CRAIG WEATHERLEY shows us how to add radio control to your larger Scale locomotives.
Back in January, when Piko announced the new radio-controlled G Scale 25T shunting locomotives I got quite excited, and me being me couldn’t wait to get my hands on one to test it for myself. However after a few months there was some even better news - Piko revealed that they were going to be releasing the radio control remote and receiver (PK35040) on its own so you can fit it into any locomotive in your collection.
The unit is surprisingly easy to fit and well-priced. It can be run from either track power 7-22 volts DC or 6-18V DCC from the pickups, or via a battery source. The battery maybe placed inside the locomotive or even a wagon behind.
I fitted this unit into a G Scale Bachmann Percy locomotive and wow! All I had to do was fit the unit between the pickups and the motor, select the correct channels on both the remote and the circuit board, and flick the switch to track power. I then turned on my Z21 DCC control system (yes, DCC) for the track power then with the remote pushed the forward button and hey presto! We had movement.
Here are the specs for the remote and the receiver:
It also comes with a Double Pole Double Throw switch (DPDT) centre off switch already wired to the receiver to allow you to select from track power, battery power or off.