12' Wagon TurnTable

[SHMD]

 

The latest design done in LibreCAD...

 

The CAD is then converted (manually) into CAM, using VCarve Desktop...

VCarve will also model the finished machining - see two posts up.

 

VCarve produces the CNC code that I then run through UCCNC to drive the StepCraft 420 high speed Router...

 

So there is quite a lot of computer work involved in designing a part. My respect for the manufacturers goes up all the time.

 

 

Now for the real modelling as apposed to virtual modelling!

The High Speed Router doing its' job...

That's standard Copper Clad PCB and the 1mm Milling Bit is doing about 22000rpm and 1.5mm/s.

(The first machining time is about 30 minutes, then a tool change, followed by 20 more minutes machining.)

It's quite noisy!

 

...and that's as far as I got on Sunday as my 13 year old Toshiba laptop has decided that it does not want to work for more than 10 to 20 minutes before just powering off!

 

 

So, a new cheap PC was bought and set up yesterday and I was back up and running.

The results are in the next post.

 

 

Kev.

 

 

 

[SHMD]

After de-burring and cleaning, I have this...

I was a bit worried about the lack of detail. Maybe it's not visible enough?

 

A bog standard 16tonner on the 13'6" Turn Table.

 

No for some bog standard Halfords Grey Primer...

..and the details start to emerge - phew!

 

This is showing the different heights of things I have tried to incorporate...

 

This is the inspiration - Thanks guys.

 

Close enough for government work!

 

I'm very pleased.

 

...but it's back to the drawing board as I have learned loads and the second "prototype" is going to be even better!

 

 

Kev.

 

[SHMD]

On 06/09/2020 at 13:42, Junctionmad said:

Since a wagon turntable is unlikely to be motorised , surely just wire up the track using dropper wire , you could still do 90 degree turns etc once you return the the normal direction via the reverse route. 

 

This first prototype isn't intended to be motorised - or even powered.

 

For the second prototype, I will machine it in three and insert rails instead of trying to use the copper on the PCB.

 

The finished product will be powered and motorised as I want to run a Peckett and a 48DS over it.

I also want it to be DC. DCC would have been a lot simpler with just continuous rings for supplying the TurnTable's rails and a Frog Juicer for the 24' crossing next to the Turn Table. For DC, the hard part has been done - the concept!

 

 

Kev.

[bécasse]

2 hours ago, SHMD said:

 

For the second prototype, I will machine it in three and insert rails instead of trying to use the copper on the PCB.

 

 

I would be inclined to try soldering nickel-silver strip to the copper-clad first.

[SHMD]

Machining two slots that just fits the rails in exactly and then super-gluing them in place is easier than soldering.

I'm ok at soldering (being an Electronics Engineer) but glue is just easier here.

 

I can trim the rail lengths before or after fitting, the copper clad PCB is that strong!

 

 

Kev.

[SHMD]

I have finally got some annual leave (a busy year) so time to model!

 

Last night I machined a 2 road version of the 13ft6 WTT.

I had to increase the flange ways to accommodate the 00.

 

 

Some of the details were not machined deep enough, so I'll tweak the CAD/CAM and churn out another.

 

 

Kev.

 

[SHMD]

..so, whilst cutting and chopping veg for tea - out popped this!

The middle one is the latest attempt.

The right hand one has too much relief.

The left hand one has much too little relief.

The latest middle one could do with a tad more!

 

Another (cruel) close up..

 I can see that I need to fettle a little bit of backlash, that has crept into the Router, and I think a new 1.0mm milling bit is needed!   ...but pleased all the same.

 

I have also ordered some bits to motorise it.

We shall see how that goes.

 

 

Kev.