N Scale Whitcomb 45 Tonner build

[u18b]

That 6mm motor just fits.

Too bad you couldn't fit the 7mm motor with two shafts.  Then both trucks could have been powered.

Great job!

[peteski]

I've never seen flat-jaw alligator clips - sounds really useful!  Where did you find them?

I found mine at Digikey.  https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/mueller-electric-co/BU-34/304581

[Jim Starbuck]

That 6mm motor just fits.

Too bad you couldn't fit the 7mm motor with two shafts.  Then both trucks could have been powered.

Great job!

Thanks Ron,

This one is an experiment. I have another shell that I think could be opened up just enough to fit a 7mm motor. The difference between the 6 and 7mm motors is significant.

[kiwi_al]

FYI just so you know you can get a 4mm x 8mm coreless motor (single shaft)  but it's 3.7 Volts only. I haven't seen one suitable for 12 volts yet 

[peteski]

FYI just so you know you can get a 4mm x 8mm coreless motor (single shaft)  but it's 3.7 Volts only. I haven't seen one suitable for 12 volts yet 

. . .  and probably won't for a while (if ever).

[craigolio1]

I got mine from eBay and no doubt you could get them from Amazon.
Do a search for micro toothless alligator test clips. They’re usually in a pack of 10 for $10 or $12.

Ordered!!! Thanks.

Craig

[Jim Starbuck]

This ran successfully for a couple hours at Trainfest pulling 7 assorted cars but I didn’t think to take video. Doh!
It got another hour or so running on my test loop at home again pulling 7 cars and it’s settling in nicely. With the drive proven it’s time for paint, lights and final detailing. It’s going to be W.F. Hall Printing Co #5 modeled after the prototype which is on display at the Rochelle, Il rail park.

[Dwight in Toronto]

Jim - looking forward to a video clip when you’ve wrapped up the finishing touches.

[Jim Starbuck]

I finished up the 45t today. It’s lettered for the unit on static display at the Rochelle, IL railroad park.

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[wazzou]

Are there more appropriate truck side frame designs available to print?

Beautiful work, by the way.

[Jim Starbuck]

Thanks Bryan.
Mark printed complete side rod trucks with the shell but they would be for static display. The sides could probably be extracted and overlaid on sanded down Kato side frames.
It was a judgement call on my part because I thought the side rods wouldn’t look right standing still while it was running. Operating  counterbalanced side rods are still above my pay grade.

[tehachapifan]

Awesome build!!

[garethashenden]

Operating counterbalanced side rods are still above my pay grade.

How do you know that? Have you tried? How hard could it be? Its four-coupled, it doesn't get easier than that.

[Jim Starbuck]

How do you know that? Have you tried? How hard could it be? Its four-coupled, it doesn't get easier than that.

You may be right. Nobody likes a quitter.

[Chris333]

It has pointed cup pickups for the axle points. So you'd loose that.