The Home Machinist!

Carl:
Perfect timing! Thanks for those pictures.
I came in from the shop to post a request for pictures!

I have a similar disc of plastic already being machined. Your mounting method on the axle is quite simple.
Any "imbalance" in the disc from the mounting ears is not of significance to the weights involved. I like it.
Now I have the confidence to forge on ahead.
RussN

That is really cool. Much better than what was available way back when I was looking.

Russ...glad to "be there" when you needed some photo incentive. The disk has nothing more than a friction fit on the axle. Balance? At 7 mph... don't think balance is going to be an issue. More likely, there's a bigger balance problem with the engineer! Btw...have had the Rutland up to 11.5 mph on a long straight section of track. Scared the heck out of me...'cause if the loco were to leave the track...IT'S STILL DOING 11 mph for a short distance. Held on to the back of the cab to "steer" the loco just in case. There were no problems...but when you're butt is that close to the ground, don't think you want to go any faster. Had to slow down as there was a sharp right turn at the end of the straight-a-way.

Bill...there are fancier bicycle computers out there. Larger display...more features (don't know what else we might want)...higher cost. For what I use this for...and the cost of replacing batteries every year...it all comes at the rate of enjoyment! Still when operating the loco...I'm listening to the stack more than watching the computer.

Carl B.

ccvstmr wrote: ↑Mon Apr 12, 2021 9:45 pmBtw...have had the Rutland up to 11.5 mph on a long straight section of track. Scared the heck out of me...

That would be 92 MPH in reality, which in my mind would have been a frightening speed in a typical late-19th century, full-sized loco. I couldn't even start to imagine doing 126 MPH in the Mallard. Visions of a thrown rod immediately come to mind.

ccvstmr wrote: ↑Mon Apr 12, 2021 9:45 pm ... Larger display...more features (don't know what else we might want)...
...

Heart rate? Calories burned?

ah...now connect it to an electronics weigh scale so that you can track coal used / mile of running and you might have something really trick!

I made some progress today installing the speed/distance computer on my Mikado.
Some parts made; brackets and mounts planned.
RussN

Project is completed except for testing on rails.

Finished parts: Mounted under the tender deck: Computer magnetic mount: Time to hit the rails.
RussN

One nice aspect of this particular installation is ease of access to battery changing.
The battery screw cap is at the bottom of the transmitter/sensor within easy reach!
And the receiver/computer just lifts out for similar access.

There otta be a law...
RussN

Looks good! Maybe I missed it, but I thought you were worried about getting a good wireless connection through the tender floor. I take it that wasn't a problem after all?

-- Russell Mac

No problems with the wireless connection through the steel tender floor.

I just tested the entire set up and it works!
I supported the front axle off the rails and used a rubber wheel mounted in my electric hand-held drill motor.
The axle turns and the computer reads the transmitter just fine.
Next stop = On the Rails.
RussN