Technic PF for trains/trams?

[Roboflincoln]

Hi guys

one of my first posts so be gentle :)

 

I have been purchasing some new ages lego to go with my late 80s early 90s stuff...and I really want to motorize the 60097 tram! Having seen this done as a monorail, and with 9v, and with pf...I was thinking about space and wondered if using one of the technic motors, stood " end on " in the bicycle car...would be a good way to go? obviously theres the IR and battery, I just felt that the gears with these motors to drive an axle MAY create some extra room in carraiges or even trains?

Apologies if it had been covered...just thinking things up.

[JopieK]

Welcome to Eurobricks Roboflincoln, b.t.w. we have an excellent search ;)

 

[Roboflincoln]

Thanks I had already seen that. I meant putting a motor in the bicycle unit...with a grey technic motor maybe. I was thinking standing this upright with cogs to power an axle.

[dr_spock]

I don't think I've seen anyone mount the motor that way in the tram before. Vertically the M-motor takes up 5 bricks high if I recall from my AEM7 engine MOC.  Your challenge is going to make motor + transmission mount all fit in the available space. Go for and let us know you make it. 

 

 

[jtlan]

The bicycle unit doesn't have any wheels, so you'd have to change the articulation. However, a vertical M-motor mounting isn't that unusual for diesel locomotive designs. A simple variation to remove the pivot yields this:

LDD file

You'll still need the battery box and receiver. My general experience with building small trains is that the PF train motor will be more compact than any other setup. Gear trains with Technic motors will generally have better low-speed characteristics and pulling power.

 

 

[Roboflincoln]

That's the look I was thinking but hiding it somehow so the tram can still be transparent and look great :) I love the mod with or train motor, just fancied trying my own thing :)