Well I have had some 1mm steel folded into sides for a riding car 1500mm long. Welded up a simple frame from mild steel flat and angle, and mounted the bogies - with two polycarbonate discs as bearing surfaces rather than rubbing blocks.
Then, having no prospect of a locomotive in the short term, I decided to motorise the riding car. Had a wheel on each axle press off, chain sprockets fitted on the axles, and wheels replaced. Procured a 250watt 24volt geared motor from Oatley, a $5 speed controller from China, found a couple of switches and cable lying around, and a battery...Welded a bracket onto the cross bolster, fabricated an adjustable motor mount, installed the bogie and then the chain; voila motorised riding car!
With 12 volts happily carries Maz and me - say 180kg - on the flat. Great traction with me over the driven bogie!!!
Put two truck batteries inside giving 24volts 700CCA - WOW, smoking' Acceleration!!!
Better make the new wagon a bit presentable.
