Alan's Workbench

[David Holman]

 All down hill now, Alan - it is only cosmetic after all!

 The chassis is a beauty - wish I could be that methodical, because it clearly pays dividends. Lovely stuff.

[Tullygrainey]

First attempt at pickups failed. Phosphor bronze wires bearing on the wheel flanges at right angles were too short and stiff. They caused a bout of stuttering and hiccups and also interfered with the action of the hornblocks. Take two, with the wires a bit longer and bearing on the wheel treads worked much better. There'll be just enough room to fit a (plastic) brake lever in there too.

 

First run under its own steam. OK...  electricity.

 

 

[Galteemore]

14 minutes ago, Tullygrainey said:

First attempt at pickups failed. Phosphor bronze wires bearing on the wheel flanges at right angles were too short and stiff. They caused a bout of stuttering and hiccups and also interfered with the action of the hornblocks. Take two, with the wires a bit longer and bearing on the wheel treads worked much better. There'll be just enough room to fit a (plastic) brake lever in there too.

 

First run under its own steam. OK...  electricity.

 

 

Well how satisfying is that ?! Well done!! Now it’s interesting what you say re the stuttering effect of the pickups. My little JT shows that on occasion (eg at Tolworth show ) and that could be the cause…..I might have a closer look at your solution  

[Tullygrainey]

3 minutes ago, Galteemore said:

Well how satisfying is that ?! Well done!! Now it’s interesting what you say re the stuttering effect of the pickups. My little JT shows that on occasion (eg at Tolworth show ) and that could be the cause…..I might have a closer look at your solution  

Quite possible David. I find it takes me a while to get a good balance with just enough pressure on the wheels to make sure of good contact but not so much as to cause drag. It's very difficult to establish if lumpy running is due to intermittent contact or too much pressure causing tight spots. Hope you can pin it down on your JT. 

[David Holman]

Very neat. Pick ups are a pain at times (along with brake gear), but loads more space in 7mm broad gauge. Have to keep reminding myself you work in 4mm...

[Northroader]

Lovely smooth runner. I’d be tempted to hook your pickup over the crest of the flange, so it rides with any wheel movement, and won’t get any crud off the tread.