Messages

31

Work and Events / Re: What If? Design Project: 1925-1940 2ft Diesel

« on: February 01, 2018, 07:39:40 PM »

Here are a couple of other Queensland sugar cane locomotives. These are in the 15-20-ton range and about 180 horsepower diesel hydraulics.

http://sa-transport.co.za/trains/sugar_cane_rail/eimco.html
This thing weighs in at 40 tons.

32

Work and Events / Re: What If? Design Project: 1925-1940 2ft Diesel

« on: February 01, 2018, 02:09:43 PM »

South African GE U8: way too heavy, way too wide. I was suggesting something along the lines of the attached photo.

I just read some info on the exact loco last month. It is diesel-hydraulic with a Detroit 12V92 engine and tips the scales at about 40 tons (I need to double check that number).
Rob

33

Work and Events / Re: What If? Design Project: 1925-1940 2ft Diesel

« on: February 01, 2018, 01:29:07 PM »

While the Baldwin trench locomotives are cool in their own right, they would not solve the problem at the WW&F. What is needed is a locomotive with both power and speed, to allow it to be used to rescue a train and bring it home. It might be worthwhile to take a look at some version of the diesel locomotives manufactured in Australia for use on the still-extensive sugar cane network in Queensland. Using already-proven and functional mechanical designs, the sheet metal surrounding it could be customized to look like a 1930's gasoline or diesel unit.

If the museum needs such a locomotive then the South African GE U8 locomotives would fit the bill. Diesel electric with CAT 3208 power plants.
I'll do my best to present the my best design using modern power train components from the light/medium duty trucks of the day with a period correct design for the final drive (with modern parts) and keeping with the 1920-30s styling. The units would be scratch-built using laser/water CNC cut plate, rectangle tube frames, standard wiring, pneumatic brakes and controls, cab heater with a full enclosed cab.

Rob

34

Work and Events / Re: What If? Design Project: 1925-1940 2ft Diesel

« on: January 31, 2018, 10:43:34 AM »

[Moderator's Note]
I re-titled this thread to reflect the topic at hand. I also moved it into the Museum discussion area, rather than the section reserved for non museum-specific topics.

That said,
I like the idea. The photos of the WWI era Baldwin the design is based upon show a really neat looking locomotive. Jason would be sure to love it - it is a Baldwin after all!

Yes, that is why I chose that set-up. Simple, period correct. Also thanks for merging the topics. Now that I have a clearer picture moving forward in my life (VA appointments done) this is giving me motivation to get the drawings done.

Rob

35

Work and Events / Re: Personal goals for 2017

« on: January 31, 2018, 09:35:02 AM »

Rob,

If you are thinking of wheel centers with spokes, I made patterns for two sizes which are currently stored at the railroad.  Depending on the thickness of the tire or how much is machined off the center, you could go from a 18" wheel (like on the Model T railcar) to a 20" wheel (like on #11's lead wheel assembly), or even more with thicker tires.  With the larger center you could start with about a 31" wheel or larger depending again on the thickness of the tire.  I don't know if you are thinking this large a wheel, but it is remotely possible.  At this point I wouldn't offer making a mid size pattern because of the many pattern projects I have to complete and based on #11's time line, this project would be ten years away before it was physical consummated.

If you are thinking side rods and cranks with the larger wheel center, the patterns for the cranks are also made and in storage.

I have seen mine locomotives where the traction motor was mounted longitudinally between the axles with worn (sp?) gears.  You could possibly use truck differentials with some of the gears removed for this.

Bernie

The gearbox design will operate in the same fashion as an outboard motor lower end; Forward/reverse/neutral. The gears will come from a Dana 80, two ring gears and one pinion 6:1 ratio. The outboard gears going to the lower shaft driving the side rods will be from the 2.5 ton Rockwell axle bull gear (4 per box). All fitted with tapered roller bearings. Short driveshaft to the transmission. If patterns are already made for counter weights and wheel centers, that does save allot of time. I will be emailing someone that could machine the gear box shafts and axles and contribute to their youtube channel content.
I'm trying to find the simplest solution to drive the wheels, and thus far this is the simplest I could come up with. It keeps the axles simple, the truck frames simple, the gearbox is accessible for oil changes, the transmission/engine pans are accessible for maintenance. It will also include two cast iron air compressors (one per engine) for the shifting/braking system. As far as vacuum brakes, I would need someone's help with that since I am not familiar with them.

Rob 

Edit: Thanks for merging the topics.

36

Work and Events / Re: What If? Design Project: 1925-1940 2ft Diesel

« on: January 31, 2018, 08:09:23 AM »

What are you using for wheels?

Machined centers with tyres. Not sure of the size yet. Tapered roller bearings on the axles.

Rob

37

Work and Events / Re: What If? Design Project: 1925-1940 2ft Diesel

« on: January 31, 2018, 07:41:38 AM »

Yes, I hope to have drawings sometime soon. Here is a link for some good photos of the Baldwin gas-mechanical I am basing the truck design off of. My idea is a blend of this locomotive and a Garrett steam locomotive. Everything that powers the unit except for the gearboxes, rods, wheels, counter weights, truck frames and brake rigging will be on the frame. That means cab, hoods, engines/transmissions, cooling systems, fuel tank(s), air tanks, batteries ect.
The only differences I plan between #53 and #54 is the engines. #53 will have the 6BT (12 valve with the non-computer fuel control) with single exhaust (turbo) and #54 will have the 6B with 6 individual stacks (non-turbo). I am trying to find out about the 45RLE transmissions if they have an aftermarket manual valve body for shifting to delete the computer and delete the reverse gear (reversing will be done in the truck gearboxes). Also, they do make larger capacity pans and the trans coolers will most likely triple the transmission fluid capacity.
I started to look at frame materials in the area of 7"x3" box 3/8" thick, 7/8" plate for frame gussets, and 1 3/4" plate for the truck frames. Handrails would be 7/8" rod stock. More to come.

http://www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/82183-baldwin-gas-mechanicalmoelwyn-photos/


Rob

38

Work and Events / Re: What If? Design Project: 1925-1940 2ft Diesel

« on: January 30, 2018, 12:22:07 PM »

Rob,

Why don't you study what the Mount Washington Cog Railway used to make their diesel-hydraulic locomotives?  I believe they used a standard power unit with hydraulic motors.  I know it was unsuccessful on the Southern Pacific and Rio Grande for various reasons, but on a small road like the WW&F it may be the simplest way to go.  I am not a mechanic, so this is just a "from the hip" suggestion.

As far as the aesthetics of the locomotive, make it look good . Design it with AAR type trucks with drop equalizers like passenger car trucks similar to  those used on road switchers.  The Durango & Silverton made a beautiful self propelled car and put it on what I feel was a very cobbled looking front truck made from an industrial locomotive.  It looked terrible.  Home made locomotives tend to look cobbled up.  Try to avoid that.

Bernie

I thought of that, but there are allot of issues with Diesel-hydraulic (pump/lines/motors/cooling/costs) and it would not be a period correct design. Using a mechanical design from the period of the early 1900's with a minor modification (using an automatic transmission/diesel engine) you could have a loco with good power and speed.
My goals are: ease of maintenance. That means common filters, belts, parts, spares, controls (pneumatic) with a minimum amount of custom parts (machined/cast/fabbed). I think the final weight might be in the 20-24k range. I thought it could be a viable solution for a robust locomotive for the RR for when steam is not running and save some wear/tear on #52, but look and feel period correct for the size of the line. More to follow.

Rob

39

Work and Events / Re: What If? Design Project: 1925-1940 2ft Diesel

« on: January 30, 2018, 12:04:32 PM »

I would suggest looking at a center-cab design with two engines.  Each one connected directly to its end truck.  The one advantage is if you have a road failure of an engine, you have the remaining one to get you home.  Think of a scaled down GE 44 tonner.

That is the idea. It would be a period correct (except for the power plant) "kitbashed" locomotive using surplus chassis from WWI, in theory (like a what if). Outside some custom shafts/gearboxes everything will be sourced from the light/medium truck industry to keep costs down and have a good supply of spares.
I'm going to hit this hard this year, getting my CAD program up and running since most of my VA stuff has closed out now. I have to call some vendors and contact some youtubers to get input into the gearboxes.

Rob

40

Work and Events / Re: What If? Design Project: 1925-1940 2ft Diesel

« on: January 29, 2018, 10:40:52 AM »

Update: #54 & #55
I have decided on the gearbox/drive train layout, it will be similar to the Baldwin 600cm trench locomotive 0-4-0 gas-mechanical from WWI, just with it being double ended. Still researching off the shelf gears/bearings to minimize costs. Also developing the centralized control stand for bi-directional use. Will be diesel powered with common power plants. That is all.

Rob

41

Work and Events / Re: Steam Train Snow Day - Feb 17, 2018

« on: January 29, 2018, 10:34:03 AM »

We all love Fred, but please don't cut down all the trees on that picturesque route down the mountain.  Traveling through the deep woods along the dramatic hillside is what makes that portion of the right of way so special, IMHO.

It would also serve as a good "fall color special" tunnel of leaves turning in fall.

42

General Discussion / Re: Interesting mail delivery by the Maine Central

« on: January 23, 2018, 12:57:02 PM »

At least that was an accident, unlike the stories we are hearing about postal workers burning, shredding mail because they are too lazy to do their jobs.

43

The Original W&Q and WW&F: 1894-1933 / Re: WW&F Pile Driver/Derrick

« on: January 19, 2018, 08:44:26 AM »

I'm glad I asked about the pile driver. Looks like it has brought up allot of forgotten information about the RR. I'm in agreement about the pile-driving being contracted out to a company to drive piles in the bay since that would be the best way to build infrastructure using experienced techniques on the water. As far as building along the line, the derrick crane could be use to drive the piles for the bridge abutments. Very interesting history indeed.

Rob

44

Work and Events / Re: Trout Brook Bridge - Official Work Thread

« on: January 16, 2018, 07:47:30 AM »

Just out of curiosity how will the bridge abutments be constructed? Will there be piles driven? Which brings up another good historical question: Did the W,W,&F have a pile driver?

Rob

45

Volunteers / Trimber framing, post/beam wood working skills

« on: December 07, 2017, 01:31:49 PM »

I am thinking of coming up to Maine next year to take the Shelter Institute's one week class on post and beam woodworking. I am doing it to learn a new skillset that I don't have and the VA can pay for the tuition. Would these skills be helpful in building cars/buildings at the museum? I would also stop by as well to visit before I left for home.

Rob