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 Posted - June 22 2015 : 12:30:09 AM
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I'm wanting to custom power something and wondering about the NWSL gear box called the Flea. Does it driving wheels conduct electricity? What motor can I use or what works best? I wanna power a Mack rail bus.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - June 22 2015 : 05:53:00 AM
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quote:I'm wanting to custom power something and wondering about the NWSL gear box called the Flea. Does it driving wheels conduct electricity? What motor can I use or what works best? I wanna power a Mack rail bus.
Originally posted by Redneck Justin - June 22 2015 : 12:30:09 AM
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* The Flea is a motor drive unit, all self contained. Designed to pick up power from the track and supply it to a small built in motor. The drive has all the necessary gearing to give the unit it is built in to smooth motion. Don't think you can use it to power large freight or passenger trains. It wont last if this is done.
toptrain
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Posted - June 22 2015 : 1:03:19 PM
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What I thought. I'll add a little weight to the rail bus to help with electrical but it'll never pull anything. I'll keep somewhat light weight. Probably add about 3-4 ounces.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - June 22 2015 : 6:35:28 PM
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I'm also wanting to use a Flea to power a Mack Railbus! It's currently in redevelopment though, so you'd have to find an old one. I've been on the waiting list for a few years...
From what Dave's told me, it will have an improved gearbox made with new tooling, and it'll have quality metal bearings (at least for the worm) instead of the old method of drilling holes in the Delrin parts. The delay's mainly been because of the cost to make the molds for it.
Darth Santa Fe, doing weird and challenging projects for the fun of it!
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Posted - June 22 2015 : 7:01:09 PM
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On the flea? Darn but at least it'll have bearings. I do have a back issue of Model Railroader on using a Tyco trolley and some other parts to make into a rail bus. I'm wondering what pilot will do. That and what wheels I can use as I wanna have all wheel pick up on the pilot truck and gearbox. One axle pick up wouldn't do well through switches or tricky track.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - June 23 2015 : 12:21:59 AM
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I'll be building mine from a Jordan Products kit. For the drive axle, I'm going to see if PSC spoked wheels would be a good fit, and for the front wheels, I'm going to use NWSL standard tread N scale wheels (I think 36" was close to HO 20"?) on custom width axles. That way, smooth running and good electrical pickup shouldn't be too hard.
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Posted - June 23 2015 : 12:53:55 AM
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Let me know when you start. I've got some ideas. Didn't think to look at N scale wheels.
" Heck with counting 'em rivets, TRAINS ARE FOR FUN! Not called the Mad Scientist for nothing either!"
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Posted - June 23 2015 : 10:52:32 PM
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I'll try to remember! It could still be a while though, since I'm waiting on the Flea. It's been a while since I've contacted NWSL, so maybe it's time to check in with them again.
Darth Santa Fe, doing weird and challenging projects for the fun of it!
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Posted - June 24 2015 : 8:58:45 PM
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Just got a reply from NWSL, and they're looking at late Fall for the new Flea, so just a few more months!
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Posted - June 24 2015 : 9:05:42 PM
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Hooray!
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