Victor, Thanks for the reply. I think equalizing the American would be rather simple. It only requires a set of equalizers between the driver axles (a simple see-saw). I would use coil springs hidden behind the frame if space allows and "fake" the leaf spring, only using it as the beam for equalizing.
Cast iron would be the material of choice for the American drivers. I may post a jpeg of these later. Thanks Ken > -----Original Message----- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:sslivesteam@;colegroup.com]On > Behalf Of Jeanne Baer > Sent: Monday, October 28, 2002 9:05 AM > To: Multiple recipients of sslivesteam > Subject: Re: Boxpok driver model preview > > > I would definitely spring the drivers. Even in gauge 1 the engine will run > much happier with springing. > > Equalizing is something else again. It's complex and fiddly (especially if > you equalize across the chassis as well as on each side) and won't get you > much for your trouble compared to the gains from simple > springing. Also, you > cannot get the exact prototypical look using leaf springs. If you copy the > full size exactly, the springs are too stiff. To correct that you can go > undersize with the leaves and pack the stack. But then you've lost "the > look". > > Dummy leaf springs with concealed coils doing the actual work are a pretty > good compromise. > > If you want something good for beginners, I would not use SS for the > drivers. It can be too frustrating to machine. > > Also, if I hadn't done quite a bit of casting I would stay with > aluminum and > zinc (or other low temp white metals). These, however, need a > tire shrunken > on and so another job. Only if I wanted a really big project would I try > brass and cast iron rather than have them commercially done. > > Victor Lacy > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "XXYZ" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > To: "Multiple recipients of sslivesteam" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Sent: Sunday, October 27, 2002 6:11 PM > Subject: Boxpok driver model preview > > > >snip< > > > I am debating on if it would be worth it (or to > > difficult for the advanced beginner) to spring and equalize the main > > drivers. This would mean machining axle boxes instead of round bushings > and > > some other parts. I am currently thinking (keep it simple, like with the > > Dee). > > >snip< > > > My intention is to produce a set of 74" dia. (2.3125) wheels for myself > and > > for others that may be interested (it's going to be a while before I get > > that far as I need to do a lot of research on casting, I may have these > cast > > professionally in stainless). > > > Ken Vogel > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >
