Operating Brakemen Box Car

Madman

Madman

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I am imagineering an operating brakemen box car. Lionel has had one since the '50s. Lionel's car operates on AC. I'd like to build one in our scale that operates on it's own. I'm thinking a solenoid or motor triggered by a reed switch passing over or near a magnet.

Ideally the brakemen would dive when the box car passes a set of Telltales, then he would rise when a second set was passed. So I have to figure out a way of reversing polarity if I use a motor. I'm still in the dreaming stage.

In the video below, there is only one telltale. Normally there would be a second one after the overhead obstruction. The second telltale causes the brakeman to stand up.

 
Cheep Radio Control Sstem would work with matey up n down via a Servo. Give you something else to think about when running trains! Not too much drinking n driving though or matey may be a candidate for an Ambulance trip!
JonD
 
Dan,

Not heard of the Brakeman car before but I think that they sold the idea of the similar Circus Car to Tri-ang to become the Giraffe Car and later the Sniper car.

They had a lightly sprung arm mechanism inside that kept the giraffe or sniper up looking out the hatch. Underneath the car was a magnet that was attracted to a ferrous third rail specially inserted where required between the two running rails.

This pulled the giraffe or sniper down into the car to avoid the tell tale, bridge or whatever.

As soon as the magnet passed beyond the extra rail the giraffe or sniper would pop back up. Very simple and effective. Best of all no electronics!

Two downsides: 1/ on sharp curves the magnet was attracted to the steel Tri-ang running rails causing more ducking than intended. 2/ the sniper needs more training - shouldn't he pop up to shoot, then quickly duck?

Good luck with your plan!

James
 
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