Subject:
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Re: An updated reciprocal point motor design with semaphore
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.org.us.lucny
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Date:
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Thu, 28 Mar 2002 08:57:21 GMT
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Viewed:
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579 times
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In lugnet.trains, Ed McGlynn writes:
> I decided to combine Jeff Elliott's and Steve Ringe's recent point motor
> designs.
>
> Jeff's contained most of the features I was looking for:
> 1. Reciprocal motion - current from a power source can be applied in a
> single direction to throw the switch in both directions
> 2. Compact - less elements
> 3. Uses newer 9v Technic motor
> 4. Minimal special elements
> 5. Durable - won't self-destruct. A child could operate it.
> Refer to thread http://news.lugnet.com/org/ca/rtltoronto/?n=3401 for details
> on his design. However, I wanted to increase the action cycle time of
> Jeff's motor from about 4 seconds down to about 2 seconds. That allows more
> time to catch last second switches when you're distracted with the rest of
> the layout. Jeff's discussion lead me to the semaphore addition, and I
> found Steve's thread just the other day.
>
> Steve's, while compact and uses the desired motor, also contained a great
> feature that indicated the position of the switch from a remote location. I
> liked the simulation of a traditional top-of-mast yard signal with something
> like a colored spectacle and arm. However, I wanted the position of the
> signal to range from 180 degrees (straight up) to 90 degrees (parallel to
> ground) with 180 being a non-thrown switch, and 90 indicating a thrown
> switch. A thrown switch diverts trains from the main line/straight path in
> my book. I didn't want to modify my turnouts to fit his design, however.
> Nothing wrong with that, but I was looking to accept the challenge of
> working with the factory design of the turnout. Refer to thread
> http://news.lugnet.com/org/us/michlug/?n=2689 for background on his design.
>
> So, I put a smaller worm-driven drive gear in place of Jeff's design, added
> some width and a different roof. I added the Technic engine crankshaft
> (http://guide.lugnet.com/partsref/search.cgi?q=2853) to the side of the
> switch house, and used it to drive a top-of-mast semaphore with colored 1x1
> round plates on an arm that ranges between 90 and 180 degrees. Like Steve,
> the colors indicate switch units, and are not meant to replicate spectacles.
> The design lets me detach the semaphore quite easily for places where I
> don't want it, and the whole thing is 8-wide compatable (EWC). I had a
> rough prototype at the recent LUCNY meeting, and John Rudy noticed my
> embarassing use of pink plates. They're gone, John. Chief Wayne requested
> an EWC design, and therefore I made it so. ;^)
>
> Here's a folder with some photos of the finished design, but I'm sure I'll
> have more enhancements in future versions:
>
> http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=14344
>
> I wish I could show it in action, but at least I used large jpg files!
> Thanks for reading, and thanks again to Jeff and Steve for sharing _their_
> designs.
>
> Ed
NICE DESIGN!!! I expect you will provide this for all future club
layouts? I did not read all the technical stuff in the background
threads, but I definitely give this a thumbs up and hope that it
performs as intended.
BTW, I was actually quite impressed with Wayne's impromptu layout
last weekend. The speed in which the track was laid and how well
the sidings and switches all worked was neat. Especially since I
am not yet capable of complicated layouts because I am too cheap
to buy 9 volt track at full price and have yet to find a good
deal for either new or used. Someday I will buy points and more
straight track (and more train motors).
After all, I am still a novice when it comes to Trains
(as was evidenced by my creations).
__Kevin Salm__
....Over 20 years experience playing with Lego toys....
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