San Francisco Cable Car

Just a note on the trolley buses in San Francisco [ not the cable cars]. I was there around the year 2000 on a business trip and had to commute for a short distance on these vehicles, to get from my hotel to the Caltrain terminus. We were stopped for a passenger pickup and another trolley stalled [ie broke down] just in front of us, preventing our trolley from moving away from its stop. Was this a problem to our intrepid driver? No way! He just pulled out and rammed the other bus until it started moving again. After that our path was cleared and off we went. It all just seemed part of a normal operating procedure. No wonder the buses looked a bit run down!
 
If the lighting is filament bulbs, then polarity (to make them light) does not matter.. Probably a 'standard' board, and a bit of regulation, so the bulbs have an easier life.
If there are head / tail lights involved, and you are running analogue, then simple diodes can 'switch' the lighting.
If the lighting is LED, then polarity of supply is important.
 
An update on Gavins lighting board. The circuit consists of 4 diodes wired in a bridge, a 470uF cap and a 7806 voltage regulator.

Regulator replaced and the board works on the bench. I'll return the board to Gavin tomorrow so expect photos of it running tomorrow night.
 
BCalcott said:
An update on Gavins lighting board. The circuit consists of 4 diodes wired in a bridge, a 470uF cap and a 7806 voltage regulator.

Regulator replaced and the board works on the bench. I'll return the board to Gavin tomorrow so expect photos of it running tomorrow night.
Click to expand...

:clap::clap::rock::clap::clap:
 
Something like this....
2016-01-04 20.40.30 (Small).jpg
 
muns said:
Something like this....
View attachment 217071
Click to expand...

I take it that those two wires that are covering the diodes, are the jumpers to the power bogie that Frank mentioned earlier on. Would be interested to see how they are connected to the power bogie... :wondering:

Thanks to Ben for a neat repair job, and to others that offered advice, and assistance.
 
Last edited:
The power bogie is self contained, and the second bogie acts as pick up for the lights, I just ran a couple of jumpers between the two bogies for improved pickup
 
Frank Gallagher said:
The power bogie is self contained, and the second bogie acts as pick up for the lights, I just ran a couple of jumpers between the two bogies for improved pickup
Click to expand...

I don't seem to be able to disassemble the power bogie. Do I have to remove it from the chassis to get at some secret screw ?
 
To be honest Gavin, I cant remember and the only photo of the motor block is below..
2016-01-04 20.43.39 (Small).jpg

(I believe that the track pickups are hardwired to the motor)
 
BCalcott said:
....... so expect photos of it running tomorrow night.
Click to expand...

DSC_0359 - Copy.JPG

Let there be light, and there was light, Gav is well pleased.

Gav ain't too pleased with how this photo came out on this post..... the 'original' is quite crisp.

Ah, got it, press blow up button to see 'original size'.... that's better.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom