|
|
 Posted - September 26 2009 : 9:47:49 PM
|
Ok, here is my new and improved coal loader. I posted my first model a long time ago, and have been experimenting with a bunch of different designs since then. Now I have come up with my best working model so far:
It utilizes a homemade linear actuator to turn rotary motion from a hacked Knex motor into linear motion. The linear actuator was originally part of my pipe loader, but the pipe loader was sacrificed to produce this model.
The linear actuator is hooked to the door on the Life-Like coal hopper via coat hanger wire, a wooden block, and more coat hanger wire. It works very well, a lot better then my previous models.
To see some videos of it in action, click the links below:
Opening:
http://s722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/dorptrains/?action=view¤t=MVI_3337.flv
Closing:
http://s722.photobucket.com/albums/ww227/dorptrains/?action=view¤t=MVI_3338.flv
Everything will be hidden inside of a mountain except for the Life-Like coal hopper when I put it on my layout.
Enjoy!
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
|
Country:  USA ~
Posts: 232 ~
Member Since: March 29 2009 ~
Last Visit: March 22 2010
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - September 26 2009 : 9:51:52 PM
|
| Pretty cool idea Jacob. I was thinking of using a power door lock actuator for a similar purpose. The only problem with the door lock actuator is it's snap action, the door of the coal loader would fly open and closed.
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 635 ~
Member Since: February 03 2008 ~
Last Visit: December 18 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - September 26 2009 : 10:37:30 PM
|
Good idea, I never thought of that. One problem, obtaining the actuator? I guess a junkyard would work. The snap action wouldn't be too bad, it could even be a plus as you could close it faster and control the level of coal in the car more.
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 232 ~
Member Since: March 29 2009 ~
Last Visit: March 22 2010
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - September 26 2009 : 11:46:22 PM
|
Jacob,
I picked one up from All Electronics. Here's a link. I still have it, another project waiting.
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/DLA-1/DOOR-LOCK-ACTUATOR/-/1.html
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 635 ~
Member Since: February 03 2008 ~
Last Visit: December 18 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - September 27 2009 : 10:53:11 AM
|
That's neat, it would be perfect for a coal loader, since it only moves .75 inches. I might have to pick one up.
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 232 ~
Member Since: March 29 2009 ~
Last Visit: March 22 2010
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - September 27 2009 : 1:20:19 PM
|
That's really cool. Clever design too. Should be fun once you get it installed on a layout
|
Country:  Canada ~
Posts: 3440 ~
Member Since: September 22 2006 ~
Last Visit: December 15 2025
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
|
|
Posted - September 28 2009 : 5:13:42 PM
|
quote:| Should be fun once you get it installed on a layout |
Oh yeah!
-Jacob
Quote: "I didn't fail, I just found 1200 materials that won't work"
-Thomas Edison
|
|
Country: USA ~
Posts: 232 ~
Member Since: March 29 2009 ~
Last Visit: March 22 2010
|
Alert Moderator
|
|
Home
Forums
Events Calendar
Forum Admins & Mods
Register
