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.

Vale of Ffestiniog 5 inch Frequently Asked Questions

This is my first loco, what skills do I need to build it?

Basic hand skills only.We design our kits to be built on the kitchen table with standard hand tools. You will need a couple of hex keys, some spanners, a screwdriver, an understanding partner and a craft knife for the decals. The kit comes with bogies built with the motors and gears installed and wired ready to be plugged into the loco. The wiring loom is fully terminated and we provide both instructions and a wiring diagram. All panels a powder coated in the correct colours, so no need for the paintbrushes.

How long will it take to build the loco?

Two to three days, many of our customers spread the build time over a week or two by doing a few hours now and then. The bogies need the external detailing plates added they are fixed with two bolts on each side. The chassis and body panels are all bolt together and we recommend that the decals are fitted to the panels before construction and whilst the panels can be laid flat. Wiring is very straight forward with 4 ring terminals to be connected for motors and batteries and a 14 pin connector for the control wiring loom.

Do you offer a warranty?

Yes we do, subject to certain conditions; we guarantee your locomotive for 12 months from day of purchase. We will repair or replace any item which fails. We do however exclude items that have been mis-used.

How fast is the loco and how many passengers will it pull?

Speed is around 9-10mph maximum. Passenger hauling is around 1 to 12 passengers depending on gradients and track conditions. We generally find that most club tracks have a speed limit between 5 and 8mph and design the loco speed range to handle this.

What do you get in the Kit?

NB. Kits will vary depending on specification ordered. The following specification is for a standard powered kit.

• Laser cut and CNC folded chassis and body panels powder coated in appropriate colours.
• Wiring loom assembled ready to install with all terminations completed.
• iDrive 180 Digital motor speed controller with remote handset.
• Fast/Slow speed switch.
• Controller isolation switch, LED battery condition/ diagnostics indicator.
• Power wiring loom with fuse holder, fuse and battery connections.
• 6mm laser cut steel front and rear buffer beam, with clevis drawbar coupling on front and rear.
• Remote hand controller with rotary throttle, Deadmans facility, switches for forward and reverse and horns if fitted.
• Bogies assembled and wired.
• Bogie detailing parts, laser cut panels with coiled springs.
• GRP body moulding with lost wax brass detailing kit and separate polyurethane grilles.
• Acrylic window material and rubber window seals.
• Illustrated build manual.
• All fasteners, nuts, nuts bolts and brackets.

How do I place an order?

Just contact us by mail, email or telephone.

Do you deliver?

We can arrange delivery by carrier or you can collect your loco from us.

Can you ship to other countries?

We ship to most countries worldwide. We ship by road or airfreight depending on destination. Shipping is fully insured and is usually to your door. Non EU residents can generally get tax free exports but will be responsible for local taxes or duties if applicable. EU resident sales are inclusive of UK VAT.