Hi all,
today I want to present a traverser for the 12V trains and tracks.
Of course it can be adapted for all other track systems easily, as there is a gap of two studs between all tracks.
All parts are original , no other parts than LEGO used.
The key features:
- completely driven by only one 12V- transformer
- stops automatically at the siding after command “Stop“
- automatic power supply only for this track, while all others disconnected
- control panel with optical monitoring
The complete model is designed in the “vintage”-way of the early eighties, so main colors are gray, read, yellow, blue and black. Tiles are used only when they are essential for the function.
Parts from today are Slopes 1x1x2/3 54200, Clutch 60c01, Gear 16 Tooth with Clutch6542, Pin Connectors 62462 and some liftarms.
The traverser is placed on some baseplates with road.
It is driven by two gear racks.
Beyond the left the is a row of tiles with grooves which mark the stop positions.Beyond the right the cables for the tracks on the traverser and the signals are hidden.
The precision is about +/- 1/8 stud, or 1mm, which is sufficient.
There are two controls to operate:
- drive left / right
- 1. gear: move slow, stop at next track / 2. gear: move quickly, don’t stop
As I got no „normal” 12-V motors I used two train motors which I connected to the gear assembly.
It looks a little bit tricky, but it works fine.
The red motor powers a cranck, which lifts the brick that blocks the traverser.
The black one drives the traverser.
Both have some clutches to prevent damage to any parts. So there is no need to stop the control precisely or watch the traverser very closely.
The yellow liftarm couples the gear and the brick which blocks the traverser.
Here you see how the gap between the tracks is spanned.
Here is the solution for connecting the actual track with the power.
It is quite simple, the weight of the liftarm is sufficient to guarantee contact.
And this is the control panel:
Hope you enjoyed this little project, which could be modified with all newer tracks or PF, for example.
Find a video here:
length is about two minutes, moving the traverser starts at 0:30
cu
Lok24
PS: I hope I used the corrcect technical terms for all parts, please correct me if not.