3D Semaphore Signals

[dunnyrail]

Update on the failed V2 signal.
I had forgotten that I had used a brass rod for the blade pivot.

The operating crank inside the signal head and the signal blade were both super glued to the brass rod. The crank part was cut away to allow space for the super glue to hold but the blade was just a plain hole. The problem with a plain hole is that any glue is pushed away as the parts are assembled.
I will repair this signal again with super glue but this time I will grind a flat or 2 flats on the rod to provide a surface for the glue to attatch to.

The V3 version was made with all these components printed as 1 assembly and will not fail in this way (I hope )

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Alan

Super glue not the best solution for moving metal parts. Accepting this is possibly the only solution, glue on the start of where you push it in and at the start of the hole where you push it in should give it a better chance.

 

[AlanL]

The brass rod was attacked by the dremel cutting disc and now has some digs in it for the glue to stick to.



After roughing up the rod, the signal blade is now an interferance fit (possibly due to burrs in the grinding process) and may not need to be glued because it is suitably tight on the brass rod.

If the signal blade takes a knock then I would rather the blade fixing be the weak spot than the tiny internal crank. The crank has a cut away to allow an area for the glue but it is still a small component.

I might revert to this method, using a brass rod, for the next pair of signals. The blade assembly is easier this way.

This signal now needs a new top cover, the original was damaged in the removal process and the signal will be replaced outside to see how it holds up to the weather. I would have liked to inspect the internals in the base while the signal was out but it is so well sealed that it is not easy to get into.

Alan