| |
Hello all,
Here is a small review about the motorization of 9V switch points prepared
originally in French for friends from Freelug. With the help of Didier Enjary
for translation, Gaël Frazier for a final proofreading and Jean-Louis
Bergamo (webmaster of Freelug) for publication. Thank you guys :-)
http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186
Enjoy,
Philippe “Frogleap” Label
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
| |
Hello all,
Here is a small review about the motorization of 9V switch points prepared
originally in French for friends from Freelug. With the help of Didier
Enjary for translation, Gaël Frazier for a final proofreading and
Jean-Louis Bergamo (webmaster of Freelug) for publication. Thank you guys
:-)
http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186
|
Wow! That’s the most comprehensive collection I’ve yet seen. VERY nice work, and
thanks muchly for helping the community out this way. Much appreciated.
Spotlighted (and added to the header as soon as I get a chance!)
Viva la FREELUG! (I’ll have to wear my FREELUG shirt to work tomorrow...)
++Lar
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
| |
Hello all,
Here is a small review about the motorization of 9V switch points prepared
originally in French for friends from Freelug. With the help of Didier
Enjary for translation, Gaël Frazier for a final proofreading and
Jean-Louis Bergamo (webmaster of Freelug) for publication. Thank you guys
:-)
http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186
Enjoy,
Philippe “Frogleap” Label
|
I’m with Larry--very nice to see a resource like this!
I’m going to try to put together a few tonight!
Merci!
Dave K
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
> Hello all,
>
> Here is a small review about the motorization of 9V switch points prepared
> originally in French for friends from Freelug. With the help of {Didier
> Enjary} for translation, {Gaël Frazier} for a final proofreading and
> {Jean-Louis Bergamo} (webmaster of [Freelug]) for publication. Thank you guys
Comprehensive, but there is a interesting third kind of approach (I propose to
call it the minimalist-trend) devised by Rick Clark, and I believe it's not
mentioned in your article:
http://news.lugnet.com/trains/?n=16648
This method overrides the switch leaver mechanism completly, and just pushes the
bit of spingloaded movable rail (the tongue) with a minifig spear.
Advantages: No modification, and still very little power needed.
Drawbacks: Train can't push the switch open when it enters the switch from the
non set direction, and electrical power routing is disabled.
With friendly greetings, M. Moolhuysen.
|
|
| |
Here is another very easy way for your consideration, all you need is the
actuator from the 12V points/switch or the 12V automatic level crossings, a
short length of string (Lego string is good :-) ) and a dab of glue.
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=65562
Of course the yellow lever must be in the position shown and it does not move
when the points are actuated. If a train comes through ‘against’ the points it
can easily push the movable piece against the weak magnetism of the actuator.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
| |
Hello all,
Here is a small review about the motorization of 9V switch points prepared
originally in French for friends from Freelug. With the help of Didier
Enjary for translation, Gaël Frazier for a final proofreading and
Jean-Louis Bergamo (webmaster of Freelug) for publication. Thank you guys
:-)
http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186
Enjoy,
Philippe “Frogleap” Label
|
That’s very interesting reading. Thanks.
But I’ve never had to modify points to use my controller design. It does take
some time to find elastic bands with the right amount of tension, but it can
deliver just enough power to switch an unmodified point, and still slip if it is
left on too long.
I prefer a directional control with this over-run protection, rather than an
oscillating type with a semaphore.
Jason Railton
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
| |
Hello all,
Here is a small review about the motorization of 9V switch points prepared
originally in French for friends from Freelug. With the help of Didier
Enjary for translation, Gaël Frazier for a final proofreading and
Jean-Louis Bergamo (webmaster of Freelug) for publication. Thank you guys
:-)
http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186
Enjoy,
Philippe “Frogleap” Label
|
Thanks very much for the comprehensive analysis, Philippe.
A compendium like yours inspires us all to build other designs, incorporate new
ideas with our existing ones, and move the whole effort forward. After reading
your reviews, my curiousity’s piqued towards another semaphore design based on
Chris Alano’s drive mechanism, with further extension of the drive lever.
Here’s a link to my latest design, which I used at our last show:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.jpg
...and the associated .mpd file:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.mpd
Credit goes to Chris Alano for the drive mechanism.
Ed
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, John Hill wrote:
| |
Here is another very easy way for your consideration, all you need is the
actuator from the 12V points/switch or the 12V automatic level crossings, a
short length of string (Lego string is good :-) ) and a dab of glue.
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=65562
Of course the yellow lever must be in the position shown and it does not move
when the points are actuated. If a train comes through ‘against’ the points
it can easily push the movable piece against the weak magnetism of the
actuator.
|
Hi John,
Thank you for this complement. Do you think the 12V actuator could work with a
9V tension? I don’t have such 12V actuator yet but your suggestions is very
smart and so simple.
Philippe.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Jason J. Railton wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
| |
Here is a small review about the motorization of 9V switch points prepared
originally in French for friends from Freelug. With the help of Didier
Enjary for translation, Gaël Frazier for a final proofreading and
Jean-Louis Bergamo (webmaster of Freelug) for publication. Thank you
guys :-)
http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186 • ...
|
That’s very interesting reading. Thanks.
But I’ve never had to modify points to use my controller design. It does
take some time to find elastic bands with the right amount of tension, but it
can deliver just enough power to switch an unmodified point, and still slip
if it is left on too long.
I prefer a directional control with this over-run protection, rather than an
oscillating type with a semaphore.
Jason Railton
|
Hi Jason,
Thank you for this additionnal information. Actually, I tested your system on a
new switch point and I did not think of testing several variations of elastic
bands to find the right one. Sorry for misleading readers about your system. I
do prefer too a directional control, rather than an oscillating one.
Philippe.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Ed McGlynn wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
| |
Here is a small review about the motorization of 9V switch points prepared
originally in French for friends from Freelug. With the help of Didier
Enjary for translation, Gaël Frazier for a final proofreading and
Jean-Louis Bergamo (webmaster of Freelug) for publication. Thank you
guys :-)
http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186 • ...
|
Thanks very much for the comprehensive analysis, Philippe.
A compendium like yours inspires us all to build other designs, incorporate
new ideas with our existing ones, and move the whole effort forward. After
reading your reviews, my curiousity’s piqued towards another semaphore design
based on Chris Alano’s drive mechanism, with further extension of the drive
lever.
Here’s a link to my latest design, which I used at our last show:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.jpg
...and the associated .mpd file:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.mpd
Credit goes to Chris Alano for the drive mechanism.
Ed
|
Hi Ed,
This is the simplest power unit I’ve ever seen! I’ll have to build it ASAP.
Thanks a lot,
Philippe.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
Do you think the 12V actuator could work with
Hi Philippe,
yes, mine operate from 9V but the string must have a little slack when it is in
the relaxed position. This gives the mechanism a chance to accumulate some
inertia before it has to do any work.
I think it would work even better if you used ‘SNOB’* techniques so that the
capstan is the same level as the rail thereby allowing a direct path for the
string.
- = ‘Studs now on bottom’ :-)
|
|
| |
...snip...
| |
Here’s a link to my latest design, which I used at our last show:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.jpg
...and the associated .mpd file:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.mpd
Credit goes to Chris Alano for the drive mechanism.
|
Ed, the .mpd file is missing a part. MLCAD tells me file X169.dat is missing!
I *think* its the rubber band you used for the design but I’m not sure. Could
it be possible for you to update the .mpd file. Thanks
-AHui
A&M LWorks
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Ahui Herrera wrote:
| |
...snip...
| |
Here’s a link to my latest design, which I used at our last show:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.jpg
...and the associated .mpd file:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.mpd
Credit goes to Chris Alano for the drive mechanism.
|
Ed, the .mpd file is missing a part. MLCAD tells me file X169.dat is
missing! I *think* its the rubber band you used for the design but I’m not
sure. Could it be possible for you to update the .mpd file. Thanks
-AHui
|
Ahui -
You can find the missing x169.dat file here, thanks to Orion Pobursky:
http://news.lugnet.com/cad/dat/parts/?n=4282
If you can’t locate it, I can send it to you.
That’s the Technic 1x2 Liftarm that I use in the model’s Lever.dat subfile.
It’s a critical element, as it connects the floating, rotatable axle with the
pin attached to the peice that drives the switch mechanism...a picture would do
better here, but I’m an FTX clutz.
Ed
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Ed McGlynn wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Ahui Herrera wrote:
| |
...snip...
| |
Here’s a link to my latest design, which I used at our last show:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.jpg
...and the associated .mpd file:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.mpd
Credit goes to Chris Alano for the drive mechanism.
|
Ed, the .mpd file is missing a part. MLCAD tells me file X169.dat is
missing! I *think* its the rubber band you used for the design but I’m not
sure. Could it be possible for you to update the .mpd file. Thanks
-AHui
|
Ahui -
You can find the missing x169.dat file here, thanks to Orion Pobursky:
http://news.lugnet.com/cad/dat/parts/?n=4282
If you can’t locate it, I can send it to you.
That’s the Technic 1x2 Liftarm that I use in the model’s Lever.dat subfile.
It’s a critical element, as it connects the floating, rotatable axle with the
pin attached to the peice that drives the switch mechanism...a picture would
do better here, but I’m an FTX clutz.
Ed
|
AHAHAHAHAHAHAH
AHAHHAHAHAHAHAH
Unoffical parts! Unoffical parts!
AHAHAHHAHAHAHAH
AHAHAHAHAHHAHAH
Thanks for telling me where to get it. =)
-AHui
A&M LWorks
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Ahui Herrera wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Ed McGlynn wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Ahui Herrera wrote:
| |
...snip...
| |
Here’s a link to my latest design, which I used at our last show:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.jpg
...and the associated .mpd file:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.mpd
Credit goes to Chris Alano for the drive mechanism.
|
Ed, the .mpd file is missing a part. MLCAD tells me file X169.dat is
missing! I *think* its the rubber band you used for the design but I’m not
sure. Could it be possible for you to update the .mpd file. Thanks
-AHui
|
Ahui -
You can find the missing x169.dat file here, thanks to Orion Pobursky:
http://news.lugnet.com/cad/dat/parts/?n=4282
If you can’t locate it, I can send it to you.
That’s the Technic 1x2 Liftarm that I use in the model’s Lever.dat subfile.
It’s a critical element, as it connects the floating, rotatable axle with
the pin attached to the peice that drives the switch mechanism...a picture
would do better here, but I’m an FTX clutz.
Ed
|
AHAHAHAHAHAHAH
AHAHHAHAHAHAHAH
Unoffical parts! Unoffical parts!
AHAHAHHAHAHAHAH
AHAHAHAHAHHAHAH
Thanks for telling me where to get it. =)
-AHui
|
...dang - caught again!
Well, I just think of them as “pre-official” parts. :^)
By the way, I posted instructions here:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/instructions/assembly01.jpg
...just modify file name assembly01.jpg through assembly35.jpg.
Folder after moderation:
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=65656
I should also point out that the yellow 9v point lever part needs to be replaced
with 2496.dat, Wheel Trolley to keep the lever from slipping up and away from
the switch plate teeth during actuation.
Ed
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Jason J. Railton wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
| |
Here is a small review about the motorization of 9V switch points prepared
originally in French for friends from Freelug. With the help of Didier
Enjary for translation, Gaël Frazier for a final proofreading and
Jean-Louis Bergamo (webmaster of Freelug) for publication. Thank you
guys :-)
http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186 ...
|
That’s very interesting reading. Thanks.
But I’ve never had to modify points to use my controller design. It does
take some time to find elastic bands with the right amount of tension, but
it can deliver just enough power to switch an unmodified point, and still
slip if it is left on too long.
I prefer a directional control with this over-run protection, rather than an
oscillating type with a semaphore.
Jason Railton
|
Hi Jason,
Thank you for this additionnal information. Actually, I tested your system on
a new switch point and I did not think of testing several variations of
elastic bands to find the right one. Sorry for misleading readers about your
system. I do prefer too a directional control, rather than an oscillating
one.
Philippe.
|
The great advantage of directional control is that you don’t need to look at (or
sense, with Mindstorms) the position of the point. You can apply power for two
seconds and just leave it to operate.
I realise it can be a difficult balancing act between power and slippage,
especially with new points where the switch travel is stiffer.
I do intend to make a new version of this controller. I’m looking at ways of
adjusting the tension in the belt drive, and of fixing the controller more
securely to the point.
Jason Railton
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
Thanks for collecting all this useful information in one place!
May I resubmit my design for (hopefully) improved marks on aesthetics? :-)
Cheers,
Mark
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
| |
Hello all,
Here is a small review about the motorization of 9V switch points prepared
originally in French for friends from Freelug. With the help of Didier
Enjary for translation, Gaël Frazier for a final proofreading and
Jean-Louis Bergamo (webmaster of Freelug) for publication. Thank you guys
:-)
http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186
|
Thanks for the work putting this all together! It’s good to know other folks
won’t have to go through the same hours of searching that I did when I was
looking for ideas on doing this. :)
One minor note: You don’t need to modify the switch for my design; in fact, I
imagine that it wouldn’t work with a modified switch.
I’m toying around with a new design that moves the direction of torque 90
degrees to the direction of sheer; currently they’re both vertical in my design
(Lego tends to separate on the up-down axis, the excess torque in mine is spent
up-down). If I get it down to a useful compact design, I’ll post it here.
thanks,
James
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Mark Riley wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
Thanks for collecting all this useful information in one place!
May I resubmit my design for (hopefully) improved marks on aesthetics? :-)
Cheers,
Mark
|
Mark - that’s very neat. I may just can mine and start using these instead.
Jason R
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Jason J. Railton wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Mark Riley wrote:
Mark - that’s very neat. I may just can mine and start using these instead.
Jason R
|
Thanks Jason. I also have plans to work on a small switching tower using the
same drive mechanism in the base.
Cheers, Mark
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Mark Riley wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
Thanks for collecting all this useful information in one place!
May I resubmit my design for (hopefully) improved marks on aesthetics? :-)
|
Hi Mark,
It is cute :-) and thank you for your encouraging comment.
Cheers,
Philippe.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Ed McGlynn wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
Here’s a link to my latest design, which I used at our last show:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.jpg
...and the associated .mpd file:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.mpd
Credit goes to Chris Alano for the drive mechanism.
|
Hi Ed,
I went on testing your proposal. It works so fine, I planned to introduce Amaury
Jacquot’s modification of Chris Alano’s mechanism you use to reduce a little bit
the footprint (expecially the width) of the power unit. You will see that
Amaury tried to put the power unit closer to the switch point for this purpose.
I try to get a block that can fit in 16 studs which is a standard inter-track
space. Actually it should fit in 12 studs, so there are 2 studs free on each
side of the track to be safe with large engines and long wagons. Here is an
evolution of your proposal with these constraints in mind. I am not completely
happy with that one because it should be reduced one stud more to fit my
expectations. Any help will be welcome.
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/frogleap/Trains/Planches/bloc-ca.emc.aj-71427.ldr
All the best,
Philippe
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Manfred Moolhuysen wrote:
> http://news.lugnet.com/trains/?n=16648
>
> This method overrides the switch leaver mechanism completly, and just pushes the
> bit of spingloaded movable rail (the tongue) with a minifig spear.
>
> Advantages: No modification, and still very little power needed.
> Drawbacks: Train can't push the switch open when it enters the switch from the
> non set direction, and electrical power routing is disabled.
Hello Manfred,
I was finally able to get a micromotor to test this solution. Thank you for the
pointer. It is quite difficult to find micromotors around here (in France). And
it seems impossible to buy from Pistco/Dacta for French import, at least based
on the information given in Pitsco/dacta website.
I need 16 motorized switch points for my layout, this turns to be quite
difficult. But Bricklink can be of some kind of help.
After testing, the problem of derailing when running trains in the reverse
direction is a problem to me. I think if people are willing to go using such
kind of motorization, they should consider John Hill's solution, recalled in
this thread (<http://news.lugnet.com/trains/?n=21822>) and make some kind of
mix, using the micromotor idea you mentioned with John's idea of using a short
length of string and a dab of glue.
Cheers,
Philippe
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, James Brown wrote:
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
One minor note: You don’t need to modify the switch for my design; in fact, I
imagine that it wouldn’t work with a modified switch.
I’m toying around with a new design that moves the direction of torque 90
degrees to the direction of sheer; currently they’re both vertical in my
design (Lego tends to separate on the up-down axis, the excess torque in mine
is spent up-down). If I get it down to a useful compact design, I’ll post it
here.
|
Hi James,
You are right there is no absolute need to use a modified switch point with your
drive mechanism. The story is that I tested it with a new switch point and an
old 71427 motor quite used. The system went to some problem of torque limit.
Since I don’t want to modify any of my switch points, I made then the assumption
that it would work better with a modified one. Sorry for the misleading
assumption.
Anyway, after your message, I decided to go back to this test and I used a
simple trick to soften the switch point mechanism, it is by the use of half a
drop of pure vaseline oil. I put this oil directly as close as possible to the
locking system of the switch point. Here is exactly where I dropped the oil
(http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=598243).The oil diffuses
rapidly to it and reduces significantly the torque needed for the switching
operation. This oil is ABS compliant and do not degrades the plastic (after
several weeks, at least). Thank you for you feedback which made this suggestion
possible.
I am happy to know that you play to propose another drive mechanism. I look
forward to reading from you. A compact drive mechanism is certainly the most
awaited issue to place such power units between tracks.
Thanks,
Philippe.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
| |
Hello all,
Here is a small review about the motorization of 9V switch points prepared
originally in French for friends from Freelug. With the help of Didier
Enjary for translation, Gaël Frazier for a final proofreading and
Jean-Louis Bergamo (webmaster of Freelug) for publication. Thank you guys
:-)
http://www.freelug.org/article.php3?id_article=186
Enjoy,
Philippe “Frogleap” Label
|
Well, like many others, I was completely inspired by this site. I built a
controller, put it on my layout and loved it.
The only issue I had was that the smallest 9V controller was still too big for
one part of my layout--the larger cars and sometimes the engine hit the
controller building.
So with a little fiddling and stuff, I came up with this:
If you want to download the LDraw file, go here
http://sparky.i989.net/ltrain.htm
The building is 4 studs wide, except for the black plates on the switch point.
I ran it all night tonight and it didn’t separate from the switch point and
didn’t fail once.
Again, thanks for the inspiration!
Take care,
Dave K
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
[snip]
> After testing, the problem of derailing when running trains in the reverse
> direction is a problem to me. I think if people are willing to go using such
> kind of motorization, they should consider John Hill's solution, recalled in
> this thread (<http://news.lugnet.com/trains/?n=21822>) and make some kind of
> mix, using the micromotor idea you mentioned with John's idea of using a
> short length of string and a dab of glue.
True, I can imagine the concerns. I saw the "micromotor/minifig spear"-type of
motorisation being used on a DDC layout, where a possible derailment problems
are prevented by the automated switch and signal operation.
With friendly greetings, M. Moolhuysen.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, David Koudys wrote:
snip
| |
So with a little fiddling and stuff, I came up with this:
If you want to download the LDraw file, go here
http://sparky.i989.net/ltrain.htm
The building is 4 studs wide, except for the black plates on the switch
point. I ran it all night tonight and it didn’t separate from the switch
point and didn’t fail once.
Again, thanks for the inspiration!
Take care,
Dave K
|
Worked on it a bit today...
Just reducing the height of the building--the best I can do is 6 bricks 2 plates
high. Move the motor/eccentric assembly down a few plates and take the 5 stud
axle out of the lever and put in a 4.
Still works exactly the same otherwise--the eccentric mover grazes the top of
the #3 Technic angle backet at the bottom of the stroke, but seems to be fine.
This is fun!
Dave K
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
...
| |
standard inter-track space. Actually it should fit in 12 studs, so there are
2 studs free on each side of the track to be safe with large engines and long
|
...
Ooops, not 16 but 8, and not 12 but 4 :/ Sorry.
Philippe.
|
|
| |
In lugnet.trains, David Koudys wrote:
...
| |
| |
The building is 4 studs wide, except for the black plates on the switch
point. I ran it all night tonight and it didn’t separate from the switch
point and didn’t fail once. • ...
|
Just reducing the height of the building--the best I can do is 6 bricks 2
plates high. Move the motor/eccentric assembly down a few plates and take
the 5 stud axle out of the lever and put in a 4.
Still works exactly the same otherwise--the eccentric mover grazes the top of
the #3 Technic angle backet at the bottom of the stroke, but seems to be
fine.
|
Hi Dave,
This is funny, I went to the same kind of problem and also tried to reduce the
width of the block very recently. Are we telepathic ? However, I started from Ed
McGlynn’s most recent proposal (http://news.lugnet.com/trains/?n=21826) and
shifted to a drastic modification leading to the same goal : reducing the block
to a 4 studs width. (And not 12 studs width as I wrote wrongly yesterday,
sorry).
Here is the Ldraw file of it.
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/frogleap/Trains/Planches/blocedsimple71427.ldr
My problem is that it lacks the “.dat” file of the ‘Technic 1 x 3 with 2 Axle
Holes and Pin’ (x33) part which is key to understand the mechanism. This part
fits at the bottom of the driving lever (8-stud axis) and goes directly into the
switch point stroke.
Hoping you’ll get the picture.
I like playing Lego overseas :-)
Philippe.
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In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
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In lugnet.trains, Ed McGlynn wrote:
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In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
Here’s a link to my latest design, which I used at our last show:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.jpg
...and the associated .mpd file:
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/ejmcglynn/recipmotor/update-10-17-03/switch.mpd
Credit goes to Chris Alano for the drive mechanism.
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Hi Ed,
I went on testing your proposal. It works so fine, I planned to introduce
Amaury Jacquot’s modification of Chris Alano’s mechanism you use to reduce a
little bit the footprint (expecially the width) of the power unit. You will
see that Amaury tried to put the power unit closer to the switch point for
this purpose. I try to get a block that can fit in 16 studs which is a
standard inter-track space. Actually it should fit in 12 studs, so there are
2 studs free on each side of the track to be safe with large engines and long
wagons. Here is an evolution of your proposal with these constraints in mind.
I am not completely happy with that one because it should be reduced one stud
more to fit my expectations. Any help will be welcome.
http://www.brickshelf.com/gallery/frogleap/Trains/Planches/bloc-ca.emc.aj-71427.ldr
All the best,
Philippe
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Phillipe -
So far so good - I need to do an actual build of your model to get a better feel
of the mechanism you’ve designed, but it looks great. There may be some
optimization left to do on it, so I’ll give it a go and let’s see what we get!
Understood about the dimensions you’re shooting for.
Thanks,
Ed
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