The Hesketh Frequently Asked Questions

What comes with the loco?

  • A welded laser cut steel chassis finished in black powder coat.
  • All drive train components, wheels, axles, sprockets, chains, bearings, springs.
  • 24volt Bosch 1 HP DC Motor with drive sprocket and mounting frame.
  • Digital motor speed controller with all wiring and fuses and a remote handset.
  • Powder coated, all steel welded bonnet and cab with a rolled steel roof.
  • Building and running instructions and a 12 month warranty.

Why is the body powder coated?

Powder coating is used on a lot machinery such as motorcycle and bicycle frames, it is durable and fade resistant. You can touch up scratches the same way you touch up any other paint finish.

What batteries will I need?

You will need two 12v batteries.

You can use car, leisure, semi-traction or full traction batteries.

We can advise you on the best type for your application.

How long will the loco run on one charge?

Typically between 3 and 12 hours depending on the type of batteries you install, the state of charge and the workload of the loco.

Hauling 10 passengers round a track with heavy gradients and tight radii will use up your batteries quicker than running light engine round a flat and level track with generous curves.

How many passengers will it haul?

Again, this is dependent on track conditions; we have hauled 15 people comfortably on a typical garden railway.

Most clubs would expect it to take 2 passenger cars with 4 people on each and we designed the loco with this in mind.

Are the controls in the loco?

We have provided a driving desk inside the loco and this houses the ancillary components.

The main controls are in a remote handset and allow you to sit on a riding car at a comfortable height with all major controls to hand.

The handset features a sprung power lever with ' Deadman's ' facility, forward/reverse selector. Battery indicator and two ancillary switches for use on accessories such as lights etc.

How powerful is the motor?

The motor is 750watt and is rated at 1hp.

It is a 24v DC permanent magnet motor made by the famous Bosch Company.

Are both axles driven?

Yes, we use chain drive from the motor to a central lay-shaft then out to each axle. So you could say the Hesketh is four-wheel-drive!

Do you get a guarantee?

Your loco has a 12month warranty against faulty components or failure.

A copy of the warranty is available on request. We do not warrant against misuse, abuse or accidental damage. Conditions apply to the warranty.

Do you get instructions?

Each loco is supplied with a full set of illustrated instructions covering operation of the loco, care and maintenance.