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Electric or Petrol Locomotive

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NickG:
Hi guys,

At the Harrogate Model Engineering Exhibition today I was struck down by  :proj:  :nrocks:. I have inserted a line in my list of projects and typed in "5" or 7 1/4" Gauge Electric or Petrol Locomotive"!

This has come about as my 3 year old son is showing a real interest in them, especially when we go to our ME club to watch the engines running on the track. I would really like to build something that's relatively simple so quick to make, easy to use, clean etc. just so we can join in the fun on the track really.

Initially I thought 5" gauge electric as they should be fairly simple to make, liftable and quick to get out / put away. But I've looked into it a little today and motors are expensive, controllers are expensive and batteries are expensive. I'm sure in the past I've known people use car fan heater motors, cobbled together controller and a car battery to power it for pulling small loads like I want to, however, speaking to people there they seem to think you need proper motors, controllers and semi-tractive batteries. Any ideas guys?

These issues made me think, lawn mower engine, we used to have things like suffolk punch when I was little and I remember those engines being fairly quiet and fairly powerful. They'd inevitably need a wider frame though so probably 7 1/4". Could I use the centrifugal clutch that powered the lawn mower (providing it's properly guarded etc)? The main issue with the lawn mower would be lack of reverse gear I guess. Also, to fit the width I may have to mount the engine logitudinally with some sort of prop shaft / bevel gear arrangement? Surely people must have used this sort of engine before? The added advantage of the petrol powered one would be that there are no batteries to charge etc. However, it would inevitably be heavier.

So basically I just wanted to throw some ideas into the pot at this stage and ask for other peoples thoughts!

I know  :worthless: so I need to get cracking!

Nick

sbwhart:
Nick

I think you may find this link usfull follow it through to his quicky builds he used windscreen motors..

http://mokei-jouki.hp.infoseek.co.jp/index_e.html

Have Fun

Stew

NickG:
Hi Stew,

Thanks, am I missing something obvious .. I can't seem to find it on that site. Hope you had a good day and didn't spend too much!

Cheers,

Nick

sbwhart:
Nick

Try this http://www.saunalahti.fi/~animato/3003/3003bg.html

and this http://www.saunalahti.fi/~animato/3003/indexothers.html

and this http://www.saunalahti.fi/~animato/3003/qtq.html

Have fun

Stew

Bernd:
Nick,

I'm interested in building a 1.5" scale electric locomotive. I kicked around some ideas as to what I wanted for an engine an picked a boxcab. That's as far as I ever got.

I've done a bit of research into both elctric  and gas powered. My opinion is that both can be exspensive. It all depends on were you can find parts.

For motors for the elctric I've gathered several motors from the plastic cars that kids have. They use a 12V battery. The only thing i don't like about them is they have plastic gearing and are specificly made for these small cars. Electric scooters are another source, as are wheel chairs, among other things.

As far as batteries are concerned there are the car type as you mentioned. Also look at the marine batteries used in boating, they are some what made for deep cycleing.

Controls can be scratch built if you know a bit about electronics. I studied some of the drives used for robots and think they could be adapted.

As far as the gas powered goes you got that pretty well covered for engines. Another drive that gets used often in the gas powered ones are hydrostatic transmission. It's basically a fluid drive system with an oil pump and a hydrulic motor. A bit messy if they leak. And they are also expemsive. Another type of transmission to use it the geared type. I believe you can adapt almost any lawnmower drive. But from what I see of your lawns over there riding mowers are not in great demand.

Keep your eyes open to any small powered vehicle, wheather electric or gas powered and see if it can be applied to a scale model locomotive.

Bernd

P.S. now that I have a larger mill and a rotary table I can start building my electric loco. We'll see as I sort out what project I will tackel this coming winter.

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