Tie Changer Machine - Official Work Thread

[Jeff Schumaker]

Mike,

Is there a potential tipping problem, since the wheels have been moved in to the proper gauge? In the first photo, the wheels on the left appear to be off the ground.

Jeff S.

[Robert Hale]

Looks like a counter-weight is needed.

[John Kokas]

If the guide wheels were brought in equally from both sides then the unit should balance (with the jaw head attached), of course.  I don't believe Mike's pics show a completely assembled unit.

[Mike Fox]

If you have the ability to zoom in, do so on the first picture of my previous post. Someone had figured the center of gravity of the complete unit, wrote it on the machine, and built the pick for it.

After we start using it, modifications can be made easily to install a jack cylinder if needed.

[John Kokas]

Lots of zooming - but finally saw the C/G marking.  It's nice when someone has done it for you.  Looks like it cleaned up pretty well for its age.

[Wayne Laepple]

From what I have been told by the folks who developed the idea of regauging a machine like this to 2-foot gauge, the work head is an adequate counterbalance. The center of gravity should be where the lifting point is in the center. Don't forget, this machine is not going to be traveling at any kind of speed.

[Gordon Cook]

It looks like there will be a force perpendicular to the track when the tie is moved in or out.
How is that taken care of? Is there any mechanism to tie it to the rails or is the weight enough?

[Wayne Laepple]

There is a stop that comes down when the work head is lowered to clamp onto the tie that holds the rail in place.

[Bill Baskerville]

Lots of zooming - but finally saw the C/G marking.  It's nice when someone has done it for you.  Looks like it cleaned up pretty well for its age.

If the C/G is off after the wheels were moved inboard and a few mounting pieces added, we can always add tools to the tool box for in service repairs.  That will help counter balance the moved wheels.  If the reliability is the same as Big Joe, a good set of tools and spare parts is a must.

Is it April 1st yet?

[Mike Fox]

I started the motor today, and it ran for 3 to 5 seconds. I got tired of pulling, so I will try it more later. I had just made an adjustment on the carb on the idle jet screw, and don't think it was right. But, I heard it run. Motivation.. I think that a starter/generator would be a great addition..

[Bill Baskerville]

Mike,

Email me at Bill@Baskerville.com or Call 434-466-5030.  I have an idea.

[Mike Fox]

I will sometime Bill. Not a pressing matter at the moment. Once it runs and functions as we expect, then maybe that addition would help with the starting. What ever it takes to make it easy for everybody.

[Bill Baskerville]

I will sometime Bill. Not a pressing matter at the moment. Once it runs and functions as we expect, then maybe that addition would help with the starting. What ever it takes to make it easy for everybody.

Mike, 

You are doing the hard work.  If the funding for the re-gauging and repairs runs short or if a new motor with starter, charger, etc becomes to expensive please let me know and I will get with James to find a way to make it happen.

Bill

[Mike Fox]

Certainly. I think once I get the combination figured out, it will be just fine. I am thinking longer term improvements, making starting easier for whomever will be using it.

[Mike the Choochoo Nix]

Mike, at least for getting it running, what about using a power drill with a socket to fit the flywheel bolt?