"Surveying The Line To The Millennium
"(PAGE 2)
An Interview with Lewis Polk, President,
Polk’s Model Craft Hobbies, Inc.
Click on Thumbnail images to view larger images.
TATE: The SD-45 will be all new on the outside, with new molds, new graphics and new power trucks, but what about the inside?
LEWIS: True innovation goes well below the surface. Ease of installation for things like radio control add-ins, sound systems, and the conversion from track to battery power are rapidly growing capabilities our customers are asking for. The traditional power distribution boards in our locos have served us well, and continue to be reliable and easy to work with, yet we know the future is in "plug-in" technology.
Here at Aristo-Craft, we’ve been working on a
power distribution system for total locomotive control. Our engineers
have finished the concept and have a working model.
This innovative
control centerboard will be in our diesel locomotives in 2000 and will
follow in other locos as the year progresses. This board accepts Lenz
and other DCC boards on a simple plug in basis, to control such things
as; rear and front lights independently, sound, smoke and speed. This
is a demonstration of our commitment to compatibility in the
marketplace.
Additionally, we’ll also redesign our ART-5490 On-Board radio control unit to plug into this board to give users the broadest choice of operation method.
Who else in the marketplace is willing to redesign a successful, reliable component to provide true plug-in DCC PLUS ON-BOARD RADIO CONTROL?
TATE: If we’re talking about train control, I have to ask you about the updates for the 5470 Train Engineer System.
LEWIS: The TRAIN ENGINEER R/C SYSTEM has undergone an evolution.
Soon to be delivered is the new Train Engineer
ART-5470, which will carry this innovative item well into the next
decade. We have added the capability of 10 different frequencies in
addition to 10 codes on each of those 10 frequencies. Ultimate, total
control for the most elaborate of train layouts in either D.C. or
battery operation. TE System components work with any G Gauge train.
What’s exciting for us is that most TE System components also work
in other D.C. powered gauges, such as N., H.O., S scale, and O scale.
Aristo-Craft has totally re-worked this product using Surface Mount Technology. This means the components are of the highest, most modern grade. It also allows us repair and warranty efficiencies (should they be necessary). Testing and evaluation of components can be computerized. Improved components will deliver the promised, true 300’ range in almost all environments. The TE System will allow the user a choice between Pulse Width Modulation (PWC) or pure, traditional linear control. TE System components will also control accessories remotely, without running long wires from the power pack to the section of the layout where the accessory is located.
Concurrent with this new item is the transmitter’s use with our ART-5490 On-Board Receiver, which allows multi-train control on one track. These miniature receivers provide board controls on individual locomotives. This also facilitates the use of battery-operated trains, where track maintenance is no longer a factor. You can run 10 trains on different frequencies all on one track, or between a group of tracks and sidings without wiring and block problems.
TATE: Okay, you mentioned batteries. Is battery powered running part of your plan for the future?
LEWIS: We believe that track power will continue to be the choice of many model railroaders. We also know that many other modelers, particularly in the outdoor environment, are seeking easy, cost-effective battery power conversions for their equipment. We’re going to meet their need with a Battery Operation Car.
To facilitate train operation without track wiring, block and track maintenance problems prevalent out of doors, we’ve developed a complete and easy to use battery system. That system isn’t a bundle of separate parts, which might take hours to install. We’ve unified the components into one complete unit. That assembled unit is then mounted, at the factory, into one or our cars.
Other than the TE transmitter, everything is included: receiver, batteries, wiring harness, and a car with ball bearing wheels to handle the extra battery weight without trashing it’s journal boxes. The wheels on these cars have a ball bearing inserted within the wheel. This allows the wheel to move while the axle stays fixed. The batteries are a gel, lead acid type providing 18 volts and 3 amps. They can charge in 2 hours and run for several hours. Running time is dependent upon the size of the loco and the number and weight of cars in use.
All of our locos produced in 2000 will have a plug socket to accept both power and R/C control of the locomotive from the support car. We want this to be as easy as coupling cars.
TATE: One of the questions I’m asked regularly is about the introduction of a new steam locomotive. What can we expect in the way of steam?
LEWIS: When I was talking about the new 3 or 4 axle truck, I was hoping you might ask about the application of those trucks toward new steam locomotives. Actually, they’re what we’ve been waiting for. We now have the power platform for two different steam locomotives.
First, there’s the MIKADO STEAM LOCOMOTIVE. The Mikado is a 4 axle steam locomotive also know as a 2-8-2 and has been our most asked for new item. We waited until we had a drive system to handle the 4 axles. Low and behold, our 3 axle modular SD-45 drive is easily converted to 4 axles, merely by adding one more gearbox and making the case longer.
TATE, I want readers to know what we’re working on, but I don’t want to raise expectations beyond what’s happening. This is a longer-term project than the diesel. We are doing it, but no near time delivery is expected. I’m quite excited to say that we’re also making a Vanderbilt Tender to accompany this locomotive. Work has started on this tender project as well. Just don’t ask when it will be ready, but you can be assured it will come.
There’s also a Mountain Class Steam Locomotive on the drawing board as well.
The Mountain class is a longer locomotive than the Mikado and is a 4-8-2. It’s what people have been dreaming about in Large Scale. This is truly a "train boy’s dream" in Large Scale. This is an engine also powered by our new gear box and with a special motor set-up to be announced later. This exciting new motor format will make this a true powerhouse. The Vanderbilt Tender will also accompany this locomotive.
TATE: Diesels, Steam, Radio Control and Battery Power; that’s quite a bit to keep the design and development team busy. I hope that they can find room in their day to give us an expansion in Aristo-Craft’s line of rolling stock.
LEWIS: TATE, can I ask you a question?
I know you have Garden Railroad. How do you clear snow and debris from your tracks?
TATE: The old fashioned way. I bend over and brush off the debris or the snow.
LEWIS: Would you like to have a true, working Wedge Snow Plow Car? Because if you would, you’re wait is about to be over.
Soon to be introduced is a wedge type snowplow car
that is made from authentic drawings of the actual cars used by the
prototype railroads. The shape of the wedge snowplow was followed very
carefully to insure good snow removal action. The molds to accomplish
this took several tries to make the curves functional and for the vane
to be functional and settable according to the needs of the season.
This wedge shaped plow car is designed for placing in front of the
locomotive. Rocks are added for weight and the loco pushes the plow
into the snow on the rails to clear it away. We’ve added a
positional vane to the front of the plow to allow rail height
adjustments.
Frankly we have thought of calling this an All Weather Plow for purposes of removing other debris from the track like leaves or acorns, etc. Not only is this a unique and good-looking car, but it’s fully and practically operational. Added to this car are our new ball-bearing wheels to take the weight of the rocks added for operational ballast. This unit also has a working headlight to light the way for night operation.
I think just about every large-scale modeler will want to have this unique MOW item.