Garden Railway Forum

Phil.P wrote: ↑Sat May 04, 2024 8:01 pm Rik,
Four-wheel drive, and are those metal wheels?

Phil.P

Yes, Bachmann 24.5mm dia

Rik

What is the motor Rik? I've seen ones that look like that but never been sure if they were any good, and as with all these Chinese motors there are varying voltages, ratio's, etc.

philipy wrote: ↑Sun May 05, 2024 7:49 am What is the motor Rik? I've seen ones that look like that but never been sure if they were any good, and as with all these Chinese motors there are varying voltages, ratio's, etc.

Hi Philip
The one I've used on these chassis is the 12v GA25-370 motor (170RPM). They're around £4GBP from Ali Express or around £8-15 on eBay. They are similar to the Polulo 12v 25D 34:1 which can set you back £20-25. If you go for the Polulo, then make sure you get the medium or low power versions. I went for the high power version, and it doesn't run well at slow revs - see https://gardenrails.org/forum/viewtopic ... 91#p179348

Rik

Good chunky metal gears, as well..

The only downside of a bevel-gear final-drive, is it is usually 1:1, so you need to be sure you motor /gearbox gives you the ratio you need.

How noisy, is this arrangement, Rik?

Phil.P

Phil.P wrote: ↑Sun May 05, 2024 10:38 am Good chunky metal gears, as well..

The only downside of a bevel-gear final-drive, is it is usually 1:1, so you need to be sure you motor /gearbox gives you the ratio you need.

How noisy, is this arrangement, Rik?

Phil.P

Surprisingly quiet for metal on metal gears. I'll make a video later (once I've got the electrics sorted out).

Rik

ge_rik wrote: ↑Sun May 05, 2024 11:39 am

Phil.P wrote: ↑Sun May 05, 2024 10:38 am Good chunky metal gears, as well..

The only downside of a bevel-gear final-drive, is it is usually 1:1, so you need to be sure you motor /gearbox gives you the ratio you need.

How noisy, is this arrangement, Rik?

Phil.P

Surprisingly quiet for metal on metal gears. I'll make a video later (once I've got the electrics sorted out).

Rik

As promised. In fact, a passing bumblebee is noisier.
BTW - I've not yet lubricated the bevel gears - but they don't seem to make much noise anyway.



Still a bit rough and ready. I've refined the chassis since this version, so may replace it. The bodywork is nearly there - a bit more flatting and then another coat of primer and a couple of top coats to come.

Rik

Excellent!
Thanks Rik...

Let me know when I can order a dozen!

Very impressive.
Oh, to be retired, with all that free time....

Hang on a minute... I am retired! - Except for RC Trains, of course.

Phil.P

ge_rik wrote: ↑Wed Apr 10, 2024 10:02 am Dammit! I've just found this wonderful source of Ruston NG loco photos .... which includes, among many others, a three-foot gauge version
https://www.flickr.com/photos/34938158@ ... 2356322545
Plenty of inspiration here, chaps - and some clear detailing for modellers.

Rik

The 48DL basically changed body shape and name in 1940, going from the 44/48HP model and gaining a new engine. The RAF/RNAD versions built during WW2 had another different body shape, originating in Ruston's underground design.

I'll include a picture of the standard 1940-49 48DL mode, alongside the first and third designs (the 40-49 being the very straight-sided one)

Personally, I prefer the earlier "chunky" models. They lose a lot of their individuality when they become more streamlined.

Rik