Man looking for 32mm r/c battery train ...

[steampig]

This was posted over on the steam forum (thread 'Mamod nightmares') - it's fairly self explanatory:

"Hi i recently done up my garden and installed a mamod railway for.me and the kids, after a few weeks of purchasing two mamod.locos im having nothing but trouble and the kids are just not interested. Can anybody recomend a decent battery powered rc train suitible for mamod track so i can at least have something reliable for the kids to see while i persist with the steam..."

There's 45mm gauge stuff easily available, but what about 32mm? So far he has lots of help and advice with his steaming problems, but no suggestions for a battery r/c stop-gap (I think it needs to be an off-the-shelf job).

[andymctractor]

I'm a bit lazy when it comes to steam and a Mamod wouldn't stay on my running list for long but there are others on here who swear by them.  Steam for me is a bonus but when I want an easy life its radio controlled battery powered diesel outline  
rtr diesels - I've got a radio controlled Roundhouse Criccieth Castle which is a brilliant loco though a bit pricey  but also available is the Little John which are all fitted with radio control, though I don't have one myself yet.  
So long as you keep them charged up and give them a little tlc now and again they will take the stress out of operating days for both him and the kids.

[Andrew]

My kids have just spent the afternoon shunting with my new Little John, a great little loco. Relatively pricey of course, compared to a Mamod, but very good...

Hope you find something that works for you,

Andrew.

[Big Jim]

Triang Big Big, or Faller stuff,
Cheapish and reasonably kiddy proof.
Failing that one of the budget loco kits from IP or HGLW etc.

My 2 1/2 plays with a Faller battery loco and few manky wagons quite happily for hours on the floor of 'Daddies Shed' A small circle of plastic track Faller or Lima/Big Big does not cost much and can be moved about. Add a few small figures from the local charity shop or toybox and away you go.

I don't know how old your kids are but a HGLW or IP kit could be joint project either to build or even just paint in lurid colours.