Funicular goods railway - help!!
Discussion
you get used to the steps and they bring the benefit of amazing views and seclusion. I am sure it is a house that won't appeal to everyone but we like its uniqueness and, after all, how many houses come with a funicular railway! There are even more steps too when you reach the house to what was the tennis court but is now the children's play area - definitely don't need to be a member of a gym.
I am pleased and a little nervous that everyone is taking such an interest in progress but I will continue to post updates and ask for advice as I go along.
Thanks again.
I am pleased and a little nervous that everyone is taking such an interest in progress but I will continue to post updates and ask for advice as I go along.
Thanks again.
x 7usc said:
oliverhanmer said:
But if anyone is and would be willing to help it would be much appreciated.
I will gladly stick my hand in the air for this one, i love fixing stuff like this (builder and electrician)Feel free to PM me
Mark
Few things I would definitely check out before you carry on any further.
1. The track. Check its sound structurally in terms of corrosion. It looks to be galvanised but the bolts all look very corroded. You don't want to start fixing all the mechanicals if you have to replace half the track once you have it working.
2. The carriage. If anything comes adrift in the drive train (chain snapping e.t.c.) whats to stop the cart careening down the hill? is there any brakes or a Roller coaster ratchet type affair?
Sorry to put my sensible head on but this could really hurt or kill someone if it went wrong.
3. Please tell me i'm not the only one thinking that hill would make an amazing toboggan run.
OldBuoy said:
Totally in awe, I have nothing to say..........................except.
Maybe the winch from one of those? (and a transformer)I think I'd scrap the old rusty broken stuff and start again with narrow gauge railway tracks and two modified wagons.
I was thinking last night about using water as a counterweight - add water to a tank in the other truck until it is heavier - water truck goes down, you go up - then let some out until it's lighter - water truck goes up, you go down. But you'd hit the buffers rather hard!
You all clearly have much higher ambitions (and deeper pockets) than me. That said a cable car sounds a great idea. Maybe Emirates will sponsor it....
Oh and the sledge is already bought for the toboggan run down the slope - just waiting for the snow.
Work on checking the tracks and chains starts on Sunday so fingers crossed its in reasonable order. I am amazed and grateful for the interest in this and promise to keep you updated with progress. I'll have an open day if I get it working so anyone who wants to can see it in action!
Oh and the sledge is already bought for the toboggan run down the slope - just waiting for the snow.
Work on checking the tracks and chains starts on Sunday so fingers crossed its in reasonable order. I am amazed and grateful for the interest in this and promise to keep you updated with progress. I'll have an open day if I get it working so anyone who wants to can see it in action!
Simpo Two said:
Maybe the winch from one of those? (and a transformer)
I think I'd scrap the old rusty broken stuff and start again with narrow gauge railway tracks and two modified wagons.
I was thinking last night about using water as a counterweight - add water to a tank in the other truck until it is heavier - water truck goes down, you go up - then let some out until it's lighter - water truck goes up, you go down. But you'd hit the buffers rather hard!
When at the Isle of Man TT, I think they had exactly that idea to get up a hill.I think I'd scrap the old rusty broken stuff and start again with narrow gauge railway tracks and two modified wagons.
I was thinking last night about using water as a counterweight - add water to a tank in the other truck until it is heavier - water truck goes down, you go up - then let some out until it's lighter - water truck goes up, you go down. But you'd hit the buffers rather hard!
Although Google doesn't show it up as the Isle of Man....
Edited by Gingerbread Man on Wednesday 27th August 22:36
Simpo Two said:
OldBuoy said:
Totally in awe, I have nothing to say..........................except.
Maybe the winch from one of those? (and a transformer)I think I'd scrap the old rusty broken stuff and start again with narrow gauge railway tracks and two modified wagons.
I was thinking last night about using water as a counterweight - add water to a tank in the other truck until it is heavier - water truck goes down, you go up - then let some out until it's lighter - water truck goes up, you go down. But you'd hit the buffers rather hard!
....................http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lynton_and_Lynmouth_C...
It's a shame my old man had a heart attack a few weeks ago as he's retired and a bit of an expert in this area: Link to his book. I reckon he'd have loved to help you restore this.
If he decides to update his book I shall make sure he includes your railway!
Good luck with your project.
If he decides to update his book I shall make sure he includes your railway!
Good luck with your project.
Gassing Station | Homes, Gardens and DIY | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff