The loco is controlled by a 4qd vortex controller and while cruising the 4qd site I noticed a little box of tricks to radio control the loco. As I already have radio control for other toys, sorry models, for the princely sum of £22 I could have a radio controlled loco.

This would be great for the budding 2 year old driver who after one round on the train knows exactly how to drive until it comes to going round a bend or stopping at the end. I could give them the hand controller and just control the loco from a distance, leaving them thinking they were in charge.

For a layout of twenty pounds why not!

The control board is held underneath the dashboard which acts as a secondary heatsink. Underneath that from far left is the radio receiver, battery pack and 4qd interface box.

The radio control transmitter shown with the unit just awaiting the rear of the loco being repositioned.

The set up does not require a servo as the interface talks directly with the control board and radio receiver and is simplicity itself plugging into the normal hand controller input on the control board. The only adjustment was to turn up the gain on the board in order to get full power on the throw of the stick and to adjust the neutral position so the loco comes to a halt when the stick is allowed to return to the centre position.

I have tested the set up on the floor and just waits a trial on the track.