Bob has a thread on using the 3-D printed body to create a Morris Park shop switcher in 3-rail. I've ordered a body and I'd like to do a 2 rail one. Any suggestions for a drive train for this?
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The Lionchief chassis I'm using might not be too hard to 2-rail. It has a small can motor and gear drive. Not sure about changing the wheels and isolating the shaft tho.
Bob
Flange size as well as two rail insulation would be the issue. I'd have to check with NWSL to see if there's a possibility.
Bob,
Can you tell me what the wheel base is? NWSL has some 2 axle drives and Lambert Locomotive Works makes an underfloor drive for the Corgi PCC that could be candidates.
@Scotie posted:Bob,
Can you tell me what the wheel base is? NWSL has some 2 axle drives and Lambert Locomotive Works makes an underfloor drive for the Corgi PCC that could be candidates.
I happen to have my personal LIRR critter kit apart on my workbench right now, so I have included some photos to help you. The Lionchief Junction type donor frame that your kit was designed around has a wheelbase of almost exactly 2.5", as shown here.
The entire motor frame is made of plastic, so you mostly have to worry about insulating the axles. Ground is picked up by brass contacts wiping the steel axles. I'm not very experienced with 2-railing locomotives (I just design new bodies for existing frames), but I would think that if you could just insulate one wheel on each axle and split the axle wiper in half, you could pick up one rail on each axle. Of course, the real trick would be finding or making the wheels-- particularly the geared wheels-- that would fit the existing axles.
Hope that helps, Ken
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@Scotie posted:Bob,
Can you tell me what the wheel base is? NWSL has some 2 axle drives and Lambert Locomotive Works makes an underfloor drive for the Corgi PCC that could be candidates.
I think @Trainguy Ken covered the main points. By the time you modify the LC chassis it might be better to find a 2 rail donor. OTOH- the right wheels and axles might match up with the rest of the drive.
Bob
Great thread, I am a LIRR fan in 2 rail.
Thanks for the helpful replies. While the shell is beautifully done its been stretched quite a bit from the prototype to fit that Lionel chassis. Not sure if I'm going to continue with it. Check out this page for several photos of the three switchers used at Morris Park.
