Hi, I am building a structure with a coal shoot and it has one small problem and that is the coal won't shoot.
The slide is on a 45 degree slope and the coal still gets caught in clumps. I thought a vibrating device like we have on the post war cattle cars would do the trick but I hate the chop one up. I went on the Mouser site and found the components to build a vibrating motor assembly but I would rather find something ready to go if possible.
Any ides out there?
Thank You,
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Just an idea, I don't know if it would work, but maybe buy a cheap vibrating pencel/engraver from like Harbor Freight or something and just mount it touching the ramp?
Mario, How about a simple old electric shaver mechanism that vibrates. Or a small DC motor with an eccentric cut flywheel that wound vibrate when spinning. The later was used on aircraft instrument panels to keep the needles from sticking. Some time ago.
Both great ideas fellows, I need to go to a flea market.
Thank's
An old 'cheap' electric toothbrush makes a good vibrator too. 
Or one of those miniature DC motors with the offset weights that are used in cellphone vibrators...
http://www.allelectronics.com/...NG-MINI-MOTOR/1.html
---PCJ
Sounds like it might be easier to increase the angle of the chute. 
Jim
Hi Nicole, that's a wonderful idea.
I thought about that Jim but in order for me to do so I would have to elevate the support structure about three inches. If I do that then the approach track would have more then a five percent grade to it.
I am using the MTH dump cars to deliver the coal into the shoot. My problem is that I'm real estate poor and I would like to be able to accomodate at lest a three car coal train.
Life is full of challenges in a South Philly, row-home basement.
Take apart your old cellphone from before you upgraded. 
If you want the chute to vibrate, I would use any vibrator from one of Lionel's accessories. A junk one or just the vibrator motor from one and screw it on the underside of the chute, the motor from a 464 sawmill, 3444 animated gondola, aquarium car, a junk culvert loader...you get the idea.
There's something just a tad off with a bunch of guys looking for vibrators,
A $5 Oral B battery operated tooth brush has just what you need.
Bobby, your a genius!
I'm almost there guys, I'll let you know how it works out as soon as I get it done.
There's something just a tad off with a bunch of guys looking for vibrators,
But if your coal won't shoot down a chute something's gotta be done.
We are vibrant people!
Oh Shoot! Or is it chute?
The coal won't shoot the chute. That's the problem.
My favorite Coney Island amusement park ride!
Jim
Why not reengineer you chute into a down hill conveyor? Should be pretty easy.
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