Locomotives you might see on a visit to the Railway
Jim (Scamp)
JIM is of the Scamp design, and was constructed in 2021 by the owner.
JIM is petrol engined, electric motor driven. The engine drives the dynamo, and the power to the electric motor is controlled by an electronic controller. The motor then drives the two axles via a layshaft and chains.
Dynamo and motor (identical units) are 800W, absorbing the ~1.25 HP of the engine.
Clasp brakes are fitted to all four wheels.
Various bonnet styles have been made available, including Lister, Scamp car, and Orenstein and Koppel. JIM has a Ruston bonnet and buffing.
Scamp was originally designed around the Suffolk Punch lawnmower engine; JIM has a modern LIFAN 152F, fitted Feb 24.
The design is based around laser cut steel parts for the main chassis, engine and dynamo mounting, and many other parts. The builder chooses the engine, and purchases motors etc.
JIM operates at 36 volts, and has a higher spec electronic controller – the Porter 100 from 4QD. This incorporates resistive braking, requiring the wheel brakes to be used only for parking.
Vacuum braking apparatus is fitted, to operate the brakes on the coaches at Bentley Miniature Railway. This is powered from a 12 volt battery in the seat box.
