Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Land Models / January 2004

Hi,

I am looking at control options for my 1/8 scale locomotive. I am
interested in the possibility of controlling it by R/C. It isn't your
typical locomotive, though, in that it is ten feet long and weighs
nine hundred pounds <g>. In other words, it is a "ride on" locomotive.

I have looked at some of the conventional R/C systems like Futaba,
etc. and they are simply much more sophisticated than I need, with
the exception of eight or nine channels.

What I need is a simple system, preferably one that I can mount the
transmitter in a sturdy handheld case and install the necessary
controls myself. The system would require four high torque servos,
one or two on/off switches, a couple of variable pot equivalents and
one off/on/momentary on switch for the ignition.

Is there a manufacturer that produces something that might work or a
couple of manufacturers whose products I could cobble together? The
electrical source is a twelve volt automobile battery.

Regards,

Britt Harrington
Miami, Florida