Running the Gas-Electric "Diesel" Locomotive

[fairyheli2]

so does the battery provide field current for exiting the generator

[islandpondrr]

@fairyheli2

No. The battery is only for starting the gas engine and operating relays inside

the control boxes. It can also move the loco when the prime mover is not

running. The generator (alternator) has a separate set of windings and a phase shifting capacitor to generate it's own field current. -- Bill

[fairyheli2]

@islandpondrr that makes sense now, I have only ever been using permanent magnet motors at about 12-48v, so i don't know much about motors without magnets.

cheers.

[islandpondrr]

@fairyheli2

Well the generator is not permanent magnet, but the two traction motors are. They are 120 volt DC treadmill motors. 2.5 HP each.

[flippy941]

What are you using for traction motors?

[islandpondrr]

@flippy941

Each truck uses a 2.5 HP 120VDC "treadmill" motor. Both truck axles are driven.

[flippy941]

@islandpondrr I would`ve used 12 volt alternator and 12 volt engine starters with both gears welded in place for more axle effort

[allen42b]

really nice setup. could u post a schematic or something plz?

[tpvalley]

be good if u could have steps of throttle and generator excitation like a real one.

or even steps of throttle and relays to swap between series and paralel traction motor wiring so u could hear engine load change etc.

[spacemanspiff33]

That thing's awesome!

[MrTransman99]

Two things.  One, how does the dynamic brake work? And two, how much did the whole thing cost (includes track, locomotive, train cars, and supplies)

[islandpondrr]

@MrTransman99

The traction motors when driven by the momentum of the train become generators. When you apply an electrical load to a generator it becomes harder to turn thus creating mechanical resistance. The hairdryer is a significant load and as such creates a lot of mechanical resistance and therefore braking effort.

How much does the whole thing cost? I don't really know. Like most hobbies, it isn't cheap. But if you build a lot of things yourself you really save a lot. -- Bill

[MrTransman99]

@islandpondrr ok, thanks

[fordlukebo]

does your train have a gladhands "hair brake hose"? please answer back, thanks.

[islandpondrr]

@fordlukebo

My trains do not have air brakes. All of the cars have

electric brakes and as such have an electrical connector

equivalent to a glad hand. -- Bill

[fordlukebo]

@islandpondrr so that means when u hook up the electric gladhands it'll work and if u dont, the brake wont work? and also, when u unplug the gladhands, will the cars brake lock up?

[islandpondrr]

@fordlukebo

When you connect the train line it takes about 10 seconds for the brake systems to charge and then all brakes release. If a pull-apart occurs, only the uncontrolled cut of cars apply brakes immediately. The cars still connected to the locomotive remain under control. See my webpage for electric brakes.

[fordlukebo]

@islandpondrr sure, i want to ask one one thing, if you accecpt/ dont mind. is it ok if u show me a video of u having a train going with someone in the middle of the train to release the couplers so i can see what it etactly does?

[fordlukebo]

and also, whats the name of your website?

[7974brewfamily]

Bill, How is this project coming along?

what did you do for cooling fans on the motors?

[islandpondrr]

@7974brewfamily

Chris: Most of my energy lately has been spent on completing my tender

and lift for the Mikado. Once I get that done I might go back to building

an F7 out of the gas-electric. I have not needed fans for the motors. On my

small track they never get hot. On train mountain you might need them. Bill

[7974brewfamily]

@islandpondrr Hi Bill,

You have any updated pictures in the Mikado project?

quick question, what are the blue wires on the motors? are they connected to a termo sensor?

Thanks

Chris

[islandpondrr]

@7974brewfamily

Chris: I need to update my website with new photos of the Mikado, tender, and lift. Yes. The blue wires are a thermal cutout attached to the commutator assembly. I do not use them. -- Bill

[7974brewfamily]

@islandpondrr I look forward to seeing progress,

How would i be able to use the thermal cutout? it is just a sensor that feed a monitoring circuit?

sorry for the questions but i have not been able to find documentation on the motors.

thanks again

[islandpondrr]

@7974brewfamily

There is no documentation on the motors that I am aware of. I believe the thermal cutout is just a switch that opens at some really high temperature. Like I said, I don't use them. They could be wired in series with the motor. -- Bill

[7974brewfamily]

@islandpondrr Thanks for the info bill.

[619426]

this is awesome, ever since i was a little kid, i always wanted a train in the backyard. ofcourse it was in the neighbor hood, so it was small. where do you live, how, and how long did it take to build the rails. it looks cool, very detailed like the real thing.

[islandpondrr]

I live in rural southern New Hampshire. Unless you have a

lot of help it really takes a long time to build a railroad.

Each tie literally has to be made by hand. I have 3 to 4

thousand ties. It took me one summer to build the basic 535'

loop. You can read about it on my web site. Just search for

Island Pond Railroad.

[suvyMan2007]

can you make a video showing all the different trains you have? :)

[Xlt92bassist]

so basically when you turn on dymanic braking, the motors power the hair drier?

[islandpondrr]

Exactly. It is really that simple.

Cost of the dynamic brake grid and fan - about $7.

[bensewell36]

Nice Video.

Great to hear your voice.Not just see your writing.

Thanks for the video.

I'm stimulated for my motor and drive (centrifugal clutch) comning in February from a friend.

[7974brewfamily]

This just reenergized my build for my FP45 using the same drive system.

Thanks for sharing Bill.