doug72

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.

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.

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. 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.

I built this 3 years ago and have only just dismantled it for building other new MOCs. It worked very well with full remote control. I think the instructions by Kevin Moo were free.

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.

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

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.

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.

@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. View showing low level entry to loader. Red 2 x 4 beam indicates height of input to conveyor. Overall view Reverser MOD showing revised output gearing to drive the Loader Module 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.

Thanks but I use Mac OS & iPad.. The shadow text has now gone and I can edit the post OK now.

I have had a pile driver on my “to do list” for a long time and the terrain crane may kick start that BUT not the Lego version. It will be a very useful source of parts for a crawler mounted pile driver rig with a much taller boom. I have a spare crawler base already built from my Material Hander MOC.

So the B model is not a drilling rig rather its a pile driver !

On my latest created topic (Akiyuki Train system mods and improvements), I am unable to edit the first post due the shadow search text hiding the edit word.

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.

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. 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:

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

I will start the "balls" rolling and move my rotary dumper post with video over to the new topic: [GBC] Akiyuki Train System: mods and improvements.

@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.

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 can do that but would existing posts need moving into the new thread or just links to them or can a moderator sort that out ? Suggest also add posts about new modules that are compatible with the Akiyuki Train System such as the Jonas Turntable.

YES PLEASE.

@Berthil, @Jonas Thanks for your comments. Agree your comment about a separate thread for GBC module improvements & MODs. 59 pages is a lot to trawl through. I have a idea for a MOC low level loader using a reverser module that also changes the track switch, but if dumper too low will be easy to raise it, have enough 4L racks now to increase elevator as well.

Post moved by Doug72 to [GBC] Akiyuki Train System: mods and improvements topic.

Elevator Module: After a couple of false starts finally got it built and working. Had two attempts at devising my own design for an elevator which both failed ! Soon realised it is much more complicated than first envisaged ! Third build followed the Akiuki instructions, which at times were puzzling as what various parts did & functioned, especially the use of a small linear actuator until it was fully built as there are no set up instructions. Finally built and surprised that it worked OK. But I like to tinker & fiddle to see if it can improve and had a spell of all sorts going wrong - so back to original design. As my MOD of the Rotary Dumper module is not as high as the Akiuki design I had to alter the elevator so as it could connect at same height. Each elevator leg has four 4L racks instead of severn. Linking track unit also altered to suit new height. Testing:- This was an interesting time due to many crashes !! In order to test this module I had to rob other train system modules for the 4L gear racks - I have more on order to replace them. Train unit entered, raised and exited elevator OK but when placed on the track the other way round it failed to rise fully and latch on with train falling back down rapidly. After a lot of close observations determined it was due to wrong tension of the various “O” rings as I only had 1 blue one and had to use small rubber bands for the other two. Finally got the tensions correct and both train cars now pass through elevator OK which ever way they are placed on the track. One other problem, not yet fully resolved is that as the “chocks” release to allow the train car to run on into the rotary dumper there is a pronounced “jolt” as train runs over the depressed chocks and leaves the elevator. Once the extra gear racks arrive & are fitted I will post a video of the elevator & rotary dumper modules together. Extra bracing added to stop rack legs spreading.

@RohanBeckett Many thanks for that information which has helped me have the correct descriptions. Now located them on Brickowl website which I normally use to order Lego parts from the UK whenever possible. https://www.brickowl.com/search/catalog?query=Lego+rubber+band