Polar Bear 7 1/4" Gauge Ready-To-Run 0-4-0 For Miniature Railways

Polar Bear 7 1/4" Gauge Ready-To-Run 0-4-0 

Built here at MRW this is a powerful little locomotive with two 1HP motors run from two large lead acid batteries making this a strong loco for its size. Due to the prototype being narrow gauge, these are large locos in 7 ¼ gauge and just right for back gardens or club running. Each axle is chain driven from the motors hence the Polar Bear loco in 7 ¼” gauge has all 4 of its wheels powered. Simply add batteries and enjoy a loco which looks great and works perfectly. The under-pinnings of this design have been sold into many countries and have proved to be robust and reliable equally at home on the club track or garden railway.

 

The main selling point of this loco is its ability to turn incredibly tight corners due to its 400mm / 15.75” wheelbase.

 

Select all options to check the price of loco.

 

Options:

 

• Ready to run loco - £4,495

 

Ready to run loco with all paint and electronics completed ready to run on your home track or club. The Polar Bear is a steel bodied loco which is small enough to fit inside a small car but powerful, meaning it is perfect for a day out at the local club.

 

The locomotive has been proven to be able to pull up to 10 adults with ease (this is subject to gradient and rail head conditions). Both axles are individually powered by a reliable chain drive system. Simply add batteries and enjoy a loco which looks great and works perfectly.

 

• Length : 937mm / 39”

• Width : 385mm / 15”

• Height: 516mm / 21”

• Wheelbase : 245mm / 9.64in

• Total Estimated Weight (Excluding batteries): 77Kg / 170lbs

• Loco conforms with 7 ¼ Society standards.

 

Material: Mild steel frames with EN8 Wheels and axles. The body is Lasercut made from steel to give a lightweight but sturdy body. The body is firmly bolted to the chassis for easy transportation as one unit.

Finish: Painted body work, black powder coated frames, bare metal wheels and mechanism. Available in a colour finish of your own choice but default is as original. For custom nameplates and details please contact us for a quote. 

 

Please note we can not guarantee lead times due to the changing demands of our customers hence please contact us to confirm lead times.

 

We reserve the right to change this specification at any time as part of the ongoing programme of model development.

 

Kit options

To buy as a kit please contact us directly to discuss your requirements. For a fully painted kit which you assemble yourself this is £200 less from the RtR list price.

 

We care about the details

The front of the loco has a powerful 12V LED headlights with cage which is a very close representation of the original. Panels are powder coat finished in scarlet with cream detailing. Names and cream panels are added in vinyl where appropriate. Solid brass handrails and stanchions for front and rear bonnets. Each loco includes vinyl version scale representation of the original BEV makers plates.

 

 

Coupling options

As standard the locos are built with a multi height slot narrow gauge coupling.

 

Electronics and controls

The loco are fitted with car horns which give a clear audible warning to anyone within 20m+ of the loco to warn of approach. The loco runs on 24V requiring two 12V batteries housed inside the locomotive when running. (note batteries are not included)

 

The locomotive is controlled from a handset which is ergonomically designed to ensure comfortable daily use. The locomotive utilises a dead man's feature so that it will stop if the controller is separated from the driver. The locomotive can be fitted with either 4QD controller or Mtroniks. If you have preference over which controller is used in your loco please tell us at the time of your order. All aspects of the loco’s wiring and electrics are professionally fitted to give you peace of mind that the loco will perform correctly and reliably when it arrives to join your growing fleet of locos.
 

For more info on 4QD controllers or MTroniks please consult their respective websites. www.mtroniks.net www.4qd.co.uk

 

 

Details about the design and manufacture

 

The wheel sets are CNC machined in the UK then pressed and locktighted to the axle. The laser cut frames are powder coated whilst the mechanism is bare metal. The high quality of build in the wheelsets mean that every set is consistent and will give many years of reliable use.

 

Intended use

This loco is designed to be used as a “hobbyist loco” it does not have completely waterproof electronics and the components are designed for light irregular use as associated with clubs or home gardens. The loco has not been designed with the intention of daily use and the components have not been specified or designed to be used on a daily basis. If you are looking for a “commercial” locomotive for daily use, please consult our larger more industrially built locos which are priced accordingly and please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements.
 

Braking

The locomotive has inbuilt regenerative braking from the controllers which helps slow the loco and train but this is no substitute for a handbrake or vacuum brake on the train and driving truck.  A vacuum pump should be fitted to the riding truck with associated controls to regulate the vacuum level; this will allow you to run a vacuum-braked train ensuring safe passenger carriage. For more info on vacuum brakes, please consult our dedicated page under the Info tab.

 

Making a purchase

This listing is for one loco, select your options for (Buffers and Soundsystem) from the drop down menu. You may also contact us for large orders and specific requirements or modifications required for your rolling stock. Defective items will be repaired/replaced up to one year from the date of sale - damage caused through improper use is not covered by this guarantee.

 

Monitoring and maintaining your loco

The loco comes with completely sealed roller bearings meaning no greasing is required. It is however recommended that the loco is periodically inspected to ensure there is still free movement of the wheelset and that the electrical & electronic systems function correctly.  MRW holds no liability beyond the value of the product supplied. For full details of our terms and conditions please consult our terms and conditions on this website