Solenoid Tractor Running

Designed as I went along, optimised the solenoid motor and now have the Solenoid Tractor running. The tractor sounds and looks very much like a Field Marshall, the single cylinder engine being replicated by the heavy permanent magnets in the moving piston solenoid. OK, it’s not fully painted, some areas have been left in undercoat. … Read more

Tellurium

Tellurium Figure 1

Prompted by Nigel showing how he managed to calculate an approximate 10:1 ratio gearing (which I considered far too complex) and the exchange of opinion, I shared an old project of mine with him. This led to his suggestion that a small article about my project would be useful here. I’m sure that there are … Read more

Burrell Gearing

Burrell and new domed smokebox door

I’ve been thinking about the Burrell gearing for some time. Calculating the overall ratio, estimating the maximum torque and speed of the traction engine. Looking online a Mamod TE1a traction engine flywheel speed is between 2000rpm and 2500rpm. 1st stage engine to layshaft is 4:1 reduction 2nd stage layshaft to rear wheels is 4:1 reduction … Read more

Change Gears and Pitch

change gears on a lathe

When cutting threads on the lathe we need to look at the change gears and pitch. The change gears on the back of the headstock that connect the headstock rotation to the leadscrew rotation along with the leadscrew pitch determine the pitch you will cut. The gears shown here on a Hobbymat MD65. The spindle … Read more

Gear Noise

gear ratio diagram

Gear whine – Generated by meshing gears due to the vibration caused by failure of the rolling action between the mating teeth due to: Minute imperfections in manufacture of Tooth pitch circle (radius and centre) – see Gear Design Tooth involute form – gear profile error results in the generation of gear noise at sub-harmonics … Read more