engine test stand with rollers

[UP4-8-8-4]

Railstand Lee makes these.

I have the longest one as it will handle all steamer drivers like the Big Boys, or Diesel and Electric wheels like the Baldwin Centipedes.
Also has a live overhead heavy duty wire to operate engines with live overhead cantenarys like the Arnold GG1's.

http://www.trains.com.tw/railstand.asp

[Roger Holmes]

It is correct that the ones in my photos came from Micro-Mark--metalworkertom jogged my memory.  I bought them because I used my G scale ones a lot on the workbench when I was rebuilding beater locomotives--added DCC, sound and Milwaukee Road paint.  I didn't use the N scale ones since I have a DCC programming track and test track on my workbench.  N scale ones in the photos are sold and shipped.

[narrowminded]

Railstand Lee makes these.

I have the longest one as it will handle all steamer drivers like the Big Boys, or Diesel and Electric wheels like the Baldwin Centipedes.
Also has a live overhead heavy duty wire to operate engines with live overhead cantenarys like the Arnold GG1's.

http://www.trains.com.tw/railstand.asp

Those look nice.   They also look expensive.

[narrowminded]

I followed the link on the page to their listing for just 6 of the bearing assemblies ($32) and it states

The positioning steel pin is made of bearing steel, which is harder and more wear-resistant.
304 solid stainless steel shaft, copper alloy oil bearing, make the front drive work more stable, the rotation is more delicate.

I think I will “bite” and place an order. Will be interested to see how well it works

I'll be interested in hearing your report.  If the details are right it should work well.  Good luck and let us know!

[RBrodzinsky]

Just an update, I ordered on January 12th, and the item finally shipped, in Shenzen, on Feb 9th (of course, in Amazon it shows as shipping on Jan 14th, so they could collect the money immediately)

As of yesterday, it has finally departed Shenzen, so hopefully will get here in the next couple weeks.

[RBrodzinsky]

I received the Yamix test stand last night, and started playing with it this morning.  This is simplicity itself in its design.

Here is a video of a 2-10-2 Pacific (SP 3762) on it, along with detail photos

The rollers on the DCC Concepts Rolling Roads are 6.mm in diameter, and are mounted such that, outer point to outer point, the total distance is 12.9mm.  The Yamix rollers are 4mm, mounted with an outer distance of 8.3mm.

Here is a close up of the rollers in the delrin block

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The roller itself is a simple brass ring, no ball bearings

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And spaced on the rails

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Everything I've put on this, so far, has run perfectly the first time (steam or diesel).  OK, well, one set of exceptions:  do not put a driver or wheel set with traction tires on a roller,  the traction tire will cause the loco to actually move off the rollers.

[narrowminded]

That design uses all stock, inexpensive parts requiring no precise machining.  Very clever.   The hardened steel shafts are stock needle bearing needles and the rollers are stock bronze bushings, both available very inexpensively from a bearing supply house.  You buy them like 1/4" bolts.   And both of those items will be excellent for the service.  Cut some shafts, machine or 3D print the guide blocks, and you're in!   Very clever.

[reinhardtjh]

@RBrodzinsky   Rick, did you order the treadmill and the 6-pc add on?

[RBrodzinsky]

@RBrodzinsky   Rick, did you order the treadmill and the 6-pc add on?

John - yes.  I figured being able to support 12 axles with power was crucial, especially with large steam

[reinhardtjh]

John - yes.  I figured being able to support 12 axles with power was crucial, especially with large steam

Yeah. That's what I figured.  Looking at 4-4-4-4 (T1) and up to 2-6-6-6 (H8) here.