doug72

High Lift Stepper unit for loading Type 2 GBC Train cars. With Video. (Mark 1) For a long time I have been looking for a stepper mechanism with enough height to load balls directly into a Type 2 Train car hopper, without success. So I set out to design & build my own version. Initial thoughts were to use a rope & pulley system that I have used for previous GBC modules but it could not handle the lift travel required and failed with a spectacular disintegration of parts when it jammed. Decided to use a rack & pinion to raise & lower the ball carrier using two LEGO Gear Rack 14 x 2 with Groove and Connectors (18942 / 60578) placed end to end with beams each side for a strong construction. The rack is 28L long with max 26L of travel more than enough. Gear Rack Video - a bit shaky due to a bad wrist !! A 12T bevel gear engages with the rack and is driven by 24:1 gear box. Tested with an M motor directly coupled to the worm gearbox and proved strong enough to lift 30 balls per lift cycle. The gearbox will be driven by a reversing unit at lower level. Next step was to find a way to reverse the motion at top & bottom of travel. I needed almost instant change over - this is achieved by trip arms at top & bottom positions which flip the change over lever to the other direction. All linkage & trip arms use friction less pins. Took a lot of trial & error to get the stops on the push rod for adjusted to achieve this. Tested using an M motor and worked OK. Next step was to run the lift from a GBC train unit while sitting on the reverser. The output from the train was too slow so step up gears added using a 20:12 double bevel gears. Lift speed OK with 30 balls per trip cycle takes approx 52 secs WIP Input loading hopper to build with balls entering as lift at lower position and prevent balls hanging up in the ball carrier when discharging. Last step is to syncronise the train reverser to the lift cycle, as soon as train departs the lift will stop and restart as next train arrives. Overhead view Trip mechanism and Reversing unit

Took 35 days to receive an order from Lego for 4 pce. 40T gears. Some parts ordered from Vietnam was quicker, even with a delay from the German postal service.

No, built 42100 plus several GBC Train modules during lock down and currently have two new projects on the go.

Thanks for reminding me, forgotten about building that, never got the Ballkirk wheel fully completed. Might rebuild the mechanism and see if can make more compact.

Looks good - can you add the links to the files ?

Don,t recall making a post about this !

Use an eraser that is for ink removal from paper or track cleaning rubbers as used for cleaning model railways track.

Reduce the diameter of the trip stop - until you eliminate the jump. This will allow platform to go slightly higher,

You can adjust the height of the chock as shown in images.

Check the gear rack is in the correct position, it may need 1/2 stud offset, see earlier post on page 14 29/Sept./2018 image shows gear rack position . Also note the 3L cross block with the 8T gear which helps keep the train axle 8T gear engaged withe 24T gear. When the 8T gear is directly above the 24T gear the 8T gears should not touch either end of the gear rack.

Compact but more reliable than the original Akiyuki version and cannot suddenly drop. Are you using counter weights ?

Start with building the main framing structure then the train carrying platform. More details / images on the worm drive system can be found in posts on pages 11, 12 & 14. re .lxf files i can no longer access these as not supported by Apple after Catalina OS upgrade.

Have now managed to install stud.io after many attempts - interrupted by the “Expired Certificate” for Eurobricks.

Same here get site not private and cannot use with this site and also the facebook page for euro bricks.

I would suggest you make a post on the GBC Akiyuki Train, mods & improvements forum thread with all your Type 1 train system mods, then I will make a link to that posting from the index page to it. Doug72

Not at the moment - see PM I have sent you.

I use small shock absorbers with soft springs & guides to tension chains both for GBC modules and for tracked vehicles.

It will be more like One stroke “Bang”

Just checked and in stock in UK at Lego shops, Argos & Smyths Toys

Tried that but still the same message. Will have to wait until my son - an IT engineer visits after lockdown ends. I don't invisage using it for building Lego anyway and will just post the file name (I can't find a way the activate it) to the Type 1 Train unit mod by @9v system

I know that it's a catalina Problem

As said earlier I can download stud.io BUT cannot OPEN the file.

NO - I can download Stud.io but cannot open it. I use Mac OS Catalina 10.15.6 and there are problems opening files that are not 64 bit. If you can supply the correct link I will add it to the GBC Train forum.

@9v system can you provide the required link for your improved type 1 train, I am unable to open bricksafe files. Is this what you are after ? akiyuki train v1 L motor.io I am unable to open this file nor provide a link as it directs me to Apple books !!!!

The link does not work. Try this https://www.bricksafe.com/files/blakbird/Renders/MOCs/crane-loader/Akiyuki Train Module.pdf