Large Scale Central

Better test rollers?

Tools and Tips
#1

My test track is only 10 ft so I decided to make a set of rollers like the Bachman EZ Riders. I brought one to the Greenberg show this past weekend to see what Don Sweet thought of it. He mentioned the Aristocraft ones are not very stable and suggested I notch the base to fit over the track. This is what I came up with.

I’m looking for comments / suggestions to improve this design. Obviously, the plastic does not conduct power so these would be for battery powered locos (or you could attach leads). I’ve thought about possibly making them adjustable for O scale but these bearings may be too big. Also, maybe I should add a handle on the side to aid in adjusting them?

#2

make them conduct is the key thing.

only make the center part below, then it will work on different rail head widths

Make it tight fit to the inside of the rails, like the Bachmann, so they don’t slip.

Greg

#3

Greg Elmassian said:

make them conduct is the key thing.

I’m experimenting with a flat U shaped spring.

only make the center part below, then it will work on different rail head widths

That was my original design but the notch seems more stable. It’s snug but slides nicely on my Aristo and LGB code 332 so wouldn’t it fit all gauge 1?

Make it tight fit to the inside of the rails, like the Bachmann, so they don’t slip.

How wide is the part that extends below the rails? Mine is snug now @ 44mm but I was thinking of adding a small ridge so it snaps on to the railheads.

#4

A small ridge, or an angle might work on different size rails. Worth trying on code 250 and 215 track.

Thinking more clearly, if you make the slots wide enough for 332, then smaller rail will still fit, just not touch the outer sides.

The ridge might be better served as a continuous angle, so it work irrespective of rail head height.

Greg

#5

Dan,

That looks like a great and inexpensive solution to an old issue.

but keep in mind the old saw about “design by committee”(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

http://shepleywood.com/january-the-rope-swing/

#6

Dan,

That would solve a problem I have!

I need a set of rollers and could care less if they conduct! I’ma Dark-Side Battery Guy!

ps. I’m VERY interested in obtaining a set if you make the available :slight_smile:

#7

Rick Marty said:

Dan,

That looks like a great and inexpensive solution to an old issue.

but keep in mind the old saw about “design by committee”(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

http://shepleywood.com/january-the-rope-swing/

Haha. yes, but this is one of the great benefits of 3d printing. I can easily customize for anyone’s preferences.

#8

Cale Nelson said:

Dan,

That would solve a problem I have!

I need a set of rollers and could care less if they conduct! I’ma Dark-Side Battery Guy!

ps. I’m VERY interested in obtaining a set if you make the available :slight_smile:

I have some others interested as well. I’m considering putting a set on eBay to see how it goes. Also thinking offering to LSC folks at a discount. I found a cheaper source for the bearings and ordered 100 of them.

#9

What was the problem you were trying to solve? I use the Bachmann rollers on my code 250 aluminum rail, and have used them on 332 brass as well. They pick up power fine, and roll very well. Plus, my steam engine works fine on them.

#10

Dick Friedman said:

What was the problem you were trying to solve? I use the Bachmann rollers on my code 250 aluminum rail, and have used them on 332 brass as well. They pick up power fine, and roll very well. Plus, my steam engine works fine on them.

Not trying to solve a problem. Just wondering if the design can be improved. As an owner of the Bachimann rolllers, is there nothing you would change about them?

#11

Can you beat the price of the Bachmann? (street price not list)… also they did do something smart, by making “Static” units that do not roll but bring power… great for steamers, and of course trailing and leading trucks.

Greg

#12

I was looking at a way to make it easier to get the wheels lined up and came up with this design. First set the loco next to the track and point the arrows at the axles then lift and drop them on the rollers and they should line up perfect. Alternatively, you can use these “handles” to adjust.

#13

Greg Elmassian said:

Can you beat the price of the Bachmann? (street price not list)… also they did do something smart, by making “Static” units that do not roll but bring power… great for steamers, and of course trailing and leading trucks.

It seems Bachmann offers ball bearing (~$50) and non-ball bearing models (~$25). I’m thinking about $12 + shipping to LSC members. Possibly twice that on eBay. It seems more and more Large scalers are going to battery so there is no need to pickup power from the track. In fact I now question why these need the track at all! Just to hold them in alignment I suppose. I could incorporate a channel for a length of bar stock to hold them inline without track. For the track power folks, I’m thinking alligator clips would provide a more positive connection and from what I’ve seen, a lot of folks are already using them on there test benches.

#14

Stick with the track mount. The addition of a channel for alignment will only increase the cost and raise the shipping rate.

Most folks that order these already have track to align them on and if they don’t they can go get some(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)

I do like the pointer/handle, good idea.

Rick

#15

Rick Marty said:

Stick with the track mount. The addition of a channel for alignment will only increase the cost and raise the shipping rate.

Most folks that order these already have track to align them on and if they don’t they can go get some(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)

I do like the pointer/handle, good idea.

My Idea is to add a channel to slip them onto a piece of 1/4"x1" aluminum bar stock and folks can go to Lowes and get the length the want.

#16

I’m with rick, everyone has track, and if you make them powered then you already have a power source, and “alignment jig” at no extra cost.

DC track power is still the major power source for all scales… that is the way the locos come…

my two cents…

Greg

#17

Dan Gilchrist said:

Rick Marty said:

Stick with the track mount. The addition of a channel for alignment will only increase the cost and raise the shipping rate.

Most folks that order these already have track to align them on and if they don’t they can go get some(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-foot-in-mouth.gif)

I do like the pointer/handle, good idea.

My Idea is to add a channel to slip them onto a piece of 1/4"x1" aluminum bar stock and folks can go to Lowes and get the length the want.

OK, I misunderstood. You are just going to add a notch or notches so that a field supplied bar or channel can be used for a base. Right?

#18

Dan Gilchrist said:

Dick Friedman said:

What was the problem you were trying to solve? I use the Bachmann rollers on my code 250 aluminum rail, and have used them on 332 brass as well. They pick up power fine, and roll very well. Plus, my steam engine works fine on them.

Not trying to solve a problem. Just wondering if the design can be improved. As an owner of the Bachimann rolllers, is there nothing you would change about them?

You asked for opinions so I’m giving you one. I have the Bachmann rollers but I only use them for testing stuff that’s all…yes the are not true but I personally use them for testing stuff only. I use alligator clips on them as well.

#19

OK, So I added a 1/8" x 1" channel on the bottom giving the option to use your own piece of bar stock instead of track. This feature actually reduces the cost of production by one cent! Now playing with a piece of brass strip stock to transfer power.

Can someone that owns the Bachmann (with ball bearing) answer these questions?

  1. Is the power transferred to the inner race and through the bearings to the outer race?

  2. Do the bearing spin freely? Like if you flip it over and give it a push will it zip along like a Matchbox car?

#20

I thought I just did ?