4897 is shown with Kerroby Models sideframes and Kadee© couplers, which are not included in kit

The Hollywood Foundry 48/830 Class mechanism is a completely assembled mechanism, not a kit. It has everything necessary to make a complete NSWGR 48 Class locomotive, or an SAR 830 Class locomotive, except for body, sideframes, couplers and paint. All you do is remove the body shell from the Powerline model and fit it directly to the Hollywood Foundry mechanism.

Photograph shows all parts included in kit, except for cast side frames, which are not included.

Twin Flywheel Motor Drive

A Mashima MH-1626 motor fitted with twin flywheels provides smooth operation. The 1626 provides excellent low speed performance with a peak output of 2.0 watts. A maximum torque of 13 grams/centimeter makes the motor virtually unstoppable. The 1626 motor begins to turn over at just on 2.2 volts. Coupled with a Back-EMF capable DCC decoder, the performance is even better.

The 26:1 gear ratio provides a top scale speed of around 82 kph, or the optional 15:1 ratio gives a top speed of around 125 kph. Choose the ratio you prefer, they both cost the same. Afurther option is now offered with a belt-drive rather than gear drive in the bogies. This results in a muchquieter mechanism. Two ratios are offered, 27:1 or 15:1, similar to the geared version

The two flywheels, each 20 grams in weight, provide a substantial amount of flywheel action, allowing the mechanism to creep smoothly down the track.

The stall current of the MH-1626 is approximately 700 mA at 12V, so it can easily be controlled by a 1 Amp DCC decoder.

All Wheel Drive, All Wheel Pickup

All twelve wheels are solid nickel-silver to the NMRA RP-25 contour and 11.6mm diameter. Code 110 wheels are fitted to the HO gauge units, while Code 88 wheels are fitted to the HOn3.5 & HOn3 versions.

The drive system drives all twelve wheels and collects power from all wheels. The central axle on each bogie has a Lateral Action gearbox fitted that permits the axle to move sideways by about 1.2mm to ensure the bogies can track tight curves and turnouts.

Significantly Increased Pulling Power

The complete mechanism, including fuel tank and cast side frames, weighs in at 175 grams, and produces 40 grams of tractive effort at this weight. We increased the total weight to 375 grams and the tractive effort increased to 75 grams. At this weight there was no chance of stalling the motor. 75 grams would equate to about 40-45 four wheel wagons.

Correct Height Mounts for Kadee© Couplers

A pair of special PCB extensions are screw fitted to the chassis to mount Kadee© couplers. These extensions are designed to be removed to allow the Powerline body to be removed. The mounts set the correct height for the Kadee couplers according to the Kadee Coupler Height Gauge. You simply screw your choice of coupler to the mounts with the screws provided in our kit.

Side Frames

The plastic side frames from the Powerline model may be cut off the Powerline bogies and glued to the mounts provided on the Hollywood Foundry bogies, or new ones may be fitted. Kerroby Models make a very good pewter side frame, available from most hobby shops, part number HDD018, or direct at phone (02) 4681 9917.

We chose to use the Kerroby models side frames on our prototype due to their better scale fidelity. They attach quite easily to the side frame mounts on the bogies with epoxy adhesive.

PCB Chassis

The printed circuit board chassis provides a rigid and nearly un-breakable chassis for the mechanism. At the same time, it carries all wiring neatly out of the way on the board. It is precisely routed to the shape of the Powerline body, making for a neat snug fit.

The cab interior is not occupied by mechanism, with only a small diameter unobtrusive drive shaft in the area. Driver figures may be fitted easily or the space taken up with additional weight.

DCC Socket On Board

An NMRA standard 8 pin DCC socket is fitted to the chassis to allow for a plug in decoder. Fitting a decoder requires removal of a shorting plug that is fitted to the socket. The motor stall current of 700mA means that a tiny decoder designed for N gauge, with a 1.0 Amp rating, can adequately cope with the motor and lights.

The Digitrax DZ123PS or DZ143PS are ideal, the DZ143PS having Back-EMF speed stabilization. The NCE type N12SRP is another low cost decoder that is highly suitable as is the Z14SRP. The Lenz Silver Series are also very suitable, but do not choose the Silver Direct as it will not fit on the chassis.

On-Board LED Lighting

Two PCB light towers, one at each end of the chassis, are fitted with 3 sub-miniature surface-mount LED lamps at each end. The correct current-limiting resistors are also fitted to the towers. The LEDs have been colour-corrected to warm white and are quite intense.

One LED illuminates the twin headlamps of the model, while the other two illuminate the marker lights on each side. The Powerline body has the marker lamps moulded as dummy in-operative lamps, so it is necessary to drill out the moulded lamps to take advantage of the LEDs. A 1.0mm drill and a length of acrylic optic fibre are provided in the kit supplied with the mechanism so you do not have to source anything.

The LED lamps however, only function under DCC control, no circuitry is provided to power them using DC control.

Under DCC, the lamps may be programmed via CVs in most decoders to work how you want. Consult your decoder manual for further instructions on this procedure.

Underframe Detail

A cast pewter fuel tank is provided to replace the one lost on the Powerline chassis. Two forms of fuel tank are available, The smaller 500 Gallon type with the two air tanks alongside suits locomotives 4801 to 4885. The larger 700 Gallon tank suits locomotives 4886 to 48165. The tank is supplied un-painted.

HOn3.5 & HOn3 Versions For the SAR 830 Class

A version can be ordered for 12mm or 10.5mm gauge to suit the SAR 830 Class locomotives. It is identical in all respects except that it is fitted with the slightly narrower Code 88 wheel sets. The 830 Class all had the smaller 500 Gallon fuel tanks. The choice of 12mm or 10.5mm gauge allows SA modelers to have both gauges to represent the South Australian system.

PL and DA Type Locomotives

The Hollywood Foundry 48 Class mechanism is also ideally suited to the PL and DA class locomotives. The very low profile of the In-Line bogies means that they easily fit under the low nose section of these derivatives. The lighting tower board at the short end will have to be removed however to provide clearance.

A Word of Caution

If you are expecting a near-silent drive mechanism, then you will be disappointed. While we do everything we can to produce the best possible product, the type of mechanism we have to employ is not as quiet as the totally enclosed tower units on RTR locomotives.

However, if you wish, it is now possible to order this model with the new belt-drive system, and this drive is significantly quieter than the geared drive.

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