To LUGNET HomepageTo LUGNET News HomepageTo LUGNET Guide Homepage
 Help on Searching
 
Post new message to lugnet.trainsOpen lugnet.trains in your NNTP NewsreaderTo LUGNET News Traffic PageSign In (Members)
 Trains / 14837
14836  |  14838
Subject: 
Re: Point Motor Instructions
Newsgroups: 
lugnet.trains
Date: 
Fri, 8 Feb 2002 00:52:45 GMT
Viewed: 
944 times
  
In lugnet.trains, Ed McGlynn writes:
In lugnet.org.ca.rtltoronto, Jeff Elliott writes:
Hi folks,

I still occasionally get requests for information on my old automatic point
motor.  Well, I've long since moved to a more compact and reliable model, and
after the rtlToronto Train3 show last weekend, I've decided to post the
instructions for the new model.

http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=10867

This arrangement continuously cycles from one direction to the other - it's up
to the operator to stop the motor when the desired position is reached.

When run from a 6xAA battery box or train regulator, I've had no trouble with
this setup, even on sticky points.

I usually use a polarity switch setup on a single train reg to run each loop,
siding, and point motor in any desired combination.

Note - you'll have to build the mirror-image of the model if you wish to use
the other 'handedness' of point.  Not a difficult proposition, I'll leave it as
an exercise to the student :)

Jeff Elliott

Jeff -

That looks like a very tight and solid design.  I've made some reciprocating
designs for point motors, but they all had some slop built into the design
that lead to some delay in the switching action.  On the outside (I haven't
built it yet) your design looks like there's really no significant delay in
action.  Do you have to plan ahead for the action as the train approaches
the switch?  It's great to be able to have a very quick response when you
realize last minute that a collision's about to happen.

The functionality from an full throttle 9v train regulator or 6AA battery
box is important, and it sounds like you've test your design with that in
mind.  Sure beats setting reduced power settings and using 9v train
regulator output, don't you think?  Less wiring, no wrong power setting
mistakes, available to others to do the swithcing at train shows, etc.

Thanks - nice work!
Ed

I built Jeff's motor design, and I can answer these questions now...
This design is really much better than most I've seen, as it passes many
benchmarks for low number of pieces, predictable motion, solid switching, and
remains integral after numerous cycles.

It handles a full power 9v battery box or train regulator, and reciprocates in
about 4 seconds.  The response is as quick as you can get with that length of
throw on the switch, and hats off to Jeff!  Winning mechanics in this one.

I'l  probably try and dress it up slightly by hiding the motor endcap on the
side of the building, but it's pretty complete as is.  I suggest others try
this one out.

Thanks, Jeff.
Ed



Message is in Reply To:
  Re: Point Motor Instructions
 
(...) Jeff - That looks like a very tight and solid design. I've made some reciprocating designs for point motors, but they all had some slop built into the design that lead to some delay in the switching action. On the outside (I haven't built it (...) (22 years ago, 31-Jan-02, to lugnet.trains)

8 Messages in This Thread:



Entire Thread on One Page:
Nested:  All | Brief | Compact | Dots
Linear:  All | Brief | Compact
    

Custom Search

©2005 LUGNET. All rights reserved. - hosted by steinbruch.info GbR