Main Frame Modification Details
The main chassis frame has been modified by opening up the aperture
on the non-powered end. This is to allow sufficient movement of the
new motor-chassis for when it pivots and rotates without fouling the main
frame when the track is uneven.
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Additionally a new method of securing the chassis had to be constructed
and this involved using an existing yoke from an old AF 370 GP7. It then
had to be modified so that it would fit onto a new mounting bracket on
the top of the main frame. |
Chassis Modifications
The chassis has only one major modification to it. The basis of the
change is so that the chassis will accommodate a Sagami 1833 can motor.
Preliminary measurements subsequent to starting showed that it was possible
to install this and still utilise the existing screw holes for attaching
the yoke and also to use the original AF armature strap holes for the new
motor mount brackets. Detailing the main modification further you
will find that the chassis has been machined away in the centre to create
a well of 36mm in length, 3mm greater than the length of the motor. The
height of the motor bed is now 7.25mm to the bottom edge of the chassis. |
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With the chassis machined to the above measurements it was possible
to maintain the axle to lay-shaft centre to centre dimensions as per the
existing AF/LTI dimensions but using the Sagami motor armature shaft to
replace the lay shaft assembly. One of the criteria I set myself originally
was to utilise the existing gears on the chassis but I discovered
that the bore of the worm is 3.175mm and the diameter of the Sagami motor
was only 2.4 mm. |
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I then debated what to do about the worm as it’s bore was greater than
the shaft, I had thought about a sleeve but I felt it would not be accurate
and so elected to commission North West Short Line to make some custom
gears for me to fit there own worm. After calculating the size of
gear I had a choice of two ratio’s, 23:1 using a single start worm or 11.5:1
using a double start worm. The latter ratio is also very close to the original
ratio of 10:1 that uses a double start worm - I chose the 23:1 mainly to
see what it’s scale running speed would be like. After stripping
the chassis I removed the oilite bushes and machined the chassis to accept
new axle bushes. I then machined the new bushes in a jig to a diameter
of 4.1mm to accept the Lionel axles which are 4.06mm for a precision fit
as opposed to Lionel’s wide axle bushes which are easier for assembly of
axles due to the fact that the knurling for the gear is a greater diameter
than the axle shaft. Each of the chassis are fitted with two traction tyres,
this was because I had the parts to build it as such but in reality one
per truck would more than suffice. The Sagami 1833 can motor has
a bearing located in a housing in the main body at each end to support
the armature. |
The dimensions of each housing differ in diameter, one being 7mm and
the other being 8mm. The motor mounts are made from right angle stock material
and have slots at the top for easy assembly of mount to chassis and each
of the two mounts correspondingly has a 7mm or 8mm hole to support the
motor. The motor mounts would need to be altered slightly so that
you add additional material between underside of mount and top of chassis
so that it will sit square. Also it would be advisable to make them in
plastic as the prototype ones are aluminium and I had to insulate them
on one side to prevent a short circuit from the brush end of the motor. |
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