Converting a model tin plate tram to battery power.

[Tony Bird]

Hi,

While away in the Netherlands earlier this year I bought a Chinese made tin plate clock work tram for 10.50 euro's. I thought it would be fun to convert it to battery power to run on '0' gauge track.







I have converted many children's plastic toys to run on '0' gauge track and be battery powered. This is the first tin plate one. One of my usual chassis a 4WD power bogie.





The tin plate model tram was partially taken apart. Took me back to the days when I repaired Hornby tin plate trains!



The chassis components: B&Q 20 mm aluminium channel, Swift Sixteen wheels on Binnie axles and a 'can' electric motor with worm and wheel.



Assembled chassis which is only 2 wheel drive.



The trolley pole has been strengthened.



A groove has been made in the trolley wheel and an axle fitted.



As the model looks at end of play today with the trolley pole moved to the middle of the tram's roof.



K&S brass tube has been used a s axle spacers.



Regards Tony

[Tony Bird]

Hi,

Some more work was done on the model tram today. Some bits were painted and the body of the tram put together.



The chassis was painted and a battery holder and switch fitted.




The wiring still needs to be done but this is how the model looks at the moment.







Regards Tony.

[Tony Bird]

Hi,

A video of the finished model:



Regards Tony.

[philipy]

Very nice Tony, lovely smooth running.
Overhead wiring next??

[LNR]

Nice adaption of an attractive toy Tony, couldn't help but go on to watch your adaptions of the Mamod vee-twin and Mamod Morgan. Much engineering thinking behind all of them.
Grant.

[Crackingjob]

Have one or two that I could convert.....if you fitted a rod to the switch and to buffers it could shuttle run all day! Lovely as ever.

[Tony Bird]

Hi,

There appear to be at least two different liveries with slightly different bodies. Attached a photographs of one convert to '0' gauge clock work with a non powered trailer. Apparently costing £7 each including post from China, I don't know how long ago though.



Regards Tony.

[markoteal]

Nice work - its great that we can convert items like this - just keeping my eye out for suitable donor engines in the local charity/bargain shops - then visit small relatives can have a play without 'dinging' anything valuable! And if they really like it, its a great Christmas pressies with some cheap O gauge track!