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In lugnet.trains, Mark Riley wrote:
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In lugnet.trains, Chris Phillips wrote:
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In lugnet.trains, Mark Riley wrote:
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New version! Now, the main body is only 4x6 studs:
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This redesign is absolutely brilliant! Time to make a couple dozen
automated switch points...
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Thanks Chris, but apparently this design as it stands is too sensitive to the
clutch strength of the components being used. Yesterday, I ran it over 100
times without the hint of a problem, but today after partially disassembling
and reassembling it, it won’t go more than about 50 switches without
self-destructing. I think the primary issue is keeping the motor from
seperating from the base. Have to think about this...
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Hi Mark,
Along with Chris, I totally agree that your design is brilliant. I tested both
versions (long and short) and both prooved to be very stable with my switch
points. At least after 200 tests. To be honest, I oil my switch points with pure
vaseline oil, as mentioned in a former message
(http://news.lugnet.com/trains/?n=21873) and this reduces very significantly
the effort needed by the motor to action the switch point. It may contribute to
the mechanical stability of your system.
Thank you Mark for this great contribution. Now all my 71427-based power unit
are build from your proposal. :-)
All the best,
Philippe.
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In lugnet.trains, Philippe Label wrote:
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Along with Chris, I totally agree that your design is brilliant. I tested
both versions (long and short) and both prooved to be very stable with my
switch points. At least after 200 tests. To be honest, I oil my switch points
with pure vaseline oil, as mentioned in a former message
(http://news.lugnet.com/trains/?n=21873) and this reduces very
significantly the effort needed by the motor to action the switch point. It
may contribute to the mechanical stability of your system.
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Thanks, Philippe. I must say that it was your article at the FreeLUG site that
got me thinking along these lines. I remember having to search all over the
place when I was working on my first motorized switch!
Here’s the latest version of the 4x6 switch unit:
In this version, the base attachment has been enlarged and strengthened and
another 4x6 plate was added to the roof. The three 1x1 plates from the previous
version were also eliminated as I considered these to be a source of weakness.
I built four of these and all of them are holding together very well. I’ve been
using the transparent 2x3 panels from set 4561 as I’ve found these to be a lot stiffer than the other opaque panels I’ve
tried (besides, it just plain looks cooler with the transparent panels... :-).
Brickshelf folder (with LDraw file and building instructions):
http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=66192
I will have to try the vaseline oil on one of my switches, as this switch is
very difficult to throw because of internal friction.
Cheers,
Mark
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