Diesel Loco for downhill gradient

I have just finished building my sunken shed for stock storage. Due to water table problems I have had to lift the shed 6 ins higher than planned and now find myself with a gradient of 1 in 15 between the main line and the shed. My 32mm Locomotion diesel will easily climb this gradient but unfortunately is not controllable downhill as it runs away due to the way the bevel gearbox is designed.

Does anyone know of

1 Any non track power RTR diesels that are controllable downhill.

2 Any alternative braking method I could employ. eg radio control braking vehicle.


I suppose I could go to track power for the gradient section but seems a bit OTT for 5yds of track.
Any ideas most welcome.


David Grantham

What about a tight pair of checkrails that bind on the back of the wheels slightly ... not too tight to derail though or cause it to struggle uphill. If you made them adjustable via a controller, you could vary the retardation or ease it for locos going uphill.

Now here's an idea.

What about something with rubber traction tyres for grip and converted to r/c battery power.

The small LGB 0-4-0 diesel shunters have 1 axle tyred.

US trains motor bogies have tyres and can be picked up reasonably cheaply if scratching something like a chunky box cab banker perhaps. 2 motor bogies with tyres on 1 axle of each bogie should be ok.

I think also the R/C Playmobil chassis has 1 axle rubber tyred too.