Chains

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Busted Bricks
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Chains

Post by Busted Bricks » Sat Aug 03, 2019 2:18 pm

I went out on a limb and ordered 20 meters of 03C-1 roller chain from China along with a lot of joining links. 03C-1 at 4.7625mm pitch is the smallest commercially available (affordable) roller chain that I know of. It may look a little too big on 16mm scale locos but should be OK on 7/8ths scale locos. I like the look better than ladder chain and it should take longer to wear out. I can cut sprockets to any size on my fiber laser.

Why chain? Well, I like geared locomotives but sometimes sourcing gears in the right size can be tricky or expensive. They also require precise meshing. Since I can quickly cut sprockets at low cost and tolerances are less critical it makes sense.

In the picture you see ladder chain (not sure of the pitch of this - need to check), 04C-1 roller chain and 03C-1 roller chain. I may offer sprockets and chain for sale at some point but first I will need to turn some hubs for the sprockets so they can be held in place on axles with a grub screw.
chain comp.jpg
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Re: Chains

Post by tom_tom_go » Sat Aug 03, 2019 5:59 pm

Well you learn something new, never heard of ladder chain before.

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Re: Chains

Post by idlemarvel » Sat Aug 03, 2019 6:49 pm

tom_tom_go wrote: Sat Aug 03, 2019 5:59 pm Well you learn something new, never heard of ladder chain before.
Think bicycle chains...
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Re: Chains

Post by tom_tom_go » Sat Aug 03, 2019 7:39 pm

My bike chains look nothing like ladder chains?

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Re: Chains

Post by Busted Bricks » Sat Aug 03, 2019 8:36 pm

Bicycle chains are roller chains. Ladder chain is the brass chain on the left in the picture. AFAIK the only manufacturer of ladder chain is Hale Bros. in USA.

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Re: Chains

Post by idlemarvel » Sun Aug 04, 2019 8:03 am

tom_tom_go wrote: Sat Aug 03, 2019 7:39 pm My bike chains look nothing like ladder chains?
Sorry Tom, my eyesight failed to spot the difference between the ladder chain on the left and roller chain on the right. :(
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Re: Chains

Post by tom_tom_go » Sun Aug 04, 2019 8:38 am

No worries, good to learn something new.

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Re: Chains

Post by philipy » Sun Aug 04, 2019 8:41 am

FWIW, the chain on the left looks exctly like the Meccano chain I had when i wer a lad. No idea of the pitch, but is it just possible that Meccano sprockets would fit this?
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Re: Chains

Post by tom_tom_go » Sun Aug 04, 2019 8:43 am

It looks a bit feeble to me for a live steam loco?

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Re: Chains

Post by Busted Bricks » Sun Aug 04, 2019 12:54 pm

Many people have used them on their locos. They are also used to link the wheel pairs on diesels. More than strong enough at the scales we model in.

The BAGRS project loco made use of ladder chain: http://www.panyo.com/project/index.htm

"Denver" also uses ladder chain: http://sidestreet.info/locos/loco19.html

I think roller chain looks better and if bought in bulk direct from China it is not that expensive. Finding sprockets can be an issue but since I can just cut them, that issue goes away :)

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Re: Chains

Post by DonW » Sun Aug 04, 2019 10:52 pm

This doesn't look to be that hefty. If I remember aright it is Paul Fletcher's Regner Vincent running on the Indoor track in Ted Dixon's Workshop.
Vincent.jpg
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It certainly ran well enough. I rather love the slow motion you can achieve with a chain drive.

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Re: Chains

Post by Busted Bricks » Sun Aug 04, 2019 11:38 pm

The chain on the Regner locos is smaller than 03C-01 and I have yet to find out where it comes from. However I suspect it is hideously expensive as anything that isn't made in large quantities is.

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Re: Chains

Post by MRail » Mon Aug 05, 2019 4:54 pm

A while back, I was looking for roller chain of about 3mm pitch.
Wanted it to increase servo travel on a loco regulator.
Delrin worked, but quickly melted.

That used on my slo-mo looked perfect.
Slo-mo maker was rather cagey about its origin.
Said I'd find on the net.
Never did.

Found another way in the end.
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In my Father's roundhouse are many loco sheds.

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Re: Chains

Post by Busted Bricks » Mon Aug 05, 2019 4:57 pm

What pitch is the slo-mo chain?

3mm pitch in roller chain would be custom made to order and therefore very expensive.

I know of 3.73mm pitch chain but I have not yet gathere up the courage to ask for the price:
http://www.diamondchain.co.uk/micro-pit ... UhR_-gzaUk

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Re: Chains

Post by DonW » Mon Aug 05, 2019 8:46 pm

There is an Amerrican firnm that lists a 0.125 pitch chain. I don't know if they will supply to the UK https://www.usarollerchain.com/Miniatur ... s/5894.htm. I believe these might be intended for use in printers and the like.

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Re: Chains

Post by MRail » Tue Aug 06, 2019 7:29 am

That sounds correct...
Just (crudely) measured Slo-mo chain on Stanley.
Pitch is a little under 4mm or 1/8th inch, 0.125".
[attachment=0]Chain.jpg[/attachment]
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Rob G
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In my Father's roundhouse are many loco sheds.

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Re: Chains

Post by Busted Bricks » Wed Aug 07, 2019 3:33 pm

At £71.82 for 300mm the 4mm pitch chain is a bit on the expensive side. About 12 times more than 03C-1. Of course if you need it, you need it.

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Re: Chains

Post by DonW » Wed Aug 07, 2019 7:49 pm

Perhaps a large component of the Slo Mo price. But for a commercial loco the cost could be bearable.
Don

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