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Traditional pump car lever mechanism
Does anyone know how the lever mechanism of a traditional pump car work? I'm thinking of building a miniature model but I can't find any design schematics for it. Thank you.
Does anyone know how the lever mechanism of a traditional pump car work? I'm thinking of building a miniature model but I can't find any design schematics for it. Thank you.
Discussions
12 years ago
. I think what you are talking about (manual railroad "truck"), uses a rod from the "see-saw" to an offset on the axle. Kinda like a one-cylinder car engine, with the see-saw replacing the piston. A "real" one may have a transmission, &c, but that's the basic principle.
Reply 2 years ago
The "see-saw" rocker arm has a rod that goes down to a cranked axle that has a large gear wheel. It meshes with a smaller gear that turns the axle. The drive wheels turn faster than the gear that the "see-saw" is connected to.
Reply 12 years ago
And a clutch mechanism if I'm not mistaken
12 years ago
Thank you to everyone who responded, I'm continuing my online research and hope to build my own handcar/pump car real soon!
Reply 12 years ago
This Miller's ratchet is one way to drive a flywheel, and if you had a centrifugal shifting mechanism, it would be easier to start in a "lower gear" to get it started.
Reply 12 years ago
. That should make a very interesting iBle.
12 years ago
One of these: http://www.infobluemountains.net.au/locodepot/tram/images/section_car_sheffield_2006_800.jpg ?
Reply 12 years ago
Try here for some illustrative photos: http://www.bnsfchillisub.com/handcar_plans.htm
Reply 12 years ago
That's great, I was always curious as to how they worked.
Oh, and I simply loved this line from your Link:
Here is a close up view of the brake rigging. It is very simple and made up of about 60 pieces.
Reply 12 years ago
It is very simple and made up of about 60 pieces.
That looks like it's counting fasteners ;) I mean, if you have 4 bolts, with two washers a nut and a jamb nut each -- that's 20 pieces right there :p
Reply 12 years ago
Ok, but if they meant =60 major pieces= we are looking at something a wee bit more complex then I care to tackle, considering that is only the brake. :-)
Reply 12 years ago
Wow ... Thanks Kiteman (and Pinoymale) ! I've been looking for the name of this machine for years ... (and I don't even remember why, now). So, this thing is called "Handcar" (US), or "pump trolley" (UK) ... Now, I just need to find how it's called in my language ...
Reply 12 years ago
(Ok, I think it's called "Draisine" in my language)