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Posted (edited)

I want to build up a set of hopper cars for use at my LUG's next display, and it just so happens that I have six of the 6x28 train bases in orange from my Horizon Express teardown. Even better, they have a couple of 2x2 holes in each to allow cables to pass through, which means I can potentially use them as working hopper cars! Here's what I have so far:

800x452.jpg

800x452.jpg

Having tested this with a small hopper built out of random bricks and the 1x1 round transparent plates drawer in my collection, the pieces should flow out quite nicely. The problem is the mechanism that will keep these closed and then allow them to be opened again once the hoppers are to be unloaded.

So far, I have a device that will keep the doors closed with one of the red Lego pulley bands:

640x344.jpg

...But that's not really the solution I'm looking for. I'd like something that will operate both doors at once, and lock in either the open or closed position. In addition, I'd also prefer that it operates with as little force as possible, and doesn't require the removal or insertion of any pins - I'd love something that can be pushed over an unloading pit and automatically dump as it passes over, then close up again where it can be taken to the loading station. Oh, and I'm limited to a 4x8x3ish space as well, due to the wheelsets. Shouldn't be too hard for someone with more experience than me, I think...

Any ideas?

Edited by Phoxtane
Posted

That design works really well - I just mocked it up with the parts I had lying about, and the pins with the bar through them have enough friction to keep the door in place on its own. I'll have to test their holding capacity later.

By the way, if your friend isn't on Eurobricks, they should be; I would love to see more of their work!

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