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1:35th TACL rail tractor

Started by Bernhard, May 27, 2020, 01:39:11 AM

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Bernhard

I would like to share a new project with you: the TACL rail tractor. I built it in between, while I was waiting for the buckets and the chain links for my bucket chain excavator.
(Picture from https://www.westonlangford.com/images/photo/127799/)

Bernhard

The Prototype









ManufacturerTractor Appliance Company Limited (TACL)
Year of construction1928
DriveOriginally Fordson T, today Fordson N
Drive power20 hp
Track gauge2' 6"
Weight4 t
Today's locationPuffing Billy Museum in Menzies Creek, Victoria, Australien

The rail tractor was used on the Tyers Valley Tramway in Gippsland Victoria to transport timber from the branch lines to Tyers Junction. From there the timber was hauled by steam locomotive out to the Collins Siding transfer point. When the steam locomotive broke down, the TACL rail tractor took over the job. Since it apparently proved itself, a second engine was purchased in May 1928.
More information can be found at https://victoriancollections.net.au/items/54360bb62162f10ae0b49c35, from where the picture below was taken.

Bernhard

The last surviving rail tractor was carefully restored around 2006 and converted to a Fordson N. It is now ready for operation.
Here you can see it in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78ICw61rO_g

Bernhard

The model

There are only a few pictures and other data available for the rail tractor. I have therefore e-mailed the Puffing Billy Museum in Australia with the request for more information. After a short time Ben V., a volunteer, contacted me and offered his support. His many detailed photos, the measurements and an unfinished CAD model were very helpful to me.
Many thanks again to Ben. With his information I was able to create a set of drawings for the model.

Bernhard

More about the building of the model will follow soon.

Bernhard

finescalerr

Well, this should be fun. -- Russ

Ray Dunakin

Visit my website to see pics of the rugged and rocky In-ko-pah Railroad!

Ray Dunakin's World

Chuck Doan

"They're most important to me. Most important. All the little details." -Joseph Cotten, Shadow of a Doubt





http://public.fotki.com/ChuckDoan/model_projects/

Bernhard

So let's start building the frame.

Bernhard

First the 37 individual parts must be prepared.

Bernhard

Then the lower part of the frame can be soldered together.

Bernhard

That's looking good.

Bernhard

The upper part of the frame is created in a similar way.

Bernhard

The two frame parts are placed on top of each other. However, they are not yet soldered together because this is the only way to install the tractor.

Bernhard

Next, the guides for the axle boxes are prepared.