Phoenix locos are UK based international distributors of high quality, affordable battery electric model locos,
rolling stock and loco bogies in 5 inch and 7.25 inch gauge that are ideal as club locos or in garden railways.

Polar Bear Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you make Polar Bear?

The Polar Bear is very much a personal whim. I have fond memories of the Groudle Glen Railway on the Isle of Man and Polar Bear epitomises that railway.

Is it built to scale?

The Groudle Glen railway is a 2ft gauge railway so Polar Bear is 9ft 7 inches long and 3ft 8in wide with a wheelbase of 2ft 6inches. Our version is 3ft 21/2inches long and 1ft 3inches wide, so it is very roughly 1/3rd scale. It was very important that we get the look of the loco correct, so we ensured we had the proportion as close to original as possible.

Will it negotiate a tight radius?

Having a very short wheelbase of just over 91/2inches means it will go around very tight radii.

Can it Haul passengers?

Polar Bear may be small, but it weighs in at just 170 pounds (76.75kg) with the batteries it will be close to 200 pounds, so it has good tractive weight. When you couple that with two 1Hp electric motors you have a loco capable of hauling a good passenger load with ease.

Does the kit come painted?

We supply the black chassis and steel body panels powder coat finished in scarlet. We supply the cream detailing panels in vinyl. We can fit the vinyl panels for you or send them for you to fix.

Do you supply any other liveries?

You can choose Polar Bear or Sea Lion. IF you would prefer your own colour scheme just let us know. The kit is supplied in three colours so you can choose to change the basic three and add extra colours at £30 per colour.

How many batteries does it have?

We recommend two 12v batteries. We use a pair of 80Ah batteries which will run all day and recharge in approx. 4 hours.

Is it a bolt together kit?

Yes, it is. The chassis is supplied welded, and powder coated in black the powder coated body panels are rolled to shape and will just need to be bolted into place. The wiring loom comes with full instructions. We supply all the parts including all the fasteners you will need to build the kit.