LaskaKit BabyTrains electric locomotive kit for wooden tracks (Brio, IKEA, Lidl)

Product detailed description

BabyTrains is a collector's model kit of an electric locomotive that you assemble and bring to life yourself, right down to the last component. The model features its own drive with a metal gearbox, functional front lighting, a rechargeable LiPol battery with USB-C charging, and starts moving with a touch of a finger on the cabin roof. You can connect carriages and other locomotives using a magnetic Smart coupler with a ball magnet, eliminating the need to worry about polarity. Assembly can be completed using a soldering iron and basic tools according to the included Czech instructions; 3D models of the locomotives are available for free download on Printables.

Model for hobbyists and collectors aged 14 and up. This is not a toy and is not intended for children. Contains small parts and a strong neodymium magnet.

Behind the project:

• Project Author: The entire BabyTrains project, including the 3D locomotive models, was designed by Ondřej Kabelka. He published all models for free on Printables – thanks, Ondra!
• Control Board: Created in collaboration between Ondřej Kabelka and Chiptron. We had it manufactured based on their specifications.
• Kit: At LaskaKit, we have assembled a complete set – the board and all other components – so you don't have to source everything piece by piece.

Specifications:

• Intended for: hobbyists and collectors aged 14+, assembly requires soldering
• Prototype: Czech electric locomotives of the 362 series and shunting locomotives of the 110 series (depending on the selected variant)
• Gauge: corresponds to the wooden track standard (Brio, IKEA, Lidl and compatible)
• Drive:
  • Motor: DC 12 V with metal gearbox and D-shaft
  • Driven wheels: rear, with a groove for O-rings (rubber "tyres" for better traction)
  • Front axle: freely rotating, 30 mm steel axle
• Power Supply:
  • Battery: LiPol 3.7 V / 580 mAh (2.146 Wh), with connector
  • Charging: USB-C connector on the bottom of the model
  • Charging indication: red LED on the board (lights up when USB-C is connected)
  • Switch: sliding switch on the bottom (position 0 / 1)
• Control: TTP223 capacitive touch button – start and stop by placing a finger on the top of the cabin cover
• Lighting: 2× white LED (front lights), lights up when the switch is turned on
• Control Board: BabyTrains PCB with LiPol charging circuit, USB-C connector, switch and VBAT, VMTR, VGND, VCC, IO, GND pins
• Coupler: magnetic Smart coupler
  • Magnet: neodymium ball magnet, ⌀ 5 mm
  • Advantage: thanks to the ball, the magnet rotates automatically – no need to consider pole orientation
  • Compatibility: with all BabyTrains series models (locomotives, passenger and freight wagons)
• Fasteners: M3×8 screw (cabin cover), M1.6×8 screw (coupler)
• Assembly: requires soldering (motor, button, LED, battery to PCB) – suitable for intermediate modellers and electronics enthusiasts
• Variants:
  • 362 ESO Blue: Class 362 electric locomotive in blue-white livery, including 3D printed parts
  • 362 ESO Blue-Yellow: Class 362 electric locomotive in blue-yellow-grey livery, including 3D printed parts
  • 110 "The Iron" Green: Class 110 shunting locomotive in green livery, including 3D printed parts
  • 110 "The Iron" Orange: Class 110 shunting locomotive in orange livery, including 3D printed parts
  • Without prints: electronics and mechanics only – print the 3D parts yourself using the freely available models
• 3D printed parts (for printed variants): cabin cover, chassis, button holder, 2× front wheel, 2× rear wheel with groove, coupler parts
• Free models for download: full collection
• Recommended tools (not included): soldering iron and solder, tweezers, cutting pliers, M3 screwdriver or hex key, super glue

How the model works:

• Use the switch on the bottom of the chassis to change from position 0 to position 1 – the front LEDs will light up.
• Touch the top of the cabin cover to start the locomotive, and touch it again to stop it.
• Recharge the battery via USB-C at the bottom; a red LED on the board lights up during charging.
• Attach wagons and other locomotives using the magnetic coupler – simply bring them close together.

Package contents:

• 1× BabyTrains PCB (LiPol charger, USB-C, switch)
• 1× LiPol battery 3.7 V / 580 mAh with connector
• 1× DC 12 V motor with gearbox
• 1× TTP223 capacitive touch button
• 2× white LED
• 5× wire
• 1× axle 30 mm
• 2× O-ring
• 1× neodymium ball magnet ⌀ 5 mm
• 1× M3×8 screw
• 1× M1.6×8 screw
• Set of 3D printed parts (only for printed variants – cabin cover, chassis, button holder, 4× wheels, coupler parts)

Important Notice and Safety:

• Model for hobbyists and collectors aged 14 and up. This is not a toy and is not intended for children.
• Both the kit and the assembled model contain small parts – risk of inhalation and choking. Keep out of reach of children.
• Contains a strong neodymium magnet. Swallowing a magnet, especially together with another magnet or a metal object, can cause serious damage to the digestive tract – in such a case, seek medical attention immediately.
• The package contains a LiPol battery. Charge it only using the provided charging electronics via USB-C and never leave it charging unattended.
• Do not short-circuit, puncture, crush, or expose the battery to temperatures above 60 °C and direct sunlight.
• Immediately disconnect and stop using any cell that is swollen, mechanically damaged, or overheating.
• When soldering, ensure correct polarity according to the diagram in the manual – reverse polarity will destroy both the board and the battery.
• Depleted batteries belong in electronic waste collection bins, not in general waste.

Note:

• This product is not a standalone functional unit and may require professional installation.
• Product images are for illustrative purposes only and may sometimes differ from the actual appearance of the item. However, this does not change their basic properties.