5 inch gauge Victorian Railways L Class Electrics.
L1175
L1163
Based on the L Class electric trains of the Victorian Railways, that operated until the late-1980’s on the Gippsland Line to Traralgon and Suburban Goods trains. Each loco is 5 foot long and can work by themselves or multiple unit together.
L1163 was the first to be built in Mooroopna near Shepparton and L1175 was modelled from L1163 in Traralgon.
The body of L1163 is made from light plywood while L1175 is made of heavier MDF. Both have steel frames and bogies. L1163 does not have lights while L1175 has an operating headlight and marker lights. Otherwise they are virtually identical. While not noticeable from a distance, the paint work on L1175 has cracked overtime but this doesn’t detract from the locomotive.
The electronics are based on the Model Engineering Magazine 422 class project from about 25 years ago. They use handmade copper etched speed control boards. They also use transistors and relays as per the magazine’s directions. They are reliable and work either individually or wired together via a 15 pin Computer Cable running through the Trailer cars.
Schematic drawings of all electronics and hand control will be supplied.
It has been designed to be driven from the rear car of the train. Riding trucks need to carry an appropriate 15 pin cable.
They use 2 deep cycle batteries which are included with the train. These are wired in series for 24volt operation while lights use 12volts. Operating time depends on the loads pulled but 5 hours continuous running may be possible. This time could be doubled if a spare set of batteries is available. (spare set not included)
One purpose-built hand controller is included which features a dead man’s momentary button which must be always held. Releasing the button will stop the train which then cannot be reenergised until the throttle is returned to the off position. This design feature allows for mishaps such as a driver falling from the train. Other functions include forward and reverse, whistle and Dynamic Brake.
Maximum speed is approximately 8kph.
The pantographs are handmade but do not operate as overhead wiring is not practical. (would involve passing through passenger and driver tummy’s) Both locomotives have lazer cut bogies with springs and supports.
With the batteries installed, they are heavy but without the batteries and the body removed, they can be lifted by one person but a lifting device of some kind would be preferable.
Both locomotives can haul at least three riding trucks, each loaded with two adults plus driver, 7 adults in total. This is based on flat track although it can handle slight grades.
The locomotives are compatible with the Suburban Electric Set that is also offered for sale separately. In other words, they can all multiple unit and run together.
This sale does not include a riding truck so buyers will need to supply their own. Only one hand control is available so to operate each one separately, another hand piece will be needed but is not available from the seller.
Located near Traralgon, VIC
