Monorail locomotive 1:16 scale

[Scratchman]

The plans are in the 2008 January/February and the March/April Gazette. I also used the plans that Chuck Doan posted on his thread "Death Valley Monorail."  I'm going to build two locos, one using the Fordson tractor and one with a free lance design.

Here's two photos of the wheels and frame for the Fordson loco. 





Gordon Birrell

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77318580@N00/

[marc_reusser]

SWEEET! ......so thrilled to see one of these getting built! Work looks beautiful as usual.


Marc

[Hauk]

How cool is that!
Looking forward to see this project progressing.

[finescalerr]

Uh-oh. Gordon is at it again! -- Russ

[Chuck Doan]

What scale is this? THis will be better than looking at 3D models on the screen! Gordon, did you get the info I sent?


I recently got out to the OERM and photographed and measured the LA RY couplers they used:

[Scratchman]

Chuck the model is 1:16 scale and thank you for the additional info. The plan you sent me showed 7" channel used for the frame.  Northeastern Scale Models Inc. has 6" and 8" basswood channel and I went with the 8" channel . After I glued the two sides and the two ends together I sat it on two blocks and placed five pounds of weight were the engine sets and I got very little deflection. I can send you enough channel to do a frame if you would like to experiment for yourself. I don't have a Danbury Fordson so I will be scratch building the engine.

Gordon Birrell

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77318580@N00/

[lab-dad]

I don't have a Danbury Fordson so I will be scratch building the engine.

It just gets better and better!
Chuck you should start yours, then you and Gordon can see who finishes first!
-Marty

[Chuck Doan]

Gordon, I just guessed based on the photos-6" seemed a bit small and 7" looked good, but honestly who really knows? 8" should be fine. That frame design sounds good...mine stalled because the die cast Fordson weighs about a pound after the wheels are off. I was worried because this design requires the frame and outriggers to keep all that wt. balanced on the rail. I was mostly concerned with bumping it while moving and having it shatter.

Then Unc came out with the Modellers Annual and I was reminded of all the stuff I had to do to the last tractor...not up for it just yet.

Let me know if there is anything else I can send you, the 3D model i made can make excellent 2D plans in a snap.

That is a great looking brake wheel BTW! You might also consider a car...best info I have is that they couldnt push or pull more than one.

[lucas gargoloff]

Nice!, The wheel is for the brake system?

[Chuck Doan]

Hi Lucas, the wheel screwed a brake shoe up against the single rail. Some units may also have had axle brakes as well. Braking was a big problem on the line.

[lucas gargoloff]

Braking was a big problem on the line.

Thanks Chuck! I can imagine how dangerous was a loaded train running down!!

[JohnP]

I says to myself at the time, "That's a cool article and monorail train, but who would ever build the model?"  Now I know. It's great that a researched article on an obscure subject will be put to good use. That will be a winner Gordon.

I also like you are going to make a freelance version. History/engineering/creativity/modeling combined.

Are you going to make a bit of track to display it on?

John

[Marc988]

Nice to see someone is attempting this interesting subject. I look forward to your progress.

The plans are in the January/February and the March/April Gazette.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/77318580@N00/

Out of curiosity which year of the Gazette has the plans ?

regards,
Marc B

[Chuck Doan]

2008

[Scratchman]

Thanks guys for your comments.

Marc B.... The year of the Gazettes is 2008.

John.... I will build a stand to help with the building of the model and for a place to store it. I may do a small engine house type diorama if not that I will do a track section that slides in front of my 1:16 scale diorama. This diorama is in the 2007 or 2008? Narrow Gauge Annual and will act as a backdrop.

Gordon Birrell

http://www.flickr.com/photos/77318580@N00/