I wonder if anyone has converted USA Trains Rotary Snowplow into a working rotary.
On my list of “things to do” is building a working rotary for my railroad. I get enough snow that the wedge plow isnt always going to do the job. Anyways, I was wondering if I could save myself some time by converting the USA trains rotary. I’ve never seen one in real life so I dont know if it will can be done. Anyone have any ideas?
Jake, The Rotary plows have a small can motor that actually spin the blades, though the blades are made of plastic, I imagine with a little metal work to make some new blades, or if you happen to be good with a CNC machine you could make a nice functioning blower with this model
I haven’t seen one up close, but my guess is that you probably need to beef-up both the drive and the cutter assembly. Depends what kind of snow you get in your area, I’ve seen models in action (videos) that worked very nicely as long as the snow was dry and fluffy. But most wedge plows can handle that, too.
And do as the railroads do, start early and just keep clearing! :lol: :lol:
We have been discussing using the USA Rotary as a donor and replacing the cutter/drivetrain with something beefy with a little torque. Probably motorcycle battery level of power.
BTW one of my German acquaintances built a Diesel powered unit
http://www.buntbahn.de/modellbau/viewtopic.php?t=6921&highlight=schneeschleuder
Rather than using the Leslie type he uses the modern Beilhack type which has two “chopper” blades out front of the clearing rotor. It’s quite a rig! Probably more efficient in wet or slightly compacted snow than the Leslie
He also built one that is electrically powered.
Very cool HJ!
Hmm, I could probably build a new rotary fan it wont look as good, but its suppose to be functional.
Jake, its all about clearing the line, unless you run an indoor line or one in Nogales…
After further investigation, I’ve decided that the USA trains model is far too pretty to tear up. I looked at Jerry Barnes article on building his Rotary and it is very nice. I’m looking at more function over fashion. But, I can take some ideas from his rotary to make mine.
I’m thinking of starting with an old bachman 1:22.5 boxcar I have and then mount a vaccum impeller in the front of it. I saw talk of an impeller and dual rotary that Rayman built but I dont see any reference to it on his website and saw only one picture of it in Jerry’s article.
I hear from a friend of mine that Marty has one. Perhaps a pic or two Marty???
Anyone else have some ideas?
Jake, I used a old 12v drill motor with a 18v battery. Ron Senek suggested that. Both of used the blade that Rayman had listed on his web site. I think there are some more pix of my build on my website, click on the projects button. Have to scroll down a ways on the left side. Be glad to send more pix/advice. Fun to have one. I made mine on a Aristo FA-1B base. Found it best to have the truck battery powered(trailing car). I use the 18v B&D inside the rotary, has a DPDT switch on the back. Fun to throw the snow, makes winter RR a bit more fun. Marty had an article in an old Aristo insider issue, may be on their website. He used a FA base also, as I recall.
John Miller said:John Miller: I lived near that town and it snowed one Thanksgiving! Have the slides to prove it!
Jake, its all about clearing the line, unless you run an indoor line or one in Nogales....
Paul
Jerry,
The FA base is probably metal right? I’m think ing that might be a better option so there is a lower center of gravity. You think that is an issue?
Thanks for the offer to help, I’ll keep it in mind.
Nope it’s plastic, but heavy Jake
Jake I used and old cordless drill, and just chucked a vacume impellar and shaft into the chuck. I put the same shaft impella into my drill press and used a file to get it down to size to fit the 3" to 2" pvc coupling.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/smcgill_pics/trainsnowblower001.jpg)
I built the scoop to size.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/smcgill_pics/trainsnowblower001-1.jpg)
No need for a chute as it clogged and with out worked . I use battery with a reversing switch to help clear the unit and direct the snow discharge. as for weight I added some lead to the under carage between the sills.I used and old flat bed and just screwed the sides to it. So when I was done I found this!
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/smcgill_pics/2009012721283432515.jpg)
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/smcgill_pics/20090127213340372.jpg)
I just added some vinal stickers for windows.
(http://i234.photobucket.com/albums/ee259/smcgill_pics/BMplow005.jpg)
It works ! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbDL79akR78 Sean
Sean,
I think your snowblower probably works better than any other I’ve seen so far 
Ralph
