doug72

You are correct, I have added that to the dumper section & also the shorter trigger arm MOD. I had mentioned the shortened trigger in the reverser section. Just ordered some of those crankshaft parts.

No balls jamming, the space between the chain and the vertical structure is about 2.3L. I did have problems with balls dropping back down the shaft until I added the dark grey beams in the corners. With added pairs of extra 3L pins up to 30 balls OK can be carried per train cycle. I had to consult my chain calculations to get the right chain length at 24 links. Yes the input ball hopper needs making bigger. The same vertical lift on my Through Dumper ( with 36 links) is nearly twice as high, the secret is the two small shock absorbers to keep the chain taut. Images showing balls have plenty of clearance to prevent jamming.

Update for GBC Train Modules: I have made a summary of all the Modifications and Improvements made which includes instructions by various contributors. This can be seen on the first post on Page 1 of this topic. Several modified Rotary Dumpers / Elevators etc. have now been built, tested and proven PS if any links are not working or any errors or ommissions please let me know so I can correct them. Doug72

Low Height Vertical ball loader by Doug72 A compact low lift loader with a reduced footprint. The vertical lift chain is 24 links long and kept taut by two small shock absorbers. The train reverser is two lobe with step up 20/12 gearing for use with small 6 notch sprocket wheels. One full rotation is 24 links per train trip cycle. 3L pins are used to carry balls and can lift 21 balls per trip. More can be added as long as a gap is left on the chain to ensure no balls drop after train departs. Gearing took awhile to sort out the position for the 8T /40T gears to achieve correct synchronisation with train release. By enclosing the lift each pair of lift pins can carry three balls instead of only one. Reverser arranged for end on loading of balls but could be re-arranged for side loading using a Through Module. A short video:

Looks good, Suggest you put a linear clutch in the drive to the grapple to prevent damage when it is full open or closed. I learnt the hard way on a MOC I built using a grapple & ended up with broken uni-couplings.

The worm idea was mine but it used a 3D printed part for the worm gearbox, @dunes came up with a Lego legal solution for the worm drive. @Jonas Your earlier comments when I first started building the Akiyuki train system put me on the path to improving the rotary dumper, after many failures to get the camlock system to work, you should build the modified version and the elevator. I think we need to list out all the various improvements that have been made to various modules. Doug

Agree, and thanks for all your LDD work & ideas.

Could you post some images of you achieved the 24/8 gearing and how the rack is arranged ? I,ll have to alter my version & add counterweights if I can source those 34103 parts.

Excellent work and looks great, The Ultimate Elevator / Rotary Dumper. The elevator speed is fast, and with worm drive , fail safe. What is the cycle time and ball count / minute ? This has been a very satisfying collaboration and thanks to everyone involved in improving these two iconic GBC train modules. Doug

Thanks for your comments, I tend to use whichever parts I have most of remaining ! Not come across that 34103 part, going to a Lego show in Newcastle on Saturday so will see if I can buy some, looks useful. Look forward to seeing your completed build.

Now completed my version of a Through Rotary Dumper with Conveyor arranged for for a closed GBC circuit. Run on test and just a few issues with balls escaping - now resolved. Whole module breaks down into four units,:- Rotary Dumper, Loader, Bridge & Conveyor. The conveyor could be rebuilt to face the other way for use in GBC daisy chains layouts. See Video:

When I move my GBC trains into the loft I will only have the about same width i.e. 80 cm. I intend to use Vee Reversers instead of curves or a turnatble with 90º turn and a 1/4 circle of curves to fit all the modules in a linear layout. Currently working on a return conveyor for my Through Rotary Dumper to make a closed GBC loop which will be powered alternatively by the reversers at each end of the train track.

Might be possible to have an end on loader as per Akiyuki crane module but a much simpler version with lower lift. i.e. lift ball container off train move container forward to be loaded & returned for a more linear arrangment. The @Jonas turntable also allows for tight 90º turns & 180º reversing.

Rotary Dumper update: Now changed trigger on rotary dumper as per @Courbet suggestion as shown in the PDF instructions. i.e.( I chose to reduce the trigger lenght by 1/2L. It worked very well but I had to increase the rubber belt tension a bit.) Eaxch rubber band wrapped round the 1/2 bush twice & Train now consistently exits OK. Elevator uppdate: Had problems with the train jamming on exit at upper level, in the small gap between the elevator & bridge. With only one rack used on one side the train twisted enough to jam so I have returned to using racks on both sides of the platform plus the 8T idler gears which keep train 8T gear in contact with the 24T drive gear, elevator is now working OK. Does anyone have suggestions for a new GBC Train module ? Have an idea for an inclined plane, or re-engineer Akiyuki's crane module but for use with the Ver 2 train with PF switch.

Elevator I have had problems with a train sometimes not leaving th elevator when at lower level after the chock is lowered. This due to the 8T gear on axle end not engaging with the gear rack. Now modified the rack and working OK and does not need the 1/2 stud offset, OK see image. ================================================ I have come up with a improved solution to the worm drive system at the non worm drive end by using a LEGO Technic Power Functions Linear Actuator Bracket Hinged Mount (61904) This gives a firm connection with the elevator platform and also acts as a spacer between the two beams.

Lego will have out sourced steel balls anyway and not manufactured them.

It might be possible to change the final drive to each axle that has the 12T gears that engage with racks to 20:12 step up. This would reduce time by 0.6

Just tried to use 24:8T gears but can't be done as the 8T gear fouls on the underside of the 4L gear rack next to the 24T gear. A doubled up 24T gear also fouls the structure !!!

Thanks its on line now - did same way I usually do but for some odd reason didn't work this time

Confirmed - average times with 30 balls carried. Raising average 12 seconds Lowering average 7 seconds. Note: my elevator is 5 x 4L gear racks high. with 7 x 4L gear racks would be approx :- Raising 17 seconds Lowering 10 seconds. New video.

I'll make a video later. This is my counter weight arrangment - only one side so far. IMG_6222 by Doug Ridgway, on Flickr

Just re-verified speed. Using 20:12 step up gears. 12 secs up - 7 secs down with 30 balls in the basket with fully charged batteries & without counter weights.

Both mine and @MajklSpajkl videos were using 16:16 gears to the worm gear. If change to 20:12 step up gears it’s faster by a factor of 0.6. Mine Using 16:16 gears was 20s now with 20:12 step up is 12s. with 24:8 should be approx 7s.

Yes been there twice, once when it was closed and derelict. Second time on holiday after it had been restored. Its an amazing structure and one of the wonders of the UK canal system. Built in 1875 it used hydraulic rams to move the lift but using river water in them not oil. The rams eventually failed and the lift was converted to electric winch system with counter huge weights. The Lift closed in 1983 on safety grounds and counterweights removed as structure in danger of collapse. Restored using Lottery Funds in 2000 and back to hydraulic operation but using hydraulic oil in th rams. You can take trips on it with a cruise on the river below. Slight jolt as it starts to move but very smooth once its starts moving As one caisson goes down the other goes up. Now that make for an interesting GBC train module !!!!! re Lead for counter weights. I have some sheet 2m thick roofing lead which cut into a thin strip and then rolled up would fit inside the Lego cyclinder. Just done a quick test set up and probably will use to two fold pully system with two cyclinders. Doug

An excellent MOD , well implemented and looks the part. The additional structure also adds rigidity to the elevator. Reminds me of the Anderton Boat Lift in Cheshire England which at one point in its history used massive counter weights to help raise & lower the boat caissons. https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/places-to-visit/anderton-boat-lift-visitor-centre I have been also trying how to do this on my elevator but with only two containers fro the weights, so probably will have to use Pb. (Lead) Intend to use your idea to improve my build. Will also give the 24 : 8 gear a try to see what speed can be achieved. Doug There is a worm gear in the drive system which prevents the elevator from moving when the train exits and also its now impossible for it to suddenly drop. Akiyuki rejected using a worm drive because of the slow operating speed. All Akiyuki's trips, latches etc are no longer required & removed, just two simple trip levers - see my earlier posts, plus @dunes & @MajklSpajkl. The worm gear is in the elevator platform below the train. Only problem was it slowed the elevator speed down a lot, hence I am using 20:12 step up gears at the moment without counterweights. @MajklSpajkl counter weight system takes the load of the M motor and enables better gear ratios to be used to increase speed. Could be even faster if use 24;8 gears which without the counterweights previously stalled the M motor. Its fool proof. Doug