The Home Machinist!

Introducing the newest electric engine on the market, the GE 23 Tonner for 1.5" scale. Below is a list of engine specifications and pricing breakdowns to help fit into any budget. A lot of engineering time and testing has gone into this engine to ensure that the customer gets the best quality at the best price, regardless of the level of completeness. This engine would make a great starter engine for anyone getting into the hobby or for someone who want to downsize and just have something fun to run. There is a lot of information in this post, but if you find something is missing, please feel free to PM me.

Engine Specifications & Features:
Gauge: 7½” or 7¼” (dual gauge compatible)
Steel Wheels: 0.875” width
Motor: (1) 500W 24V scooter motor
Electrical System: 24V for Syren 50A motor controller; 12V for accessories
Fits Group 24 & 27 Batteries
Dimensions: 28” long w/ couplers, 14” wide, 18” high
Weight w/ batteries: ~200 lbs.
Top Speed: 10mph
Tractive Effort: ~60 lbs.
Frame material: ¼” Steel
Body and Roof material: 16 gauge steel
Regenerative Braking
MU Capability
RC Compatible
Integrated battery straps

Pricing Tiers
Tier I: Non-welded, machined kit. Includes all steel components for frame, body and roof. Tab and slot construction means no special jigs required for welding. Comes with journal boxes, bearings, springs, coupler pocket, and all hardware to attach parts to frame. Does not include wheels, axles or drive train components but list of supplies and vendors are provided. $750 + shipping.

Tier II: Welded running chassis. Includes wheels, axles, sprockets, motor, chain, welded frame and body. Frame, body and roof are E-coated to provide superior rust prevention and are ready for final painting. Does not included electrical components but list of parts is provided. $1450 + shipping.

Tier III: Ready-to-Run engine. Includes all Tier II parts + complete wired electrical system w/ handheld controller, working Tom Bee couplers, grabirons and other detail parts. Electrical system includes Syren 50A motor controller, battery disconnect, horn, hi/low headlights, controller disconnect protection (power to motor controller cutoff when handheld controller is removed) and engine kill switch. Does not include batteries. $2250 + shipping.

Additionally, when purchasing a Tier I or II kit, you can purchase the running gear or electrical parts separately and assemble yourself for additional savings. All tiers or options come with easy step by step information for assembly and wiring diagrams as needed.

Option A: Drive system components. Used with Tier I and includes the wheels, axles, sprockets, motor, chain cut to length with connectors, and all associated hardware. $450 and shipping is included.

Option B: Electrical box and components. Used with either Tier I or II and includes assembled electrical box, handheld controller, headlight assembly and all associated hardware. Just mount to the engine and finish wire connections (all connections labeled) to get up and running). $550 and shipping is included.


We will also have some pre-production Ready-to-Run units for sale at a reduced price of $2000 as they have some track time on them and some prototype parts but are completely functional and include all the Tier III features above. They will be available for sale by August 1st and will be first come, first served.

If you are interested in any of the offering or would like additional information, please feel free to comment below or send a PM to place an order. At this time, no money is required until the engine is ready to ship. I expect production units to be ready to ship by September.

A nice offering!
RussN

Looks cool! Good luck on sales.

The MU capability was tested over the weekend with fantastic results. A video was posted to my Facebook page (Pacific Design Shops).

I also took the chance to take pictures of the units connections (both mechanical and electrical) to show what the final product will look like. A set of instructions to build the unit as well as wiring diagrams will be available for anyone (regardless if you want to purchase a unit or not) and those should be ready in about a month.

Would it be possible to set one up to MU with a Hartford Shops/Artzberger Plymouth?

It could potentially be complicated, but not impossible. The electrical side would be easy if you could upfit the other engine with a Syren controller. Mechanically you would have to calculate the speed of the motor and wheels and find a gearing ratio to match the two different units together. Matching wouldn't be complicated as there are many size sprockets to choose from but depending on what the ratio had to be, you could run into a space issue with not having enough room under the engine.