the batteries, which enabled the loco to continue working during WWII when petrol was rationed. There is a story that an attempt was made to use the loco to haul the empties back up to the quarry when petrol was unobtainable for the usual Simplex loco, but given the loco only had a 5hp motor it simply wasn't powerful enough.
Loco Remote Brush WWI Battery Electric kit by
Stuart, on Flickr