Custom Parametric Diesel Mechanisms

[dcutting]

Dave,
Have you thought about using a Tomix chairs as a parts source? That could really cut down on the costs of the motor, gears, worm and trucks. The trucks use needlepoint axles but without side frames.

That's a good idea, I'll take a stab at it once I have the geometry all pinned down here. It's becoming quite a task to juggle all of the different components here, and I really only have one of each defined at the moment.

David

[daniel_leavitt2000]

Here is Plaza Japan's catalog of chassis:
http://stores.ebay.com/Plaza-Japan/Motorized-Chassis-/_i.html?_fsub=10&_sid=169030440&_trksid=p4634.c0.m322

Lets take a look at this specific one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Tomytec-TM-21-Motorized-Chassis-14-meter-A-N-scale-/362316511103?hash=item545bbf377f

The chassis itself isn't ideal. It runs wide and tall for what you want to do. But what if you standardized your chassis designs on these components?

For example, the motor and low mounted worms will work for what you are trying to do. Wheel centers are 14MM. Too short for 96" wheel centers like Blunt of AAR-A and far too small for AAR-B, Blomberg etc.

You could adapt your chassis to this style of truck (so that the Tometec truck would drop right into your mechanism). And then add new trucks as need for specific models, using the same articulating design.

Gear tower, worm, gears and wheels can be parted from the old Tomytec truck and used to power the new truck. Additional idler gears can be purchased from Kato (they are mesh comparable with Tomytec).

Kato wheelsets can be used as well. This should allow you to select 30,33,36,40 and 44" wheels appropriate for your model.

[dcutting]

I'm making slow progress here. Question for all of you. Given that I have the capability to fit almost anything I want on here, what would the preferred electronics set be? I'm looking at the ESU select micro (hood width is a problem) or select direct micro OEM, the latter of which also has a non-sound option. Thoughts?

David

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Sound + keepalives. The latter are almost MORE important than the former.

[nkalanaga]

How about a straight DC option for us old-timers?

[ryan_wilkerson]

I'm making slow progress here. Question for all of you. Given that I have the capability to fit almost anything I want on here, what would the preferred electronics set be? I'm looking at the ESU select micro (hood width is a problem) or select direct micro OEM, the latter of which also has a non-sound option. Thoughts?
David

David,
Would the "Direct Micro OEM" family work? Both have the same footprint: ESU 73199 (sound) and 54650 (non-sound).
Photo comparison:
http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/esuloksound7310073199selectdirectmicroapplicationnotes.html

[dcutting]

David,
Would the "Direct Micro OEM" family work? Both have the same footprint: ESU 73199 (sound) and 54650 (non-sound).
Photo comparison:
http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/esuloksound7310073199selectdirectmicroapplicationnotes.html

And I'm really liking this setup: http://www.spookshow.net/loco/imsd40-2.html

Except for when tank drives are needed...

[peteski]

And I'm really liking this setup: http://www.spookshow.net/loco/imsd40-2.html

Except for when tank drives are needed...

It uses the 73199 decoder Ryan mentioned.

[reinhardtjh]

David,
Would the "Direct Micro OEM" family work? Both have the same footprint: ESU 73199 (sound) and 54650 (non-sound).
Photo comparison:
http://www.sbs4dcc.com/tutorialstipstricks/esuloksound7310073199selectdirectmicroapplicationnotes.html

One problem with the Select Direct Micro OEM and Pre-2016 (i.e. 73199 and 73100) is that they are Select decoders.  Which means the only sound files you can put in them are ones that ESU creates.  If the chassis is for something that doesn't exist yet, then no accurate sound file will be available.  You need an ESU LokSound V4.0 to be able to create your own sound files for that oddball project that the Parametric Diesel Mechanism might be good for.