Lord Street Depot

Thanks Toto, Leadie69,
Radio controlled 1:43 scale 7mm Truck conversions. WARNING You will first need plenty of snacks, beer and / or wine for this one..........
I read an article by Giles Favell in "Narrow Gauge and Industrial Railway Modelling Review", issue 94 VOLUME 12 MAY 2013 ISSN0958-0808. This basically is a "how to do" conversion on a Morris truck and a section on a Thames truck. Plenty of pictures and there's a list of suppliers for all the major components.
I then found a YouTube clip of his layout called "End of the line" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SEo2v9v82Q (He has also done a motorised transfer crane https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xKWcftFZTg)When I saw this layout, I had to have a go at converting one, so over a year ago I did the Morris, then a Bedford and a 1:50 scamell (sorry no video of that working)




There's a lot of work involved to make it all fit inside the model. The easy models to convert would be a box van as all the main items can be fitted inside, but the challenge was an empty Morris and the Bedford (over scaled model).
Because of a house build and than a house move the models got boxed up, but the intention was to build a O gauge plank and fine tune the trucks to run along side the trains., hence the adding of 300mm to the front of LSD which differs from the original Ian Rice design.
So a few weeks ago, the box's were found and this is what I have used for the conversions.



Top middle is the standard receiver that came with the hand set, but as you can see its very big. Only suitable for a box van or a open flat bed with a load to cover it. The packet just below it is the tiny receiver that I ended up using. (http://www.deltang.co.uk) Motor is geared 100:1, (http://www.solarbotics.com) for nice slow movements. Micro servo's, small on/off switch and a plug and socket for charging the ipod battery via a USB lead



Micro bevelled gears, (http://www.precisionmicrodrives.com) a selection of bearings. 1mm and 2mm depending in the axle size (http://www.technobotsonline.com)

Just about fits !!!! His Lordship is sitting on the switch


Motor fixed in place with milliput, charging point socket to the right. (note no bearings on rear axle, a mistake I will correct soon)



Front axle has plenty of movement, so that with the fixed rear axle it always remains in contact with the road surface even on rough ground. This was my first go at the axle using 2 strips of brass, one straight and one with 2 bends at each end. A real pain to do and as you will see in the pictures below I've improved this idea



The Bedford did not run very well, as can be scene in the video clip. The reason was the rear axle had to much play, so I've stripped it down and will be fitting bearings onto the axle. Plus it gives me a chance to correct the dimensions of the truck as the load tray is to big. The Switch was fitted underneath so that the cab did not have to be removed.


A slight improvement on the front axle construction, small nuts and bolts instead of soldering it all together.




This was the 1:50 scale scamell.



All scratch built front end


A different type of motor used on this one, worked really well until I added to much power. I have a white metal 1:43 scale one to build so I may well use the things I learnt with this build and adapt it to the kit.....one day


This is the current project, moving along very slowly. Front axle is now a square brass rod. Pivots on a brass peg. Steering rod go through this at the end and into the wheel axles, very easy to assemble and much stronger. The steering rod will be bent up and cut to length next.


a small amount of work on the rear axle to fit the gear, which needs to be cut back as much as possible




This axle is fitted with 2mm bearings which are then secured with milliput


Engine alignment, again once this is set up milliput will secure it into postion


Plenty of space under these wheel arches, unlike the Morris which had loads of metal removed to allow the wheels to turn. As can be seen in the video clips it still has a very small turning circle, but this Thames looks very promising


Slightly off centre but this will not effect the running. Motor will be tilted up so that from the side view only a small amount of "engine" will be seen. Once painted black at normal viewing distance it will not be noticeable


Engine in and secured



and from the underside...
Hopefully the steering will be sorted this week, and then a sort out of where the battery, switch, charging point and receiver will fit....
Hope that this very long post is of some help to you.
Kim

 

Hi Paul, yep I agree but at the time it was a very cheap unit to buy compared to what was available locally in the DSM2 range. I also planned to do a model crane with lots of functions which made this one seem a good buy at the time. But it is a bit big for such a small car. As for wheel spins and handbrake turns, don't think that will happen some how, mind you I did wheel spin a bit in reverse trying to get off the Lowmac !!, You might be able to help me with the lighting circuits on the receiver as so far I've not had much luck getting them to work how I want them. I'll post up a wiring diagram later.

 

Thanks to both of you for introducing the good folk of Scotland to LSD !!! (not sure the local constabulary will be very pleased with you . )
Lets hope it inspires a few modellers to "have a go" and join up with Platform1 (or should it be Platform "O")
Kim http://www.click

 

Hope you have a successful day Toto.
Here's another video clip of LSD with the Terrier as the star (for Paul to have a listen to)

 

Hi Pete, yes she sure does, I've never actually been near to one in the flesh, but people that have say that the sound file gives a good reproduction of one. I'm pleased with the model and how it runs, just hope the 08 diesel is as good having waited all this time for its release. Kim

 

That should be easy for one so "cute n cuddly".....the Terrier of coarse...