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Leaf clearers of 2007 / 2008

Here is the 2008 version and this on its test run tonight proved to be 100% effective.

It is using the same truck at the 2007 and this truck also was the basis for the 2007 Snow Plough

The only alterations needed are to make it heavier so that twigs do not cause a de-railments and if possible to make it self propelled or propelled by a loco with multiple electric pickup as it will be operating in adverse condition.

The motor is housed in a 2:1 reduction pulley but currently I cannot find any information on this item. The 12V battery will need to be fixed down !!!

The sweeper is two discs of 3mm ply cut to a circle of 50mm Diameter and the a ring of bolts holes drill on a 25mm diameter centre.

The nylon "spokes are in fact strimmer replacement 2mm, set to a diameter of 90mm,  but may be a thinner one would be better for as the unit goes round tight bends the flaying nylon touches the rail. May be it is doing a job of cleaning it !!!! 

First the low level truck was done away with. Then a new truck base was made and the motor fitted so that it would work as a leaf flicker.

Then the front section was made so that by changing the "Leaf Flicker" and replacing it with the scoop and cowling it will be a snow blower.

the entrance for the snow has been made in ply. Not the best material to use in the wet but as it will not be left soaking and will be well painted for ease of construction it will suffice.

To give some shape to the entrance fillet piece were inserted.

The completed opening prior to painting.

Assembled but not yet finished.

Currently the unit is fitted with the Mk1 motor.

Just when you think all is going well a test of the motor drive proved a disaster.. The motor overheated and I decided that that was no good. Why had it performed so well for so long and now overheated. The result of some thought on the matter revealed that previously i had been using a 1.2a/h 12V dc battery and the motor draws 2 amps. Thus in 30 minutes or less the battery would be drained so very soon after starting the motor it would be running on a lower battery voltage as the battery runs out.

This time i decided to run it on a 7A/h battery 12V dc and it could now take the full current it wanted for 3 hours !!!

A check in the motor and I thin kit was only rated at 9V so again I was pushing it too hard.

Looking at the MFA web site I found what I hope is the motor to use. the 540/1  a max voltage of 16V  and is the same fitting size as the old motor so should be a direct replacement.

Just to make sure I also bought a cooling fan heat sink. the cooling fan only wants 7V dc so I had to make a voltage regulator to provide 7V from the 12V source.

The MkII motor with fitted cooling fan.

The 7V dc regulator board

All assembled and the first coat of paint completed.

A nearly front view to give and idea of the look when it will advance into the snow.

I was just wondering how it would be possible to test the the ability of the Rotary Snow Plough to throw the snow out of the shoot. Then I though ...SNOW = WATER but colder but not heavy in snow flake form so why not toss some water at it ... Whoosh a spray delivered straight out of the shute at the top.. IT MUST WORK !!!!

Early 2009

When the snow came the snow blower proved to be a complete failure. I guess it was the wrong type of snow !!!!

The story continues here