engine test stand with rollers

[propmeup1]

The PRR had that too. you can find photos of the T1 6110 on it and some K4s. I would love to be there next to it.

[reinhardtjh]

The PRR had that too. you can find photos of the T1 6110 on it and some K4s. I would love to be there next to it.

This thread here shows an E6 4-4-2 on the test stand in Altoona.  Other interesting steam pictures and comments follow.

https://grassrootsmotorsports.com/forum/off-topic-discussion/grassroots-railroad-sports/161868/page9/

[SandyEggoJake]

I was lucky enough to get some of the last of the Bachrus stock, which won't help you.  But the other day saw this odd "new to me" on ebay.  Search "Train Treadmill 160" .  No idea how well these work, but would be interested in a review. 

[Roger Holmes]

My N scale rollers are in a clear clam shell which holds four unmarked sets which appear to be aluminum screwed to a black plastic spacer with four roller bearings in each unit.  Each roller fits into a separate pocket in the clam shell.  No markings or paper with these.  I don't think that I have even taken them out of the package.  Bought them 4-5 years ago.  Does this give any clue as to brand?

I will try to grab a couple cell phone photos soon.

[narrowminded]

The several mentions of the "Bachrus" stands caused me to do a search.  Here's a link and what you'll find is they addressed the issues I identified and in basically the same way.  What's missing is support for steam pilots, trailing trucks, and tenders.  Also, look at the price, converted to dollars.  My rough cost estimate at about $10 less, absent a dealer markup, is probably pretty good.

https://www.digitrains.co.uk/shop-by-brand/bachrus/40zsa3.html

[haasmarc]

I have the Bachrus system and I have blocks that go under leading/trailing trucks and a bigger one for under a tender.

[narrowminded]

I have the Bachrus system and I have blocks that go under leading/trailing trucks and a bigger one for under a tender.

Do you like the performance?

[CodyO]

Do you like the performance?

Very happy with how mine works I have the same setup plus a speedo meter for speed matching

[kiwi_al]

have you seen these? Not quite what you have in mind.

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32960011938.html?spm=2114.12010612.8148356.35.fab5641bpTEFFu

[Roger Holmes]

Here are two photos of the ones that I have.  Does anybody know what brand they might be?  Once I figure that out I will know how to price them and will put them in the Trading Post.

[haasmarc]

Do you like the performance?

I like them.  I haven't used them a bunch but they have worked well the few times I did.

[peteski]

So all those ball bearings conduct electricity well? Interesting.  I recall Max discarding his idea of using ball bearings for his scratchbuilt steam loco, because the ball bearings were very poor conductors of electricity.

[narrowminded]

So all those ball bearings conduct electricity well? Interesting.  I recall Max discarding his idea of using ball bearings for his scratchbuilt steam loco, because the ball bearings were very poor conductors of electricity.

I wondered about that, too.  There's a possibility that I already considered that there might be a phosphor bronze whisker between the frame and the outer race because ball bearings aren't reliable conductors.  I also considered the possibility that the track side shouldn't be ball bearings at all but turned one piece wheels (nickel silver?) with a small diameter shaft with point contact to a metal conductor in the support.  The devil is in the details!   It probably works acceptably because there are sixteen of those bearings (or more) engaged with wheels so they get to play the averages.

[RBrodzinsky]

So all those ball bearings conduct electricity well? Interesting.  I recall Max discarding his idea of using ball bearings for his scratchbuilt steam loco, because the ball bearings were very poor conductors of electricity.

Nope. I have the DCC Concepts set, and when they work, I like them. But, I have a heck of a time getting good contact through them. I would say maybe 30-40% of the time.

[haasmarc]

Nope. I have the DCC Concepts set, and when they work, I like them. But, I have a heck of a time getting good contact through them. I would say maybe 30-40% of the time.

I haven't had any conduction issues with the Bachrus system.