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Converting a model tin plate tram to battery power.

Posted: Sun Nov 13, 2016 4:39 pm
by 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.

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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.

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

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

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Assembled chassis which is only 2 wheel drive.

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The trolley pole has been strengthened.

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

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

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

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Regards Tony

Posted: Tue Nov 15, 2016 4:41 pm
by 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.

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

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

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Regards Tony.

Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2016 2:20 pm
by Tony Bird
Hi,

A video of the finished model:



Regards Tony.

Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2016 6:19 pm
by philipy
Very nice Tony, lovely smooth running.
Overhead wiring next??

Posted: Wed Nov 16, 2016 10:14 pm
by 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.

Posted: Thu Nov 17, 2016 9:35 am
by 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.

Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2016 10:24 am
by 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.

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Regards Tony.

Posted: Fri Nov 18, 2016 12:20 pm
by 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!