The Weisshorn uses as much as possible proven Roundhouse parts

The coal-fired Weisshorn

This model has the same clever boiler design as our other models. On top of that it includes an optional inertia unit with brake and cogwheel, working lights in a very small size without visible wiring, the possibility of a large whistle, a RC controlled steam blower, an improved damper system with small magnets and a hinged roof & backpanel. And it is a model of a still existing locomotive.

Side view of a Weisshorn in a DFB green livery shows the length of the locomotive

The Weisshorn

From 1890, the HG 2/3 type steam locomotives formed the basis of operations on the Visp-Zermatt railway. These were original wet steam tank locomotives with a combined drive for adhesion and gear operation with two coupled axles, a trailing axle and drive gears of the Abt system. The locomotives are intended for mixed operation with a maximum 12% gradient on the rack railway. The livery was original black. Of the eight units originally built by the Schweizerische Lokomotiv- und Maschinenfabrik Winterthur, two locomotives named Weisshorn and Breithorn have remained operational to this day at the Dampfbahn Furka-Bergstrecke in Switzerland. Watch this video.

The model in detail

Despite using reliable Roundhouse parts as much as possible, the model stays close to G scale 1 to 22.5.

The very detailed drawings in this book are used

Full remote controlled functions include regulator, reverser, whistle, damper, brake (optional) and blower. Receiver, rechargeables and all servos except for the regulator and blower servos are fully hidden away. All pictures on this page show the Weisshorn with full Remote Control.

Left: very uncluttered cab and hinged roof & backpanel. Right: enlarged side view of the improved damper system with two very small magnets 1*0.5mm just visible between door handle and brass damper arm.

The cab lay-out is very neat and leaves ample room. The improved damper system with small magnets prevents the damper falling open unexpectedly. Water gauge and regulator & blower hand wheel are close to scale.
The water level of the boiler is easy to read because of the long reading glass of the water gauge. Just like in a real loco, the red-white or black-white background improves readability of the reading glass even further. A black-white background is fitted as standard.
Your locomotive/kit comes with a Jacksons Superior bottle. Topping up is three times faster with less effort.

Water gauge with red, black-white or no background

The Jacksons Superior bottle

Working head, back and cabin lights

The optional inertia unit with brake allows for smooth and slow running (Hitec Hs40 servo not included). Watch this video running slow.
The additional inertia is so high that acceleration and deceleration becomes as slow as in a real HG 2/3. Friction and noise are low thanks to a 2-stage ball-bearing high-ratio gear train and 2 large diameter, high mass flywheels.
The inertia unit is fitted with a cogwheel that fits a LGB rack rail. Important, read this FAQ, how to run on rack track.

To the left: the ash pan with grid of the coal-fired boiler, the springloaded pony truck and the whistle. Mid: the inertia unit with cogwheel and brake (prototype version). Fully right: the wiring of the front lights.

To remove the ash pan with grid, the pony truck can turn fully away

The Weisshorn is easy to drive: you can run without attending coal or water for up to 17-21 minutes (a gas-fired locomotive runs under similar conditions 20-25 minutes). The boiler contains all water for a full run. After a run coal and water is topped up under steam. The advantages of this coal-firing system are explained in the special design features page.
The valve for topping up the water is hidden under the sand dome. The stainless drop down fire door has a built-in damper function to control the heat of the coal fire and hence of the steam pressure. For manual locos see details here.

Back view of a Weisshorn in a DFB blue livery

Keeping the fire going is easy due to a very wide and deep fire-box. The stainless steel ash pan with grate hinges on two pins and can be easily removed. The door of the smoke box can be opened and is fitted with a heat shield on the inside.

Side view of a Weisshorn in a DFB blue livery

Building the Weisshorn

This is not a "build it in one evening" project. However any average modeler with care and patience can build a coal-fired locomotive to be proud of. All painting is left to the builder, minimal drilling and cutting is necessary. Only simple tools are needed. Read the related FAQs (also for required R/C parts such as servos).
The body is riveted together with real rivets. The pictured prototype is fitted with Swiss style lamps as delivered with the kit. The lamps can also be equipped with LEDs. See these instructions.
The kits come complete with boiler certificate and step by step instructions and contain these parts.

Ordering

Open this page: price list, ordering and ordering Roundhouse parts.



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