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Historic Miniature Railway Converted to Electric

Plymouth Hoe Gus Hunnybun Train Converted to Electric

Lynch Motors really do make anything move with electric, from large industrial cranes and boats, to miniature railways and leisure rides. 

Last month we had fun fitting our electric drive systems to the iconic Gus Hunnybun miniature train ride on Plymouth Hoe in Devon.  The ride has been entertaining and carrying children for over 50 years, so the new upgrade to electric power had to incorporate the train's original features, whilst complying to the latest health and safety standard.

Lynch electric systems are ultra safe, always within the ‘ultra-safe’ government guidelines and the EU low voltage directive. Being within 24v or 48v DC, makes it safe for customers to install and use our Lynch motors and systems.

There are four trains, that are being refurbished and having our electric drive system fitted.  The system is going to be radio controlled, with each train carriage carrying up to four children.  

We fitted our LEM200 range motors and sigma 4 quadrant control solution, to a bespoke set up for the application.   The system has now been fitted and tested in the first train and we are set to complete the rest.

Whilst just one of our motors has the power and torque to pull all 4 trains, for safety we have installed two, one at the front and one at the back.  This gives the train an in-built redundancy, so one can pull and one can push and there is back up in the unlikely event that one fails.  This is important for safety reasons, as well as to keep the ride going. 

The advantage to having a Lynch motor and indeed two Lynch motors, is that there is more power than required, so the unit will never be working at full capacity, this gives additional longevity to the motor, as it is without strain.   

Why did they decide to use a Lynch Motor?

  • High Torque
  • High Efficiency
  • Durable 
  • Low maintenance & simple design
  • British Made
  • Ongoing servicing

If you have questions about converting your leisure ride or train to electric or hybrid, or servicing too call or email on:

+44 (0) 1404 892 940 

[email protected]