The Ballast Cleaning Train Thread

[fcnrwy23]

The Ballast Cleaner Train Thread

Since, the work on the RGT had been resumed.  And things on that train had been progressing very well.  It encouraged me to try to add more pieces of equipment, to the GGX Group.
My second large project, will be a Ballast Cleaner train. (BCT).

http://www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=2068629  "Norfolk Southern version"

It appears that the only owners of these trains are:  Loram, NS and Beatty Balfour.
I have decided to do a NS-version, since the Cleaner is a two-piece unit.   The Loram unit is a articulated design.
With a two piece, it will allow for me to safely pack the train for when I transport it.

So, While, the paint was drying on the RGT four weeks ago.  I started the building on the BCT.
As of right now, I have about 50% or the main core of the train completed.




The Powerplant/Digger section of the train.  Consists of a Atlas BXX-7 chassis modified.   Body/Longhood from a Atlas Dash8-40B and a styrene cab.   I plan on using "Black" decal stock for the windows on the cab.


The Digger wheels will go into the space, just ahead of the Cab and behind the forward Sill.


The chassis is a modified Atlas BXX-7.  I grafted 1/3 of the forward section of a second BXX-7 chassis to the first.


Since, this photo was taken.   I have been able to add (screwed into the forward part of the main chassis) a pair of contact strips.  Giving me two truck contacts with the rails.
The decoder board WILL NOT FIT, so another DZ-123 has been ordered.  I will only need a Forward Headlight.  I can use the Rear Headlight function for the Double Strobe light on top.


The main attraction on the BCT, was to be the moving/spinning Digger wheels on the Powerplant/Digger section.   But, I have had trouble engineering the effect.    I first tried to use, the gears and gear tower of a BXX-7 truck.  Then, I purchased some gearing and some small motors (cellphone "vibrator").  But, the motors have "ZERO" torque and were useless.

So, for the moment.  I have decided to just proceed with the project and hope to maybe do something later...


Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

Another video from Youtube...

Just like the "Under" the Rail Grinding Train view...

Here is an "Above" the Ballast Cleaner Train view...

Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

As it is, I can only work on this stuff on the weekends..

From last weekend, I did get to do a few more things...

I finalized the main components on the Sifter/Conveyor car...



As I am building, this.  I realized, how? am I to service or even paint some of these sections.
So, I done some re-modifications to a few of the components.   
The Discharge conveyor, has been reattached with an metal screw.  Instead of the styrene pin setup , that I had originally made.
The Good Ballast discharge chute and the Sifter body, are one piece now.  But, I have drilled and tapped, a pair of 00-90 screws to make removal easier for painting.
The entire styrene assembly, sits on top of a "styrene base".  This base was made from 3/8th "H-channel" stock, and fits over the brass "Spine" very tightly.
With the new, screw setup, holding the Discharge conveyor in place.  It will ALSO hold the styrene base to the brass spine..

Difco cars...

As I started the BC train.  I have had been searching the online auction sites and hobby shops.  For any of the Walthers' Difco dump cars, But, all have been sold-out for sometime.  (I guess they were produced around 2006).  The examples that I did find, on the online auction sites.  Have been outrageously priced. So, I decided to build my own fleet.  I figured I need at least three, but am building four.  Just in case...
I remembered, that I had read an article in N-Scale magazine, on the construction of these exact cars.   It took some searching, but I did find the article.  (I actually already had a copy of that issue.  I forgot that it also, contained an article.  That I had written.. )



I did not have the exactly 'sized" material, as in the article.  So, I made my usual adjustments.  The cars will NOT be functional.  So, they are an easy build.

The Supply Car...

On the BC train, there usually is one more car.   On earlier dated trains.  The Fluids and Spare parts, were on separate tank cars and boxcars.
On a newer, example.  The Fluids and Spares have been stored in Plastic/Fiberglass tanks and a 53' Corrugated Container, mounted to a 89' flatcar.   Along with a nice 'Work Area"on the front of the car.  They even bring along, their own "Port-a-potty" 
Since, I had no such cars, on hand.  I did some more, kit-bashing.     I took the remains of a 50' Atlas flatcar, the center section.  And spliced it into the middle of a 2nd 50' flatcar.  The resulting length, is somewhere around 65'.  I added two Atlas car weights and re-decked it with .020 thick, styrene "V-Groove" sheet stock.
   
For the Container, I turn to my favorite parts supplier. (a friend who just happens to be reducing his own inventory).   The 40' corrugated container, seems a little big for MY flatcar.  Since, I want to duplicate the "Work Area" on the prototype.  I plan on, cutting the container down to about 30'.

.

I also, plan on working on my photograph lighting.  Since, my photos seem to be too dark.. Sorry about that!!

Jerry G.

 
 




 

[nkalanaga]

I don't know about shortening a container that way.  I'm sure its been done, but on the prototype you'd have to make sure the frame was solidly welded, or it would collapse when it was picked up.

30 feet IS a standard international container size, along with 10 ft, although they're very rare in the US. 

[fcnrwy23]

I don't know about shortening a container that way.  I'm sure its been done, but on the prototype you'd have to make sure the frame was solidly welded, or it would collapse when it was picked up.

30 feet IS a standard international container size, along with 10 ft, although they're very rare in the US. 

In this case,  I am using "modeler's license" to work with what I have.
You are correct in the size of 30 feet being very rare in the  US.   A standard "Height" (94" I. D., 89" at door opening) international container, (20/30/40 feet long) is nothing more than a "Tin box" with plywood flooring, or bamboo.  Depending on who has built it. 
In my 25+ years of working with these containers.  (I have been in Commercial Export Packaging for 37 years)  I have seen many variations of the use of these containers.  Portable Generators, Portable Labs, Onsite storage units, etc...
I have even seen them being used to "Ship Product" and than they become "part" of the final assembly at the final destination.   

Here I am trying to duplicate the following car. The container in question is attached to the car.  As a "Storage shed/ Control Cab".



On my model..
The end railing is more of the Atlas Caboose End railing stock.  The Fluid tank is 1/2in Styrene tube stock.   I will use either styrene railing stock or Atlas BXX-7 handrail pieces for railing, along the sides.  The side steps will be styrene ladder stock.   I do know someone sells the "Port-a-Potty" on line.  But, I have already scratch-built a few for a fellow club member.  So, to make another is not a problem.  The Problem might be getting a DZ -123 into the container body. (for lighting).




Jerry G.

[eric220]

 So the real question: Is this actually going to work to lay down gravel? If so, put me down for one! I've got a lot of mainline to do!

 

[Philip H]

That looks like a 53 foot container on an 89 foot flat. Nice find.

[fcnrwy23]

So the real question: Is this actually going to work to lay down gravel? If so, put me down for one! I've got a lot of mainline to do!

 

I Wish!!   

Jerry G.

[mu26aeh]

I think it was BLMA that did the blue portapotty's

[Hamaker]

I think it was BLMA that did the blue portapotty's

Yes....it was BLMA.  I got a number of them for my farm fields and vineyards.

[JanesCustomTrain]

Yes....it was BLMA.  I got a number of them for my farm fields and vineyards.

So they are available from Atlas now, right ? No wait, silly me, Atlas is still in negotiations with suppliers. What is there to negotiate ? Just fill out a bloody order form, Craig did all the ground work in the past now it's just order and fill up stock.

Jane

[fcnrwy23]

So the real question: Is this actually going to work to lay down gravel? If so, put me down for one! I've got a lot of mainline to do!

 

Actually, to use the BC train , you are just CLEANING the "Gravel" that YOU already have... 

What YOU NEED, ARE ABOUT a half DOZEN of these...


Difco Dump Car.

I followed the construction process from the N-Scale magazine article as best I could.   The author didn't give exact measurements, BUT! DID give a scaled drawing (X2 n-scale).   I just changed the ratio to fit "N-Scale".  I also resized the drawing in MS Paint.   My copies of this car are 10 feet longer, at "46 feet".
The use of a 1/4 watt resistor, as part of the braking system is pure genius.   He stated the fact that he wasn't one to worry about the underside details.  Since they are rarely seen.  I agree!!  Unless, you plan on wrecking your trains a lot. 



My four copies, just out of the paint booth..   I will give them about two days to cure, then they get a good coat of Testor's Glosscote, for applying decals...


Jerry G.

[Philip H]

Those resisters, and old tiny capacitors, have long been used as underbody tanks.

[fcnrwy23]

Those resisters, and old tiny capacitors, have long been used as underbody tanks.

Ya, I figured that.  The article is from the July /August 2004 issue of N-Scale Magazine.

Jerry G.

[fcnrwy23]

This afternoon,  I have made pretty good progress on the BC Supply car..





During this week, I hope to get the Difco Cars decalled.  But, anything else major will have to wait until next weekend..


Jerry G.