Introducing Dragonfly - 7 1/4" Gauge Electric Locomotive

This is Dragonfly, my very first 7 1/4" gauge locomotive. In this video I overview the many features and quirks of the locomotive, and outline some of my future plans.
Thanks for watching!
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Links:
Instagram: gleaverailwaycompany
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Credits:
Music I Use: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music
License code: F0OVYGRAZRMBLFEI

[@mcraft1]

Wow wonderful ❤

[@TrenUluxo]

I need one of these in my life

[@GleaveMakes]

Don't regret a thing, do itttt

[@stevemellin5806]

Nice locomotive .

[@roseroserose588]

Looks like great fun - I was surprised to see only one battery, most of the 5" electrics that run at the club I'm a member of have two - although they do also have 4 motors apiece rather than just the one. The printed parts look great, especially the controller bracket. I suspect the flap on the seat isnt meant to be loose, looks as though it used to be glued round like the front but the glue's since given up

[@GleaveMakes]

Thanks for the comment! Absolutely, it is rather strange. Definitely thing this is in part why I lose some on the power end of things. For now it works well, but still exploring options - stay tuned!

[@k8zhd]

I presume you know, or have learned by now, that you are not going to get shocked in any way by a 12 volt battery. It's far below the voltage that would have any deleterious effect on a living thing -- even that fly. Beautiful loco, and a great birthday present.

[@GleaveMakes]

Haha thank you! Movies and TV have told me that you can torture a POW using a car battery which I now realise is completely unrealistic! Touched the contacts and nothing, boy do I feel like an idiot. Live and learn, thank you!

[@k8zhd]

@@GleaveMakes 😄 Yeah, probably best not to learn about electricity from Hollywood movies. But it certainly will be worth your while to learn about how your loco works so you can keep it running and troubleshoot it when needed.

[@JacksonSubNScaleModelRailroad]

Ok, So I kept seeing signs along the route that have "SW" on them. what does that mean? My first assumption was "switch" but I never saw one, and when I did see switches, there were no signs. ? Confusing... Also, seeing how I'm in the U.S., we use knuckle couplers. Would those be of a better option than a bar coupler?

[@GleaveMakes]

SW means 'Sound Whistle' - bit vintage from the days of steam engines. If you notice all the points where there is a SW sign is usually when there's a foot crossing, or somewhere where people could be walking. Also used on this layout in the case of two tracks joining as there isn't full signalling all the way round - just to make others aware that you're there. Knuckle couplings are very cool, I use them on my G scale locomotives and rolling stock (video coming soon!) but in the UK bar couplings are very common for 7 1/4" locomotives so it's best for compatibility.

[@ontherailsuk]

Brilliant video, i have subscribed. I have a 7 1/4 phoenix Tug, currently being worked on but almost ready

[@GleaveMakes]

Thank you so much! Ah the Phoenix Tug, they are great - considered one of those but this was an absolute steal. Have definitely had my moneys worth in enjoyment both using and modifying it.

[@ontherailsuk]

@@GleaveMakes No worries! My local club now has quite a few phoenix locos, my tug and then the club owns a Titan, ‘Project Loco 2’ and Warship.

[@GleaveMakes]

@@ontherailsuk ah fab! What club are you part of?

[@ontherailsuk]

@@GleaveMakes I’m a part of Norwich DSME. We have our railway at Eaton Park also in Norwich. We’ve got a raised track which is 3 1/2 and 5” gauge which is currently out of service but almost ready to be used again and our ground level track which is 5 and 7 1/4”.

[@GleaveMakes]

@@ontherailsuk nice! ADMES has the same set-up. Quite a way away from eachother though!

[@49toddy]

Is the oval plate with 5 B not a replica Shed Plate for 5B - which was Crewe South?

[@GleaveMakes]

Ah! It came from the Crewe railway museum so that makes sense!!

[@Dccrailways831]

Hi great video! Could you possibly send me the file for the 4Qd holder? I work at a miniature railway in Kent and the controllers are always on the floor.

[@GleaveMakes]

Hi there, very sorry for the delay - I have just uploaded the file to Printables: www.printables.com/model/975262-4qd-hand-controller-holder Please post any makes on the printables page, would love to see my design in use! Enjoy :)

[@darthgallion]

What is your motor size? and are those car batteries?

[@GleaveMakes]

I believe it is about 250w, so pretty underpowered. They are car batteries yes. Once I have a bigger space, I plan to completely replace the motor with two larger motors, and different batteries. For now, they do a good enough job, just very limited pulling power especially up inclines.

[@Patrick-sg4gl]

Does a company make this loco?

[@GleaveMakes]

No custom built by someone else! I believe parts of it are ready made like the tender frame, but no idea where from

[@BobsTrains28]

if you dont mind how much was it ?

[@GleaveMakes]

Paid £950 if I remember correctly, through Facebook Marketplace.

[@followinghim5194]

what that cost ?

[@GleaveMakes]

Paid £950 if I remember correctly, through Facebook Marketplace.

[@charlesbolduc2796]

When you making grasshopper

[@GleaveMakes]

Grasshopper?