Crazy project

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Should I do this?

Go ahead, it looks fun.
3
19%
You are completely insane. Go for it.
11
69%
I'd like one too (if you ever get it to work).
1
6%
Abandon the idea now while there's still hope for you.
1
6%
 
Total votes: 16
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hussra
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Crazy project

Post by hussra » Thu Apr 07, 2011 11:22 am

Yesterday I was in the garage rummaging around, and found the instructions for the Saltford Models "kit" for a 20HP bow-framed Simplex, such as has been seen previously in this forum. (Didn't there used to be one of these in the MDLR's stock list? I'm sure I saw it there.)

Image

This got me looking at the loco itself (which has been glued back together after its mishap on the way to Stoneleigh). It's a very simple design with only one axle driven, and a simple forward-off-reverse switch.

But then I took a look under the bonnet:

Image

Image

It's powered by a single 'C' cell. But isn't that an awful lot of wasted space? What could we put under there instead?

This set off a train of thought that led to the realisation that you should be able to fit in 4 'AAA' rechargeables, one of the really tiny Planet 2.4GHz receivers (the 4 channel ones are quite a lot smaller than the normal ones) and a MicroViper Loco speed controller.

Now the big diesel is done, this new idea seems just so crazy I may just have to give it a go. This loco is not really designed to be taken apart and modified once built, so perhaps the way forward is to build another one. Perhaps a little closer to scale? Using some more of the Cambrian detail parts this time? 4 wheel drive would really help, too.

Found some good scale drawings on Nigel Lawton's site, he of the crazy 4mm scale version of this loco.

For completeness, here are some views of more of the underneath bits of my current Simplex. Sawn-off Cambrian plastic chassis:
Image

With motor araldited to the frames! (Brian Clarke told me to, in the instructions:)
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So that's where the switch is:
Image

You probably think I'm insane. I probably am. Don't count on this thread being updated for a while...
Richard Huss
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made-in-england
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Post by made-in-england » Thu Apr 07, 2011 3:24 pm

MDLR sold his to me, then I gave it to a friend to get him started in garden railways :)
Passengers are reminded not to tease the engines
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TommyDodd

Post by TommyDodd » Thu Apr 07, 2011 3:51 pm

If it won't quite fit, you've always got the option of fitting a Leighton-Buzzard style cab to hide the sparkybits in.
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MDLR

Post by MDLR » Thu Apr 07, 2011 7:27 pm

The reason for the big battery was that it added a LOT of weight to what is a fairly light model. Plus when Brian designed it, there weren't the high capacity AA and AAA batteries there are now.

Stick with it as it is: at least you won't have to run too fast after it!
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Post by hussra » Thu Apr 07, 2011 9:06 pm

MDLR:51804 wrote:The reason for the big battery was that it added a LOT of weight to what is a fairly light model. Plus when Brian designed it, there weren't the high capacity AA and AAA batteries there are now.

Stick with it as it is: at least you won't have to run too fast after it!
Good points, though mine is pretty well weighted and is 13oz all-up, of which the battery contributes around 2oz.

I'm not planning to alter the existing loco in any way - it would be desperately difficult anyway, the whole thing is very securely glued together and any attempt would just result in breaking it. It's a delight at open days, too (as those who have followed it around Dave Watkins' line will testify).

The idea really would be to construct an all-new one, possibly out of brass rather than plastic channel, but making better use of that space under the bonnet.

Next step is to get my head around the motor-and-gearing options.
Richard Huss
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Post by hussra » Thu Dec 22, 2011 2:10 pm

Spent a little while recently doodling on how to fit the bits in. I reckon we will be able to fit in a Como 918D series motor/gearbox, two stage chain drive to both axles, 5xAAA rechargeables, AnDel Triplex 3 speed controller and one of the teeny tiny Planet RC receivers. It will be a bit of a squeeze but the drawings say it fits.

Not planning to start construction just yet, just making plans for now.
Richard Huss
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Sir haydn

Post by Sir haydn » Thu Dec 22, 2011 3:46 pm

A member of the east midlands has 2.4gig spectrum gear on and IP simplex!
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Post by hussra » Thu Dec 22, 2011 4:49 pm

Sir haydn:63622 wrote:A member of the east midlands has 2.4gig spectrum gear on and IP simplex!
Interesting - reassuring to know it can be done on a loco of this size! (Any more details, e.g. what speed controller he used?)
Richard Huss
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Jerm
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Post by Jerm » Wed Jan 11, 2012 1:23 am

...Do they even still make C cells?
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Post by hussra » Wed Jan 11, 2012 7:19 am

Jerm:64640 wrote:...Do they even still make C cells?
They do, it seems! Or adapters to use AAs instead. The existing loco is staying just the way it is, as long as I can get the batteries.
Richard Huss
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