ESU 31284 – Hectorrail diesel locomotive, T66 713 Era VI, Sound+Smoke, DC/AC

Hectorrail diesel locomotive, T66 713, epoch VI, grey/orange, Sound+Smoke, DC/AC

The Class 66/77 is equipped with a load-dependent, clocked smoke generator, which produces smoke plumes of different intensity depending on the load. The built-in sensors, which provide situation-related noises in curves, are controlled by a LokSound V5.0 M4 decoder. In addition to DCC with RailComPlus®, this “jack of all trades” also understands the M4 protocol and therefore registers itself with the ESU ECoS or Märklin® central station. Because it also controls Motorola® or Selectrix®, nothing stands in the way of using the ESU Class 66/77 on all common command stations.

The integrated PowerPack energy storage ensures that comfortable operation is possible even on dirty rails. Two loudspeakers emit the unique two-stroke diesel sound in a particularly differentiated manner through the etched fan grille in the roof. A complete lighting system including driver’s cab lighting, driver’s desk lighting and shunting lighting with warm white LEDs round off the technical equipment. All the light effects present in the prototype can be displayed, including the “hazard warning lights” or dual headlights that are customary in Belgium.
The frame and housing of the model are made of metal and, thanks to a weight of around 590 g, ensure prototypical traction. All structural differences between the variants are taken into account on the ESU models. The ECR locomotive carries air conditioning systems on the roof, wind deflectors on the side windows and rectangular buffers. Like the originals, you will also find different covers for the battery boxes on the models.

The Class 66/77 is a hybrid model which, with a wheel set internal dimension of 14.1 mm, enables safe operation on two- and three-rail tracks. For two-wire operation, the center grinder simply has to be pulled off with the enclosed tool. Complete.

Embedded in a metal frame is a five-pole precision motor with a slanted winding and a noise-optimized commutator – developed by ESU. This transmits its power, tamed by two thick flywheels via a worm/spur gear to four of the six axles. LEDs in the bogies ensure realistic flickering during the braking process.