Reduce Stalling With The Rokuhan Shorty Chassis
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 лип 2024
- I'm a huge fan of the Rokuhan Shorty Z scale locomotive chassis. It's very reasonably priced, it's a great platform for small projects and overall it very reliable. If I have one complaint it's the weight of the chassis, it's incredibly light!
The lightweight nature of this chassis can reduce the contact between wheels and rails and cause stalling, requiring the dreaded "tap, tap" on the layout to kick it into life. In this video I wanted to look at a few maintenance basics we can employ to minimize the stalls. - Фільми й анімація
A couple of new ideas for me to explore. Thanks.
It's such a fun little chassis that it does sort of invite trying new things with it.
Thanks for sharing this video and information. I’m in process of building a Rokuhan shorty demonstration layout for our local MMR club public display area. I
We had done another video using Tungsten putty, it really made a big difference: ua-cam.com/video/fZIz0sdXack/v-deo.html. Glad you liked the video!
I look forward to your review of the controller. I saw them on ebay and considered using them to run a layout.
Me too! I do have several of them so it should be pretty interesting.
One thing for certain is there are as many ways and tools to clean track as Carter has little liver pills (gotta be old to get that reference). My current favorite is using gun cleaning patches (like 2 bucks a bag at Walmart), fold them, put them in a binder clip and put some isopropyl alcohol on the patch then run it over the track. I still use the old wet paper towel on the track trick for wheels.
Incredibly true on the number of materials and methods. Until I discover some magic way that's 100%, I always like trying new things... and try not to get too excited about any of them :) I'll keep an eye out for those patches now, thanks!
Good Job!
Thanks Rory!
Thanks. I'm doing pretty well by using multiple power chasses in RDC housings to produce a rapid transit train. Right now I have 3 of the 4 units powered. That way at least one of the units should have power.
You're using these Rokuhan chassis in your RDCs? Also... using 3D print shells?
@@Raildig I'm using Rokuhan chassis and shells. Having a rapid transit train was the big appeal of the shorty to me. The short length is not unrealistic considering Chicago's elevated cars.
@@alfredbarten4901 Got it, that makes sense! I'm so used to thinking about little yard switchers that elevated cars didn't occur to me! I do wish we'd see more 3rd party makers with replacement shells for these Shortys. I know there's some 3D print cars available, would like to see more mainstream offerings in the future as well.
@@Raildig Agreed
Hello! Train beginner here! Thank you so much for this helpful video! How/what did you use to did you secure the track to the board it's on? :0
Glad you like this video, thanks! I don't recall exactly what I used but I'd guess I went with a paper thin coat of 2-part epoxy on underside / edges of the plastic roadbed, and I do mean paper thin so it doesn't squish-up (technical term there!) around the track. I prefer this to something like track nails as it gives a really clean appearance in a project like this. I use 2-part epoxy ALL the time on these small projects as it's just so handy, clean and you don't need a lot.
Of course the potential downside is once the epoxy is cured... it's not moving! Of course that's an upside too.
Try tungsten putty for added weight
We actually did in a newer video, ua-cam.com/video/fZIz0sdXack/v-deo.html, and it's now a staple for us in these tiny chassis, thanks!
@@Raildig Ha-ha. It turns out that's where I got the idea. I'm also using the jeweler's cloths. Thanks for the very helpful videos.
@@alfredbarten4901 Great minds :) Thanks for letting me know!
Did you increase the speed after adding the nickels ??? It ran faster !!
Nice thing about that little controller is that is has 3 fixed speeds, makes for pretty good before and after testing. That said, I did jump between the 3 speeds a few times. In any case, the extra weight is critical in the smaller scales like Z.
What track are you using and size?
It's been awhile but I'm pretty sure this is the Rokuhan 45mm curved track. Now that I think of it, it's the same track I used for our little Christmas layout video! ua-cam.com/video/SuqlYwqIvXY/v-deo.html
youu don't say HOW to add the extra weight. there is no room in the shell....
This was just a preliminary weight test. I go into detail, including showing where to add weight, in this video: ua-cam.com/video/fZIz0sdXack/v-deo.html
WD40 is also a good solution
I might be inclined to try the WD40 contact cleaner over the regular WD40, as it's made specifically for electrical contact. Not sure if there's a big difference in the formulas? www.wd40.com/products/contact-cleaner/