07-02-2015, 05:08 PM
Hi folks,
I'm actually in the process of designing how I'll rebuild a MDC Roundhouse boxcab (which a kind member of this forum is providing me with).
I'll soon start to rebuild a home layout after a long hiatus and the next project will be a reincarnation of my old Harlem Station. This particular Bronx, NYC prototype used boxcab to switch the very diminutive yard.
It's been a few months since I wanted to try to build a radio-controller/battery powered locomotive (DCC + sound). The boxcab is nice because it is small and still have lots on room inside. I did some test and every components should fit with enough place to model the cab interiors (both ends). I know it won't come cheap but let's say it'S for the sake of experimenting with alternate technologies.
Now the BIG question. Which drive to use? And it's where I'd like some feedback. I'm open to any suggestion. There's only 3 main requirements: can crawl at slow speed (0 to 10 scale mph), not too noisy and takes very little room inside the shell.
1) Reusing MDC drive... Looks not a good idea!
2) Using a Bachmann GE 44-Tonner drive. Twin motor older version seems unrealiable and takes a lot of room inside the cab. The newest single motor leaves enough space for all component. That would be my favorite choice BUT there's two issues: wheel base is quite off and wheels are too small (33" vs 38"). I've seen many people splice and lenghten diesel locomotive frames. Could it be possible to shorten the GE 44-ton chassis to fit the boxcab original wheelbase? Is it possible to replace the wheel with ones with the correct diameter? I know it's a lot of work, but I don't mind. Model Railroading is fun, isn't?
3) Using a motorized truck: lots of room in the shell to add components, weight and perfectly decorated cabs and you can get the right wheel base and diameter. Stanton drive is one of them. But I've read performance at slow speed are so-so. Any feedback on that? Some other people recommand Black Beetle, which are similar, but supposedly would perform better at slow speed. I must admit it would be the most interesting option, but performance should follow.
Well, that's where I'm standing now.
I'm actually in the process of designing how I'll rebuild a MDC Roundhouse boxcab (which a kind member of this forum is providing me with).
I'll soon start to rebuild a home layout after a long hiatus and the next project will be a reincarnation of my old Harlem Station. This particular Bronx, NYC prototype used boxcab to switch the very diminutive yard.
It's been a few months since I wanted to try to build a radio-controller/battery powered locomotive (DCC + sound). The boxcab is nice because it is small and still have lots on room inside. I did some test and every components should fit with enough place to model the cab interiors (both ends). I know it won't come cheap but let's say it'S for the sake of experimenting with alternate technologies.
Now the BIG question. Which drive to use? And it's where I'd like some feedback. I'm open to any suggestion. There's only 3 main requirements: can crawl at slow speed (0 to 10 scale mph), not too noisy and takes very little room inside the shell.
1) Reusing MDC drive... Looks not a good idea!
2) Using a Bachmann GE 44-Tonner drive. Twin motor older version seems unrealiable and takes a lot of room inside the cab. The newest single motor leaves enough space for all component. That would be my favorite choice BUT there's two issues: wheel base is quite off and wheels are too small (33" vs 38"). I've seen many people splice and lenghten diesel locomotive frames. Could it be possible to shorten the GE 44-ton chassis to fit the boxcab original wheelbase? Is it possible to replace the wheel with ones with the correct diameter? I know it's a lot of work, but I don't mind. Model Railroading is fun, isn't?
3) Using a motorized truck: lots of room in the shell to add components, weight and perfectly decorated cabs and you can get the right wheel base and diameter. Stanton drive is one of them. But I've read performance at slow speed are so-so. Any feedback on that? Some other people recommand Black Beetle, which are similar, but supposedly would perform better at slow speed. I must admit it would be the most interesting option, but performance should follow.
Well, that's where I'm standing now.
Proudly modelling Quebec Railway Light & Power Company since 1997.
Hedley-Junction Club Layout: http://www.hedley-junction.blogspot.com/
Erie 149th Street Harlem Station http://www.harlem-station.blogspot.com/
Hedley-Junction Club Layout: http://www.hedley-junction.blogspot.com/
Erie 149th Street Harlem Station http://www.harlem-station.blogspot.com/