The Distler Three Phase System
Distler introduced an unusual three phase power system for part of their range from 1952 to 1961, the locos running on conventional three rail 0 gauge track, but with all three rails insulated and seperately powered by a special transformer/controller built by Siemens. The three phases are split 90/90/180 rather than the more conventional 120/120/120, and the motors are believed to be war surplus, but from what? The range comprises two steam locos and two overhead electric locos, with three freight cars and three passenger cars. Both locos and rolling stock are easily identified by the couplings, each of which was designed to hook under the buffer beam of the adjoining car, rather than to an adjoining coupling. The buffers used had a very short shank, to avoid buffer lock. Interesting to note the longer buffer shanks on the front of the steam loco, where no coupling is fitted.
Distler three phase 2-4-2 tender loco passenger set (with controller and additional track) |
Distler three phase 2-4-2 tender loco passenger set (with controller and additional track) |
Distler three phase 2-4-2 tender loco passenger set (with controller and additional track) |
Distler three phase 2-4-2 tender loco passenger set (with controller and additional track) |
Distler three phase 2-4-2 tender loco passenger set (with controller and additional track) |
Distler three phase 2-4-2 tender loco passenger set (with controller and additional track) |
Distler three phase 2-4-2 tender loco passenger set (with controller and additional track) |
Distler three phase 2-4-2 tender loco passenger set (with controller and additional track) |
Distler three phase 2-4-2 tender loco passenger set (with controller and additional track) |
Distler three phase 2-4-2 tender loco |
Distler three phase 2-4-2 tender loco |
Distler three phase 2-4-2 tender loco |
Distler three phase overhead electric loco, based on the German E94 class |
Distler three phase overhead electric loco, based on the German E94 class |
Distler three phase overhead electric loco, based on the German E94 class |
Distler three phase overhead electric loco, based on the German E94 class |
Distler three phase overhead electric loco, based on the German E94 class |
Distler three phase overhead electric loco, as the E94, but without bonnets and bogies |
Distler three phase overhead electric loco, as the E94, but without bonnets and bogies |
Distler three phase overhead electric loco, as the E94, but without bonnets and bogies |
Distler baggage car, for three phase locomotives |
Distler passenger coaches, for three phase locomotives |
Distler passenger coaches, for three phase locomotives |
Distler goods (freight) vehicles, box van, for three phase locomotives |
Distler goods (freight) vehicles, open wagon, for three phase locomotives |
Distler goods (freight) vehicles, tank wagon Co-op, for three phase locomotives |
Distler goods (freight) vehicles, tank wagon Co-op, for three phase locomotives |
Distler goods (freight) vehicles, tank wagon Mobil, for three phase locomotives |
Distler goods (freight) vehicles, tank wagon Mobil, for three phase locomotives |
Distler goods (freight) vehicles, side tipping wagon, for three phase locomotives |
Distler goods (freight) vehicles, side tipping wagon, for three phase locomotives |
Distler goods (freight) vehicles, Warteck Bier wagon, for three phase locomotives Home made, possibly using Hornby wine barrels? |
Motor used in the Distler three phase locos |
Siemens Controller in the Distler three phase locos |
Siemens Controller in the Distler three phase locos |
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