Sunday, May 22, 2011

Suspension….

Simple suspension was my aim for the TOR models and I think I have achieved that. My 49 and 47 class locos have run successfully with the springy suspension I came up with a few years ago but I think my latest idea is much more successful, as the old idea did add some resistance, but I didn’t want to go to the expense of building complete new bogies so I accepted it. This new method adds springing to each individual wheel and provides improved electrical pick up without the resistance.

So I will try and explain what I have done as photos are a bit tricky.

Step 1.

IMG_1601Hopefully you can see here, the idea is to take a length of 8 thou phosphor bronze wire  and eventually make a “Z” shape.

Solder the wire to the inside edge of the bearing and fold as above. This is where it gets tricky because normally, you would put the axle together and drop in the bogie, but here I am going to fix the bearing in the pick up frame, without any wheels or gearing attached, which gets a little fiddly later.

IMG_1638

IMG_1639

 

I use some packing and a peg to hold things in place but I removed the peg in the pic so you can see. But from here I will bend the wire back along the top of the pick up frame and solder in place which creates that Z shape I was referring to earlier. Repeat for all 6 axles.

Now the failing with this is that not all wheels are equally sprung,creating issues, but it works and will make the loco run reliably. This will get us thru full exhibition weekends with reliable running.

However, discussions on rebuilding the side frame completely  has commenced.  So I would say things in the future will have a more accurate resolution. Stay tuned.

Andrew

BC_037

4908 waits for 4716 from Canowindra to arrive so it can continue with its loaded wheat train to Cowra.

5 comments:

  1. Wow that is amazing Andrew! Looking forward to seeing the revamped sideframes coming up next.
    Have you by any chance added compensation to DJH steam loco kits before?

    Linton

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  2. Hi Andrew.

    I like your idea very much. I will replicate this with my fleet.

    Julian

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  3. Thanks Linton,

    Haven't had a go at steam yet but but it has been discussed. It's a learn as you go thing.

    Let me know when you want a crack at it Julian, never know I might have some new ideas by then.

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  4. Andrew,

    I will bring a match stick to Thornleigh on the long weekend.

    Iain

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