Locomotive Speed for Children?

[ron]

Hi All
I have collected most of the parts for the drive for a 4 wheel battery loco, ie motor, gearbox and controller and now need to calculate sprockets and chain for a final drive, I was aiming at a top speed of 5mph, as the loco is being built primarly for young children to drive, does this seem a reasonable speed to aim for?
Ron

[jgb7573]

Sounds fine to me. Depends a bit on the track they'll be using (sharp curves etc.), but they can't come to too much harm at that speed.

[drjohn]

Hi Ron

For young children, 5mph I would think is a bit fast - a fairly brisk walking pace to keep up with it - I'd aim for a leisurely walking pace.

You could always arrange a kiddy limit which could be overridden when an adult is in charge.

DJ

Belated new year greetings.

[AndrewP]

I geared my little electric, built for my grand daughter who was then 9, for about 5mph and it is certainly sufficient to amuse her. That is on the club raised track mind. For smaller ones I would be a lot happier being able to walk alongside easily as DJ said.
Cheers,
Andy

[smallbrother]

Our little Maxitrak battery/elec does 6mph according to the spec. This does seem quite fast when I am driving or looking at my 6 yr old driving it.

I'm lucky that my little one is a careful type, and he can drive amongst other locos quite safely. I don't think many of his schoolmates would be as careful.

It is a case of control of the individual rather than the loco in my view. Reckless driving at 4mph could do a lot of damage.

Pete.

[ron]

Hi
Thanks for the replies, I think I'll aim for a theoretical 5mph, presumably then in reality it will be slightly slower, the gears and chain are pretty cheap so if I get it wrong it's easily rectified, after I posted I tried pedalling my pushbike at a constant 5mph and surprisingly it does feel quite a fast speed for a small loco.
Ron
PS Hi DJ, a belated guid New Year to you too, hope you're on the mend