doug72

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 did 1 hr of testing with good results, train did not ever fail, I will do some more testing soon. @doug72 I can do some PDF instructions (should be a little bit better then the last ones) for you if you want to build it and have a look. Thanks Looks to be more robust & reliable module.. Yes please make PDF instructions & I will build it. At the moment I am struggling with trying to make a passing loop module for Type 2 GBC Train car.

Thanks for the new instructions. forGBC Train type 2. Followed your instructions all went OK until the the change over switch seem to stop working. Problem finally found, it was due to the insulation of the PF cable from the L motor had broken down & bare wires were toucing. It is hard to route the PF cables so as not to interfere with the two trip beams & the switch change over links. Also if the trip rubber bands on the train reverser are too strong it tend pushes the cross axle at the none switch end of the battery box through the trip beam due to low friction where it passes through the axle holes. Had resorted to glueing the axle to try & stop this happening. Rebuilting from the start again and try & improve try & PF cable runs .

Post removed due LOI

I have never brought any LA,s on line but I have plenty of them from the many Lego sets I have purchased over the years. This way you build up a good stock of parts.

Use Lego City tracks for sraight, curvred, points & flexible

Before cutting wires, check out the contacts on the cable plug and PF rx are making contact with each other. Just ease out the contacts on the plug & PF Rx. and test. Its worked for me.

Meccano version Train System I also spotted this a few days ago, I like the idea for the passing train cars using a sliding table. Would be quite a challenge to build a Lego version. Found this on you Tube. Hope to build it soon & improve it using cams. Doug 72

An excellent build of a large Marine Diesel Engine, I was a Chief Marine Enginner on VLCCs for most of my time at sea, now retired. Just one thing missing: the barring over motor & gear to turn the engine over before starting up on air to ensure all parts free & lubricated etc. The largest engine built is a 14 cyclinder made by a Finish Company. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wärtsilä-Sulzer_RTA96-C A big challenge would be to build a Doxford opposed piston Engine. A Nightmare to work on.

Synths Toys (uk) have them in stock for £144.99 Plenty in stock at various stores around the UK.

My self unloading ball hopper allows for 30 balls to transfer to any GBC module with the standard inbox 10L height.

I have run out of new ideas for modules. Any suggestions for new modules welcome. Idearly with the module powered by the train cart or use Mindstorms.

GBC Train:- I have reviewed your suggestions but I dought any of them would meet the criteria for GBC TRAIN modules. The Train Car with its ball hopper is the heart of any module by using the train car to power the module and the train reverser. More complex Train GBC modules are possibly using EV3 to power & control them. I am currently have an early stages WIP for a new module to transfer a ball hopper to another train car or to ground level to load balls from an GBC Inbox.

Recently I have been dismantling some older GBC Train modules that used these gear racks. Dispite carefully disconnecting them, many of the yellow ones were found to have split 0r cracked end connections. Tried gluing the crack ends without success. Black gear racks don’t seem to have this problem. Possibly yellow ones are made from a different material. Has anyone found a use for the broken ones ?

Improved GBC Train Vertical ball Lift - Mark 3 TC23 entry :- Mark 1 Used an EV3 for drive & Control the lift. Mark 2 version Used three 56T Turntables to synchronise the lift ============================================== Mark 3 version I pondered if any other Lego gears could also synchronise the ball lift and still be powered by the train car? Yes it can by using three 40T gears. See video Video:- Tap image to start the video. MVI_900 The top of each tower has worm drive gear box with a 40T gear. Four LEGO Block connectors (part 32166) are required plus 2 worm gears. IMG_9003 Lift Towers built same as previous Mark 1 & 2 builds IMG_9006 Ball In box; 10L entry and 30 balls per trip. IMG_9007 Ball loading onto lift. IMG_9005 The Train reverser required a 40T gear with a single trip arm. It took some time to modify a normal Train Reverser so it could drive the lift & release the train when lift at the highest point and discharge balls into the train hopper. Ball loading point into train hopper. IMG_9009 IMG_9011 Self unloading ball hopper. IMG_9009 IMG_9010 Many balls were scattered during testing & adjustments. Synchronisation is easy to achieve. ================================================= During prolonged testing the train car gears started to skip as the lift raised 30 balls. Took a long time to find out why ! The problem was not the lift, it was the train car, that powers the module. A 12T single bevel gear had shifted and lost contact with the 12T DB gear that turns the train axles & wheels.This due to the 2 beams spreading when I changed the batteries. Now sorted and the lift works very reliably. With fresh batteries can easily move 30 balls per trip.

Turn the train motor unit 180 Degs,it will then run the same way as the other train motor

Progress update: GBC Train Reverser now synchronised with the vertical ball lift. The lift mechanism is the same as the EV3 version but the train car now drives both the ball lift which is able to carry 30 balls & also drive the lift train reverser. The ball in box is a standared GBC with 10L entry height. A lifting ball gate was installed to release the balls as the lift reaches its lowest point. Lift with 30 balls rises and roll out into the train car hopper the when lift at its highest point. The Lift Train Reverser restarts the train and at same time the lift drive stops as the train departs. IMG_8998 IMG_8996 How ? Solution:- use three Z56 Turntables A standard train reverser was modified by fitting a 56T turntable with a single striker arm. see image. Both lift towers have worm drive 56T turntables. IMG_8997 IMG_8985 The turntable is rotated using a 2L worm gear to give 56/1 ratio driven by the train car. The train car when it docks also drives to the two lift tower 56T turntables which are driven using a 2L worm gear to give 56/1 ratio. Result:- Module stays in sync with the train car arriving & departing. Tested with a 11L lift arms with a 30 ball load OK. Had some issues with the train car 8T gears skipping as lift neared the top. Found the train car axles had worn. Replaced Tried with another train car and now OK. The GBC train car uses a L motor which has more power The hardest task was arranging the trip arm linkage to let the balls roll out of the input box. Now tested and very reliable. Now proved it is possible to drive & synchronise with the ball lift. staying in sync with the train car departing. Self Unloading Train Car Hopper IMG_8995 The normal ball carrier was removed and replaced by a bespoke ball hopper that self unloads as it docks on the train reverser. Video ?

A high capacity ball lift activated by and sycronised by the GBC Train car. - Mark 2 Version improved. Tested many times and proved to be very reliable without balls spilling. Scroll Down FOR DETAILS OF THE MK 2 VERSION WITH NEW IMAGES.

Results Congratulations to the three winners. I was pleased with the number of votes . I got - my highest ever. Now dismantling the contest build as its taking up a lot of space. I have now built a similar module but only driven by a standard GBC Train car, Also takes up less space. More info & video to come. Seasons greeting to all GBC contestants. Doug72

Agree, Doesn’t look if anyone else will vote

3:10 1:6 5:4 6:3 2:2 4:1

When will the voting topic open ?

GBC Train Reverser can now be synchronised with a vertical ball lift. Now devised a way to synchronise a train reverser with the lift tower by using 56T Turntables. see image. A standard train reverser was modified by fitting a 56T turntable with a single striker arm. The turntable is rotated using a 2L worm gear to give 56/1 ratio & driven by the train car. IMG_8985 The train car also drives to the lift tower 56T turntable and driven using a 2L worm gear to give 56/1 ratio. to stay in sync with the train car departing. Tested with a 11 lift arm with a 30 ball load OK. The GBC train car uses a L motor which has more power The train car is able to drive both the reverser & the ball lift OK and to carry 30 balls per trip cycle, Now proved it is possible to drive & synchronise with the ball lift. And stay in sync with the train car departing. Lift Tower:- Only one side of the tower built for testing purposes:- Next step is to complete the tower with two upright frames, a ball carriage and a GBC in ball inbox.