The son of Triangman

Results of no load testing, of the Hornby M.2209 motor. Average current consumption and revolutions. All vital to my motorisation of the Hornby 2 gate level crossing.

My digital laser tachometer used for testing motor revolutions.

Working on designing a simple fit commercial motorisation kit for the 2 gate Hornby level crossing. It will motorised the two traditional gates supplied with the crossing. The last 2 days have been spent doing no load tests on the Hornby M.2209 motors. There will also be a unit for the Tri-ang level crossing. The bench test power supply is a fiddly old beast to set at the right voltage, even with fine adjust. Picture shows pre test setting up and a basic spin up of a motor before it was set in a test rig.

There was indeed a CKD kit for the Hymek. R.396.

Not quite the full steam range, missing are the green BR princess from that year, Stephenson's Rocket and the SNCF 2-6-2.

Hi Roger, I'm using android with Google as browser

Sadly not Rog, I can only post the once on titles, no edit function for titles. Thank you for changing it for me.

The later X.04 motor used a different gauge wire due to the original gauge being in short supply at the time. Performance difference between early and later X.04's was hardly noticeable when new.

Site won't allow me to ammend the title. I wasn't even considered to be an admin when I applied. If admin would please ammend the title to "Rewinding X series motors, useful information", please.

Some interesting information for those rewinding old X series motors especially X.03 and X.04. From my old main dealer/factory records. Tri-ang Motor information. X.04 - Early 270 turns of 40 swg Copper enamelled wire X.04 - Later 270 Turns of 39 swg copper enamelled wire Use Scotchcast on Anvils

I'm 59.

Have to agree, it's going to take time, and other loco's with crossheads of similar design will no doubt have to have their crosshead and piston assembly's checked.

I am only guestimating based on knowledge and other past similar events. I doubt it will be a quick job. Blue Peter's boiler has been steamed with safety valves out (24/8/2023) for a wash out recently in preparation for the official boiler inspection. The Duke is not far behind I believe.

Seen photo's of the damage on the web. A new crosshead will most likely be needed it's in two bits. However that might mean a remetal of the slide bars, a full piston and valve exam, piston and connecting rod ultrasound exam, surviving crosshead examined and ultrasound tests done, lubrication pipe and pathway check as well. A job that could take time.

A simple jumper selector would be a decent simple solution to the programming issue, taking the stay alive out of circuit when programming.

The big problem with making a "stay alive" for TT is the capacitors needed. You need capacitors high in value, but small enough in size to fit in a TT:120 loco body. As has been said such items are very expensive. It is possible, but you will need a mortgage to buy the end product. The design of a "stay alive" is simple enough, "stay alives" are nothing special, usually just made from a few common electronic components. Whilst most modellers think nothing of spending £200 plus on a loco, when it comes to other kit most modellers have deep pockets and short arms unless it's dirt cheap, cheap, cheap. It wouldn't be commercially viable.

Just what I was thinking Tony. Great minds think alike. Lots of potential in it. Think Hornby is missing an opportunity at the moment.

How about reintroducing the RS.616 Take A Ticket set for beginners?

Hornby having it's own stores is bound to go down like a brick budgie with the trade as it's cutting out the small retailers again. The poor sales growth in the report is a concern with a mere 2.5% as opposed to 10% in 2022, as it shows a big slide in the market. 49.3 gross profit margin seems a bit thin, costs need looking at, a figure around 60 - 65% gross profit margin would be more nearer the mark.

There used to be an extension kit in Tri-ang days. Alas the extension pack hasn't been made for years.

The steel rails if not badly corroded can be derusted using a bucket of citric acid ( protective gloves, face protection etc should be worn). The plastics can be cleaned using surgical spirit and a paint brush. The steel rails will need plating in tin and nickle alloy once rust free.

Pity it's in OZ, I need a part time job right now to help get my spare parts business off the ground.

The U designation in R.408U is for "Universal track". Universal track being code 100 track made by Tri-ang-Hornby, Hornby (new 1973) company, Peco, Lima, Joeuf to mention a few.