Why You Need a Motor Disconnect Switch on an Electric Locomotive | 7.5" Gauge, 2.5" Scale Critter

If you are building an electric locomotive for 7.5" gauge 1.5"/1.6" scale trains, you will want to install a disconnect switch on your traction motors to make the locomotive easier to push when loading in and out of your truck, or when the batteries die on the track.

[@ccrx6700]

Now thatvwas interesting Matt can't wait for Mill Creek see this in action 👍😎😊

[@mattkinnard6899]

Glad you found it neat! Don't remind me how fast that is approaching, I have a lot of track work to do yet!

[@ccrx6700]

@@mattkinnard6899 track work right down my alley 🤣

[@mattkinnard6899]

@@ccrx6700 creeping up on 6 miles of track to maintain, all done by hand. Someone needs to build a 7.5" gauge tamper/regulator

[@ccrx6700]

@@mattkinnard6899 next winter project for you 😊

[@mattkinnard6899]

@@ccrx6700 that would be super cool... And expensive!

[@tonyordaziii7250]

How much does a 2-10-2 steam locomotive weigh. What's the length of an 2-8-8-4 steam locomotive and how much does it weigh in 7.5"gauge.

[@minnesotaeerailroad8471]

Why though? For pushing it around or is it good for the motors’ longevity or something like that?

[@mattkinnard6899]

Mostly just for pushing around, such as unloading from a pickup truck at a meet. Or if something breaks, it's easier for another locomotive to pull it pack to the repair track or load/unload facility.

[@minnesotaeerailroad8471]

Awesome! Thanks!

[@TriGogglin]

Don't want to hit that on the hill at mill creek, you'd have a big problem.. 🤣🤣🤣 oh wait that's not funny.. 😮

[@mattkinnard6899]

You are not wrong, but that is why I have three braking systems!

[@LordPhobos6502]

@@mattkinnard6899 Where I work, I'm told three independent braking systems are needed to qualify as safe for service (dynamic, disc brake, track electromagnets)

[@mattkinnard6899]

@@LordPhobos6502 neat! I have dynamic, disc, and train air brakes.

[@Anti-Groomer]

I was in to trains but then I turned 9, grew up and got a life.

[@mattkinnard6899]

But yet here you are, watching a train video... Oh the irony.