[GBC] Akiyuki Train System: Type 2 mods and improvements
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.
I
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 using a LEGO® Power Functions Rechargeable Battery Box
PDF instructions by Birthil
https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-22734/Berthil/akiyuki-train-unit-rechargeable/
1c Train unit with L motor - MOD by Doug72
See pages 25 & 26 for details. =================================================================================================================================================== 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2/. Rotary Dumper:- MOD by Doug72
With contributions from @dunes, @MajkiSpajki, @Berthil. Akiiyuki Version:
Modified version:- by Doug72 With contributions from @dunes, @MajkiSpajki, @Berthil.
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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3/. Elevator:- MOD by Doug72
With contributions from @dunes, @MajkiSpajki, @Berthil. Akiyuki version:-
Worm drive version:- by Doug72 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:
Video of Combined Elevator & Rotary Dumper MOD by Berthil :- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4/. Unloader:- Akiyuki version.
Uses two shock absorbers to assist with the lift.
Modified Version: MOD by Doug72
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. https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/162511-gbc-akiyuki-train-system-type-2-mods-and-improvements/&page=38 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/. Loader:- MOD by MajkiSpajki
A studless version.
Instructions:-
https://bricksafe.com/files/dunes/akiyuki-train/ldd/loader MajklSpajkl red.lxf --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/. Double Crossover passing module:- Mod by Doug72 with contribution from @dunes.
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
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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/. Train reversers - normal and Vee type MOD by Doug72 Instructions by @dunes.
Akiyuki version with shock absorber
Modified version:-
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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/. Ballon Loop. Mod by Birthil
Uses Narrow gauge track but brick slopes are no longer required and replaced by flexible hoses. 9/. Parallel Waiting Station by Berthil Passing module is now a parallel waiting station to sync the trains so they don't collide.
This means the module works in both directions instead of the original one which worked only in one direction Used with a double crossover section of track PDF instructions by Birtrhil:-
https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-22904/Berthil/akiyuki-train-passing-module-bidirectional/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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.
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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other GBC Train Modules NOT directly compatible with the Akiyuki system. 1/ Though Rotary Dumper with separate ball car by Doug72 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bucket wheel train loader by Doug72
Two versions- Twin buckets or shovel bucket.
I
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 using a LEGO® Power Functions Rechargeable Battery Box
PDF instructions by Birthil
https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-22734/Berthil/akiyuki-train-unit-rechargeable/
1c Train unit with L motor - MOD by Doug72
See pages 25 & 26 for details. =================================================================================================================================================== 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. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2/. Rotary Dumper:- MOD by Doug72
With contributions from @dunes, @MajkiSpajki, @Berthil. Akiiyuki Version:
Modified version:- by Doug72 With contributions from @dunes, @MajkiSpajki, @Berthil.
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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3/. Elevator:- MOD by Doug72
With contributions from @dunes, @MajkiSpajki, @Berthil. Akiyuki version:-
Worm drive version:- by Doug72 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:
Video of Combined Elevator & Rotary Dumper MOD by Berthil :- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4/. Unloader:- Akiyuki version.
Uses two shock absorbers to assist with the lift.
Modified Version: MOD by Doug72
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. https://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?/forums/topic/162511-gbc-akiyuki-train-system-type-2-mods-and-improvements/&page=38 --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 5/. Loader:- MOD by MajkiSpajki
A studless version.
Instructions:-
https://bricksafe.com/files/dunes/akiyuki-train/ldd/loader MajklSpajkl red.lxf --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 6/. Double Crossover passing module:- Mod by Doug72 with contribution from @dunes.
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
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 ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7/. Train reversers - normal and Vee type MOD by Doug72 Instructions by @dunes.
Akiyuki version with shock absorber
Modified version:-
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 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8/. Ballon Loop. Mod by Birthil
Uses Narrow gauge track but brick slopes are no longer required and replaced by flexible hoses. 9/. Parallel Waiting Station by Berthil Passing module is now a parallel waiting station to sync the trains so they don't collide.
This means the module works in both directions instead of the original one which worked only in one direction Used with a double crossover section of track PDF instructions by Birtrhil:-
https://rebrickable.com/mocs/MOC-22904/Berthil/akiyuki-train-passing-module-bidirectional/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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.
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. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Other GBC Train Modules NOT directly compatible with the Akiyuki system. 1/ Though Rotary Dumper with separate ball car by Doug72 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. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bucket wheel train loader by Doug72
Two versions- Twin buckets or shovel bucket.