Here is a challenge for you blokes...

[cbeckett]

For my next model building - a few weeks off yet - no clue as to what it might be, as yet, so hence the challenge...

I'd like it to have a "moving part". (I normally do factories etc, which might help). The building will be half-relief.

So:- criteria

- solar powered - so can't be too heavy duty on the juice..
- durable ie NDT it by throwing it across the shed
-"novel"
- continuous automatic operation whilst the sun shines
- restricted horizontal space - a few inches, but vertical, no worries

My first thought was something like a grain elevator.

So, if anyone would like to make suggestions for me to mull over, I'd be most grateful...

 

[Nodrog1826]

How about some form of animation..

Small motor and a cam, could be used to open and close a window, etc

 

[KandNWLR]

How about a warehouse hoist. Here is my warehouse behind the Double Fairlie, and it does have a chain attached as a hoist. Just doesn´t work .... but now I have a cunning plan. 8)

053 by kandnwlr1, on Flickr

 

[cbeckett]

Good suggestions guys! Thanks...thinking head now on...

 

[a98087]

How about a castle with a draw bridge that moves? Or bridge that raises up and down,

Or a windmill, or a mill with a waterwheel?

Dan

 

[cbeckett]

How about a castle with a draw bridge that moves? Or bridge that raises up and down,

Or a windmill, or a mill with a waterwheel?

Dan

Dan, thanks for the ideas - I already have a water mill and a windmill - both 24V. BUT - I like the idea of a drawbridge....that would be novel.

Would have to figure out a solar-powered motor, to take a gentle load....

Thinking head still on, but spinning rapidly.....

More suggestions very much welcome....

 

[dunnyrail]

How about a Nodding Donkey Oil Pump?
JonD

 

[PhilP]

Scout troop, and Greg's campfire being prodded??

 

[ge_rik]

Timber yard (eg see John JRinTawa's brilliant model - https://www.gscalecentral.net/g-scale-pictures/hmgr-a-family-railway-in-nz/msg337318/#msg337318 ) - plenty of scope for operational gear - hoist, conveyor, saw (circular or band) - depending on the era could have a donkey engine powering it. Something similar (though probably not as accomplished) is on my todo list

Rik

 

[mikanmart]

First , how about a challenge for us wimmin?

Second , I bet you couldn't make a window cleaner up a ladder .

Mike Morgan (ambidexterous)

 

[cbeckett]

Nope, that would be to much of a challenge...I've got to figure how to convert the output of a solar panel to some kind of motor, whatever I end up building - I bet blokes out there can tell me??? I'm not an electrician by nature!

 

[GAP]

Nope, that would be to much of a challenge...I've got to figure how to convert the output of a solar panel to some kind of motor, whatever I end up building - I bet blokes out there can tell me??? I'm not an electrician by nature!

Here you go Chris.

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Simple-Solar-Engine

Instead of the capacitor you could use a rechargeable battery and a solar trickle charger from Jaycar

http://www.jaycar.com.au/productResults.asp?whichpage=2&pagesize=10&w=&MID=12&CATID=84&SUBCATID=1004&form=CAT2#12.

Good source of 12V motors are old VCR's, I get mine from the re cycle centre at the dump.

I am planning to use a sealed lead acid battery with one of these to power my buildings on my layout, I'll be using LED's so I can leave them on all day if I want to, but will probably use a light detector to turn them off.