doug72

[GBC] Akiyuki Train System: Type 2 mods and improvements

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A separate thread for the GBC Akiyuki Train System (as shown in the next post by Jonas) for discussion and for posting improvements, modifications, new compatible modules etc.

Update of modifications & improvements for the Type 2 GBC Train System.

A list of Improvements and modifications made to the various Akiyuki Train GBC modules plus new compatible modules and stand alone modules.

The modifications have been proven and tested. More information can be found in later postings on this topic.

1a/. Train unit (Ver2) with electric switch:- Mod by Doug72 with contribution by Courbet.
43360827850_f8f2531b62_m.jpgI

Had high friction losses due to the three part drive shaft (4L + 5L axles with stops + 2L axle connector)
Replaced by a single 9L axle. MOD by Courbet for improved PF cable routing.

1b/. Train unit MOD by Berthil usingLEGO® Power Functions Rechargeable Battery Box
PDF instructions by Birthil

https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-22734/Berthil/akiyuki-train-unit-rechargeable/

43360828120_1f4757d6d7_m.jpg

 

1c Train unit with L motor - MOD by Doug72
See pages 25 & 26 for details.

32139104357_fe411b43ea_m.jpg

===================================================================================================================================================

Akiyuki Type 1 Train System, with improvments by @9v system           

Can only be used with other Type 1 Train System modules.

==================================================================================================================================================

Type 2 Train Unit mod by tOmster:

Using two 20T single bevel gears to drive the axles.
This gives 0.6 reduction of speed compared to the Akiyuki design

Slower but more torque. see page 35  on this thread for larger photos.

49332917477_4fee851542_w.jpg

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2/. Rotary Dumper:- MOD by Doug72
With contributions from @dunes, @MajkiSpajki, @Berthil.

Akiiyuki Version:
30236239797_e7a51d2afe_m.jpg                   

Modified version:- by Doug72 With contributions from @dunes, @MajkiSpajki, @Berthil.
43360930480_736d4755f5_n.jpg


The unreliable cam lock system eliminated and replaced by synchronised gearing to rotate both the rotating dumper and to trigger the train reverser when at the correct position to allow train to exit.
A fixed double 140T gear ring is used with a new drive system for rotating the dumper & train.
A Z56 turntable is used as a timing gear for correct synchronisation. (Note:- a Z60 turntable CANNOT be used for the timing gear)
Train reverser re-designed and the shock absorber replaced by two rubber bands.

LDD instructions by Dunes;-
https://bricksafe.com/files/dunes/akiyuki-train/ldd/Rotary Dump Mod Z56 rubber bands.lxf

PDF instructions by Courbet:-
Adapted Akiyuki base to fit the  modified Rotary Dumper & devised a way to shorten the triiger arm by 1/2 L.

https://bricksafe.com/files/dunes/rebrickable/akiyuki-rotary-module-with-doug72-mods/GBC_Rotary_Dumper_Akiyuki_Doug.pdf

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3/. Elevator:- MOD by Doug72
With contributions from @dunes, @MajkiSpajki, @Berthil.

Akiyuki version:-
30236239887_f391d9f5ef.jpg

Worm drive version:- by Doug72

800x600.jpg

The complicated and hard to tune Latch system with associated trip levers etc, removed and replaced by two simple trip levers to hold the train unit in position as elevator moves until it is at the upper or lower positions when the chocks are lowered to release the train.

Elevator platform modified to include a worm gear in the drive to the elevator racks which prevents un-controlled rapid premature descent.

Drive gear ratio to rack gear changed to achieve faster speed when using a worm gear.

Worm drive with counterweights versions by @MajklSpajkl and @Berthil

Counterweights used to reduce load on the M motor and to balance the elevator speed up & down.

Design by MajkiSpajki, Instructions by dunes

https://bricksafe.com/files/dunes/akiyuki-train/ldd/elevator MajklSpajkl.lxf

LDD file for the elevator https://bricksafe.com/files/dunes/akiyuki-train/ldd/elevator doug.lxf

 

its the same as height as Rotary Dumper with the Akiyuki base., but can be built to any height in multiples = to 4L racks.

Elevator with counterweights:
43383741660_b980c82438_z.jpg

Video of Combined Elevator & Rotary Dumper MOD by Berthil :-

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4/. Unloader:-

Akiyuki version.
30236239667_61675b0432_n.jpg Uses two shock absorbers to assist with the lift.

 

Modified Version: MOD by Doug72
41133769295_3c3102edea_n.jpg   The two shock absorbers are replaced by two counterweight arms. with Lego wheels with 62.4 x 20 tires.
Image shows reverser with shock absorber but changed to rubber bands.

Improvement to lifting frame with counterweights, using studless build, by Doug72
Click link to view
:-

 

Modified Train Unloader by HRU Bricks with free instructions.

BrickSafe --> https://bricksafe.com/pages/HRU_Bricks/akiyuki-train-unloader-modified. 

51230347727_9171f1918d_n.jpg

https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/162511-gbc-akiyuki-train-system-type-2-mods-and-improvements/&page=38

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5/. Loader:- MOD by MajkiSpajki
A studless version.

43365758780_f6baee58c0_n.jpg
Instructions:-

https://bricksafe.com/files/dunes/akiyuki-train/ldd/loader MajklSpajkl red.lxf

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6/. Double Crossover passing module:-

Mod by Doug72 with contribution from @dunes.
31301253728_b31f6fe1d3_n.jpg

MOD:- One reverser re-positioned so trigger arm strikes the train trip bar centrally. Both reversers use rubber bands instead of shock absorbers.

The Lego Double Crossover, is very hard to obtain, unless you are willing to pay a very high price and also requires a modification to set the switch blades correctly.
Instead a TrixBrix basic 3D printed version is used and as all switches are independent it requires no alterations.

3D printed double crossover by TrixBrix
42154358570_1673f38cda_n.jpg
https://www.trixbrix.eu/en_US/p/Basic-Crossover/89

LDD instructions by @dunes
https://bricksafe.com/files/dunes/akiyuki-train/ldd/Reverser Unit rubber bands.lxf

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7/. Train reversers - normal and Vee type MOD by Doug72 Instructions by @dunes.
 

Akiyuki version with shock absorber
31301253598_5bb8f8451e_n.jpg

Modified version:-
43198335071_7236e0d600_n.jpg

Shock absorbers replaced by rubber bands.
Trigger arm can be modified & shortened by 1/2 L when required.
LDD Instructions by @dunes :-

https://bricksafe.com/files/dunes/akiyuki-train/ldd/Reverser Unit rubber bands.lxf

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8/. Ballon Loop. Mod by Birthil
Uses Narrow gauge track but brick slopes are no longer required and replaced by flexible hoses.

30097936897_438e8f187e_c.jpg

 

9/. Parallel Waiting Station by Berthil

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Compatible Modules for Akiyuki train system:-

A/  Turntable by Jonas. with Instructions:
https://bricksafe.com/pages/Jonas/train-turntable-module

B/. Low lift High Capacity Vertical Loader by Doug72
Able to deliver up to 30 balls per loading using a two lobe reverser.
20/12 step up gears to keep chain in sync when using small  6 notch sprockets for the lift chain which has 24 links.
44266465625_0f9229a7ef.jpg

New Train modules added July 5th 2020 click links to view full topics. 
No instructions available.

 

Train GBC using EV3 control:
Swing Loader module

EV3  GBC Transfer Crane.

 

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Other GBC Train Modules NOT directly compatible with the Akiyuki system.

1/ Though Rotary Dumper with separate ball car by Doug72

45097407801_382a1df0dd.jpg

Self contained module with Rotary Dumper, a vertical ball lift and return ball conveyor arranged in a closed loop. 
The train does not rotate in the dumper and is connected to ball hopper wagon by a rotary coupling.

One reverser drives the vertical ball lift and the return ball conveyor, the other reverser drives the Rotary Dumper.
Could be re-configured for use with other GBC modules at each end by reversing the conveyor to face the other way from the Rotary Dumper with GBC boxes, and driven by the dumper end reverser.

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Bucket wheel train loader by Doug72
Two versions- Twin buckets or shovel bucket.

49379028358_7da73402a9_w.jpg

 

 

Edited by Doug72
Updated 10th March 2019

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@Jonas Thanks  for posting that.
 I am trying to figure out how to link topics in the main GBC Akiyuki Project thread to this topic, I can only link to a whole page not an individual posting or should they be re-posted here for the modifications and new modules such as your turntable ?

@Berthil A loader  hopper can be much lower than the existing module allowing balls to be picked up OK.
Just checked my Dumper MOD and there is enough clearance for a shoot to feed a smaller loader module.

 

Edited by Doug72

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Rotary Dumper MOD by Doug72.

This MOD replaces the Z60 turntable and the Cam lock system which had proved to be unreliable.
The output from the train motor drives the gearing within the static double support rings (LH side) to rotate the dumper, the gears are syncronised with the trip mechansim to release the train car when tracks are in line.  A prawl holds the dumper stationary until next the train car enters.


Video - Rotary Dumper - Elevator combo.

Having received the extra 4L gear racks  and after correcting a few issues with alignment of the dumper rotating ring final testing was successful and it is now working well without the use of the Cam Lock system for the rotary dumper.

Some issues with train not leaving the dumper - all due to sticky trip bars on the train units.
Some extra rack sections added to ensure train moved between dumper & elevator.
Extra weight added to the ballast box on the dumper which helps with the aligment of the track when train is released.

Next step is to build a ball collection hopper and link it to a loader module.

Hopefully I have judged the height track for dumper & elevator correctly to achieve this - if not it is easy to raise the modules by 4L

 

Edited by Doug72

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Thanks for creating the topic @Doug72. For completeness below my trains of which one a modified rotary dumper with more rigidity and omitted bridge. I wanted to test the dumper 3 days and an event but (while working good at home) it wasn't reliable enough so looking forward to the modifications of Doug to make it reliable. The version Two trains work very well and run 2,5 days on one set good quality alkaline AA batteries.

 

At that time this version was reverse engineered by Courbet but meanwhile Akiyuki has published building instructions of most of his Train modules.

 

I also created a conversion to the rechargeable Lithium battery which makes the train 25% lighter:

42316383362_2ce70055dc_c.jpg

28491410438_43dab15b2b_c.jpg

28491424608_eb08097168_c.jpg

Edited by Berthil

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OK. I am also adding some information about my attempts in this field.

I have built a simple Turntable module compatible with the Akiyuki train system. Is is based on the idea presented by Yoshihito Isogawa. An LXF file and instructions are available here: https://bricksafe.com/pages/Jonas/train-turntable-module

I have also tried to build a smaller version of the Rotary Dumper & Elevator (shown below). Unfortunately, it did not work reliably. The gears often slipped and the complex movement of the rotary system got dissynchronized. 

rotarydumper.jpg

 

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The reverse module V-type (MOD)

@Jonas Thanks for the tip to study the video.

I was a bit dubious that I would get this to work as i didn’t really understand how it worked but after careful study of the video I finally managed to deduce the
components required to build this module.

Noticed on the video that the 5L beam link attaching to the slide that moves the point blade flexed quite a bit as it changed the point setting.

Made a small MOD to stop this which prevents the 5L beam from lifting off the pegs on the slide that moves the point blade.  
Also added a longer 0.5 thin beam below to support the moving parts & used the old 4L universal couplings rather than the newer weaker 3L type.

Tested and performs well.

Parts use 2 x 1L beam / 2 x 3/4 pins / 1x 3L beam / 1 x 0.5 x 7 thin beam.

40854530645_7bd0b59a98_z.jpg

 

Now adapted the @Jonas turntable for the Akiyuki train system to give 90. deg. turn,  very useful for a more compact layout.
 

Extar parts required for 90 degree turn version:
41108411124_948156fa73.jpg

 

 

 

Edited by Doug72

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Unloader Module: (MOD)
As I don’t have any of the correct shock absorbers - sometimes this module was reluctant to raise the ball hopper to discharge balls unless restrict the number of balls.

I have now made a simple modification that now means I can raise many more at a time by using two counterweights arms instead of two shocks absorbers.
Also much less expensive  and operation smoother.

The photos show how this was achieved.

40226171490_c2108ce7b9_z.jpg

42033991771_b6593aa198_z.jpg

41133769295_3c3102edea_z.jpg

 

 

 

 

Edited by Doug72

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@Berthil said:- I think you need more height to get the balls exit high enough for the next module however.

Train loader MOD with low level entry for balls.

Now managed to build a loader module with low entry - without having to raise the rotary dumper or the elevator.
Ball collection hopper and chute installed as low as possible and still allows dumper to rotate without any fouling.
Axle for conveyor drive gear is only 4L above base.

It was a very tight squeeze !!

In order to do this I had to use a small sprocket wheel with 6 “teeth” for driving the conveyor.
This affected the timing of the conveyor belt, as the Aliyuki version uses the large sprocket wheels with 10 “teeth” and 48 track links for the conveyor.

Took awhile to find a solution but turned out it was quite simple.

1 revolution  of the 40T gear moves the conveyor 10 links when using the large sprocket with 10 “teeth”

I revolution of 40T gear when using a small sprocket moves conveyor only 6 links.

So I needed to speed up conveyor belt by a factor of 10/6 or 20/12

This was achieved by modifying the output from reverser from1:1 to 1: 1.666r using 20T & 12T double bevel gears at right angle configuration.
Conveyor belt still has 48 links with two sets of cross beams to lift the balls

Biggest problem was stopping balls jamming as they dropped off the top of the conveyor into the train hopper - eventually solved after many attempts and chasing balls all over the place.

Rotary dumper collection hopper & chute work OK but need improving.
41071196930_482fcc65cc_z.jpg

View showing low level entry to loader. Red 2 x 4 beam indicates height of input to conveyor.
28012461587_b10254e819_z.jpg

Overall view
41980832575_f577ed26cd_z.jpg

Reverser MOD showing revised output gearing to drive the Loader Module
29009082068_0e178019ae_z.jpg

Vee reverser now added into circuit.

Closed circuit now tested and works well, just need to add more 5L beams on the conveyor to load more balls per cycle.

Edited by Doug72

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Update:-
Some fine tuning made to the rotary dumper hopper & chute to ensure balls don’t snag.

The Rotary Dumper is very consistent and reliable but trip bars on train units have to be free moving and unimpeded by PF cables..
Extra bars added to my bespoke loader conveyor to carry more balls per trip.

I am unable to make instructions for the rotary dumper but I can list the modifications  &  describe them.

Would reccomend that anyone building this to raise the rotary dumper & elevator modules by at least 4L to get more clearance for the ball hopper & chute and a better slope.

VIDEO: Rotary Dumper in action on a closed loop.

 

Edited by Doug72

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You did not give up and you succeeded, eventually. Congratulations.

Moreover, your solution seems to be more robust that the original.

 

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Can anybody explain how all these works??? Only power source is under the carriage.

Where are all the motors hidden? How modules work? Crazy *oh2*

Edited by Aleh

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20 minutes ago, Aleh said:

Can anybody explain how all these works??? Only power source is under the carriage.

Where are all the motors hidden? How modules work? Crazy *oh2*

The train unit is the ONLY power source, as it arrives at each module the 8T gears on the end of the both axles engage with the gear system on that module to drive it. 
The bars on the side of the train unit are tripped by the module to reverse the motor and the train leaves that module to proceed on to the next one etc.

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5 minutes ago, Doug72 said:

The train unit is the ONLY power source, as it arrives at each module the 8T gears on the end of the both axles engage with the gear system on that module to drive it. 
The bars on the side of the train unit are tripped by the module to reverse the motor and the train leaves that module to proceed on to the next one etc.

So, the motor hidden under the Battery box?

Some cosmic skills anyway for my understanding! Will try to learn this deeply! Thanks for explanation!

Watch once again - i bit understanding appears! No words to describe! So fascinating!!

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19 minutes ago, Aleh said:

So, the motor hidden under the Battery box?

 

Correct take a look at the ilink to the instructions in the 2nd post in this thread.

1 hour ago, Jonas said:

You did not give up and you succeeded, eventually. Congratulations.

Moreover, your solution seems to be more robust that the original.

 

Thanks for your comments - I was determined to get it working.

Found another issue in  the dumper which now fixed.

Train Unit - MOD
I have built two units - one behaves OK the other sometimes failed to reverse especially when in the rotating dumper module.
After careful observation found the the 15L trip bars can snag on the stationary structure (see photo) and not allow the trigger to push bar over far enough to reverse the train unit.

42904245101_34ff53c6c5_z.jpg

I have wondered why the trip bars are so long as trigger hits the middle of the bar anyway.

Now fitted 13L side bars and both train units work OK in which ever direction they are on placed on the track.

41094078780_91fdbe5de8_z.jpg

Edited by Doug72

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Hey guys

I built 2 reverse units and 1 train unit to start with this train system.

And switching does not work at 50% of the time. the force is not strong enough to push.

any tips to optimize the switching?

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25 minutes ago, dunes said:

any tips to optimize the switching?

Take the switches apart and veil away the notches or use very old switches which do not have notches.

Edited by Berthil

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10 hours ago, dunes said:

Hey guys

I built 2 reverse units and 1 train unit to start with this train system.

And switching does not work at 50% of the time. the force is not strong enough to push.

any tips to optimize the switching?

You need to use the old style PF switch which has the small black pole reverser switch which does not have notches and is much freer in operation or if using the newer type without pole reverse switch and do a Berthil suggests.

29042262208_c0207d43de.jpg

Edited by Doug72

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7 hours ago, Berthil said:

Take the switches apart and veil away the notches or use very old switches which do not have notches.

Thanks for the tip. works like charm.

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On 6/20/2018 at 8:23 AM, dunes said:

Thanks for the tip. works like charm.

Oh dear !!!
Mine is so free now that the switch does change over as I had cut off the small projection that engages with the slide switch part.

28068712167_851d30c17c.jpg

My Rotary Dumper MOD - loader - elevator loop.

Issues with balls hanging up and not loading on the conveyor belt as slope was not enough to keep some balls moving which were  resting on the small hole in the ball.

Dumper hopper and chute re-configured to give a steeper slope into the unloader,  balls now load OK in groups of 3 balls.

Carried out a prolonged test run with fresh batteries in the train unit a and rotary dumper performed well without any train car hang ups, jams or lost balls for over a couple of hours of continuous running until train battery ran out.

 

Edited by Doug72

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Hello, does anyone bought the older PF-switch and important where? At BL I look for bb339c02, but once I've got delivered the new ones bb339c01 (numbers are to make it easier :angry: ), so next time I mailed and got the answer, these are the new ones.

With kind regards,

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There should be plenty around... Just send the seller a question before buying! ask them if it's the PF switch with the tiny black selector switch... there was easily 8 years old the older version, before the new one came on the scene

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9 hours ago, RohanBeckett said:

There should be plenty around... Just send the seller a question before buying! ask them if it's the PF switch with the tiny black selector switch... there was easily 8 years old the older version, before the new one came on the scene

Yes but very expensive !

In UK £9.00 new / £ 6.00 to £8.00 used

 

All countries £2.48 to £13 used / up to £17.00 new.

I,m OK as I still have a few spare.

 

Edited by Doug72

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Rotary Dumper MOD Mark 2 ( WIP )

Having proved that my modification is both consistent and reliable for rotating the dumper and then releasing the train unit without use of the Akiyuki  cam lock system, I have decided to build a Mark 2 version.

The whole Mk 1 dumper was too low for the ball chute to be effective and also was a struggle to squeeze it in.
The studded base plate on which it is dumper module was mounted is  “flexible and had the usual issues regarding 1/2 stud offsets when lining up various parts.

The new build will have a more rigid structure and be raised by 4L to give more room for the ball chute leading the loader unit.
This will also require the elevator module to be raised by 4L =  one rack piece.

At each step of the rebuild I will post images which should allow anyone to reverse engineer my modification.

 

28113429827_af697571ca_c.jpg

 

42080407075_b5ec938e9c_z.jpg

 

28113430037_96eabca931_z.jpg

 

42263477824_307f29626d_z.jpg

 

42981763211_6bbf863e29_z.jpg

Edited by Doug72

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