Large Scale Central

Accucraft Climax and Radio Control

Well back in November I was asked what is the possibility of running the Climax radio control.  I did some research and went over the loco from photos my friend took on his, he said its almost impossible as there is no space for anything.  Looked to me like it may be possible but it will be a real endeavor. Once I got it here I realized that no standard ways will work.  Looking at the throttle I was not even sure how I can get a linkage on there properly with the gas and water line in the middle of the cab.  Reverser was another issue as it was so tight there was no room for a servo to control the Jbar. 
 
I decided that Id need to remove the Jbar to connect directly to the valve, after more thought the linkage needed to be replaced to make it more of a direct connection and ended up installing the reversing servo in the firebox under the floor.  It allowed for a stronger linkage setup with less bends.
 
 
 
 
Once I was happy with the setup I moved onto the throttle.  Once I decided on a proper location for the servo I began to open the mounting holes into the cab.  For this I milled out the servo and bolt holes and made up a template and transferred to the cab.  All was done in the mill while locked down in the vise. I also mounted one of my standard power switched with a integrated charging port and battery indicator. This it necessary as the battery will not be accessible easily.
 
 
 
 
Then the linkages can be planned out and I already knew the plumbing had to be changed.  So that was up first.  Rerouted the gas and water lined from the tender to drop to the floor then into the tender.  This allowed for a clear shop to the throttle arm for proper linkage setup so you don't abuse the servo.
 
 
 
 
All completed and delivered just in time for Christmas, I found it to be a fun install even with the hurdles it threw at me.  It is also the first Accucraft Climax that I am aware of to be Radio Control.

Well done Jason, Thanks for posting

Congratulations Jason. Very innovative.

Nice work Jay.

J, another great sample of your talent. Compared to others that have been posted, yours is so much more practical and in keeping with the locomotive design and function. Yes it is more difficult, but in this case much better time and effort spent IMHO.

Nice install. Later RJD