Funicular goods railway - help!!
Discussion
Hi. This is my first post so please bear with me. We have moved into a house on the side of a hill. It has 90 steps from the street level to the house. The previous owners had installed a funicular goods railway to bring up shopping and other stuff or to lower garden waste etc to the street level. The railway no longer works and we are keen to get it fixed. The motor is beyond repair and the electrics (running from a single phase) are also ruined through water ingress. The two chains that sit inside the tracks and which, powered by the motor, control the trolley up and down the hill.
There are, it seems to me anyway, two options;
1 - replace the motor,electrics and chain and start again - I'd need someone to do that for me so in addition to the hardware there would be labour costs too
2 - buy a mains powered winch but, whilst I can see how this works bringing the trolley up the slope, I'm not sure how they work in controlling the descent of the trolley down the slope. There are loads of winches on the market at differing prices depending on load capacity etc but I can't get my head around which one would be best if any of them.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the above or alternative suggestions. I've been scratching my head on this one since we moved in a few months ago so any help would be gratefully received.
Thanks very much and sorry for the long message.
There are, it seems to me anyway, two options;
1 - replace the motor,electrics and chain and start again - I'd need someone to do that for me so in addition to the hardware there would be labour costs too
2 - buy a mains powered winch but, whilst I can see how this works bringing the trolley up the slope, I'm not sure how they work in controlling the descent of the trolley down the slope. There are loads of winches on the market at differing prices depending on load capacity etc but I can't get my head around which one would be best if any of them.
Does anyone have any thoughts on the above or alternative suggestions. I've been scratching my head on this one since we moved in a few months ago so any help would be gratefully received.
Thanks very much and sorry for the long message.
Thanks this is all very helpful. I'm in Caterham, Surrey. The railway is 35metres so the drum will need to be pretty large. I've been quoted just over £1200 for a suitable sized winch and rope from a specialist lifting company.
I've not ruled out getting a new motor but with that comes the cost of new electrics and a new chain - it's rusted through lack of maintenance - so that's 70m of chain, a new motor and electrics and someone to install it all. The winch is probably cheaper all in - I reckon I can get a decent one for less than quoted - and it will be easier to fit and to maintain in the future.
I've also thought about the counter balance idea but wasn't sure based on what I have in place how that would work.
I'll get some photos up ASAP.
Thanks again.
I've not ruled out getting a new motor but with that comes the cost of new electrics and a new chain - it's rusted through lack of maintenance - so that's 70m of chain, a new motor and electrics and someone to install it all. The winch is probably cheaper all in - I reckon I can get a decent one for less than quoted - and it will be easier to fit and to maintain in the future.
I've also thought about the counter balance idea but wasn't sure based on what I have in place how that would work.
I'll get some photos up ASAP.
Thanks again.
Thanks again everyone. It's still lashing it down so difficult to take any decent photos. I've looked at motors and reckon I can get a standard single phase one for about £200. That needs to be wired in with a two way switch. I then need 70metres of roller chain in order for the motor to drive the trolley up and down. No idea how much that costs. I'd definitely need professional help with that option. A winch seems easiest and I could fit that with some help from a friend - are they all mains powered? Most seem to be intended for fitting on 4x4s and presumably run through the car's battery....? I looked at windlass. They look really cool but couldn't work out how they'd fit with what I have in mind but that is probably my ignorance. Stair lift! Interestingly some one else on my road has installed a full lift but I think that's a little OTT for me. Could someone recommend a suitable winch? - there are hundreds out there.
I think that a winch with wireless remote sounds sensible - I just need to work out how the trolley would fit on the tracks if it's not relying on the roller chain to pull it up and down - the trolley fits on to the chain at the moment. I think I just need to attach small wheels to the trolley to fit into the runner where the chain is.
I'll send photos when this damned rain stops but thanks everyone for your help. It's much appreciated.
I think that a winch with wireless remote sounds sensible - I just need to work out how the trolley would fit on the tracks if it's not relying on the roller chain to pull it up and down - the trolley fits on to the chain at the moment. I think I just need to attach small wheels to the trolley to fit into the runner where the chain is.
I'll send photos when this damned rain stops but thanks everyone for your help. It's much appreciated.
https://flickr.com/photos/127288954@N08/sets/72157...
I hope this works. You might be starting to gather that I'm a bit useless at this type of thing. Here are some photos of the tracks and the various bits of machinery. The motor has been removed and tested - it doesn't work - but it was a standard single phase motor. The electric circuitry has also been disassembled as it was shorting the house every time it was turned on. The power source is fine it was all the electronics themselves that are buggered. I've also taken a photo of the chain and you will see it's rusted beyond repair - it's broken in places as well.
You can see from the photos how overgrown the tracks are and this is after I've cleared quite a bit away - we've only been in the house for four months. I reckon it's not worked for at least five years.
I hope the photos help (and upload!).
I hope this works. You might be starting to gather that I'm a bit useless at this type of thing. Here are some photos of the tracks and the various bits of machinery. The motor has been removed and tested - it doesn't work - but it was a standard single phase motor. The electric circuitry has also been disassembled as it was shorting the house every time it was turned on. The power source is fine it was all the electronics themselves that are buggered. I've also taken a photo of the chain and you will see it's rusted beyond repair - it's broken in places as well.
You can see from the photos how overgrown the tracks are and this is after I've cleared quite a bit away - we've only been in the house for four months. I reckon it's not worked for at least five years.
I hope the photos help (and upload!).
Thanks for the comments. I will check out the motors on eBay and the chain link provided. I'm actually quite pleased it appears a simple mechanism so no offence taken at all. The simpler it is the cheaper it should be to fix. I'm sorry too WinstonWolf that you aren't nearby to help fix it! But if anyone is and would be willing to help it would be much appreciated.
On balance it looks like I should repair the existing system rather than go for a winch - which will be an interesting challenge and an opportunity to learn new skills - bit wary of electrics though so will leave that to the experts.
I'll post some photos of the house Pheo. It's not quite as you describe but it's pretty unusual not least given its situation on the side of a valley. But it's a full time job maintaining the gardens - I'm never stuck with things to do at the weekends that's for sure.
Thanks again for all the comments to date - I'm always open to other suggestions so do please continue to comment if possible.
On balance it looks like I should repair the existing system rather than go for a winch - which will be an interesting challenge and an opportunity to learn new skills - bit wary of electrics though so will leave that to the experts.
I'll post some photos of the house Pheo. It's not quite as you describe but it's pretty unusual not least given its situation on the side of a valley. But it's a full time job maintaining the gardens - I'm never stuck with things to do at the weekends that's for sure.
Thanks again for all the comments to date - I'm always open to other suggestions so do please continue to comment if possible.
https://www.flickr.com/gp/127288954@N08/74w9p1
Here is a picture of the rail leading up to the brick shed that houses the pulley mechanism. It's 35 metres of straight track.
Here is a picture of the rail leading up to the brick shed that houses the pulley mechanism. It's 35 metres of straight track.
Thanks for the advice. I think I am going to take this slowly as it's all new to me. I work in the law and have never had cause to do anything technical like this before! But it's an interesting challenge!
The wiring in the house is all a bit weird so I wouldn't be surprised if there is something awry with the electrics to the motor etc. There is no power to it now so it's safe (I've had that checked) but it obviously needs to be looked at by an electrician when it comes to wiring in new components to make sure it's all as it should be.
If I get it completely dry and check the various bits over and clean/oil as necessary that should be a decent start.
It is an amazing feature and we are really keen to get it working again. We can then move on to the next project of which there are many!!
The wiring in the house is all a bit weird so I wouldn't be surprised if there is something awry with the electrics to the motor etc. There is no power to it now so it's safe (I've had that checked) but it obviously needs to be looked at by an electrician when it comes to wiring in new components to make sure it's all as it should be.
If I get it completely dry and check the various bits over and clean/oil as necessary that should be a decent start.
It is an amazing feature and we are really keen to get it working again. We can then move on to the next project of which there are many!!
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.
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!
Not sure what the KW of the old motor was as I don't have it anymore. I think it was just a standard motor (he says unhelpfully). It does need to run in both directions - I've just looked at inverters and they seem a good option given that the power source is single phase.
I have a couple of expert PHers who have kindly agreed to come over in a couple of weeks to have a look and to start to work out the best option. They will be far better placed than I to report on the technical aspects of the machinery/electronics etc. So watch this space!!
Thanks again everyone. I would be lost without this forum.
I have a couple of expert PHers who have kindly agreed to come over in a couple of weeks to have a look and to start to work out the best option. They will be far better placed than I to report on the technical aspects of the machinery/electronics etc. So watch this space!!
Thanks again everyone. I would be lost without this forum.
https://flickr.com/photos/127288954@N08/sets/72157...
https://flickr.com/photos/127288954@N08/sets/72157...
Hello all. Update as promised. There is good and bad news. Good news - I have recovered the motor - it's a flender himmel - see photos. It doesn't work still but it might make it easier to get a replacement. The gearbox (separated from the motor and in an earlier photo) is in tact and appears to be working.
The bad news is that the vast majority of the chain is beyond repair. It is so rusted that it crumbles and breaks without any pressure at all. See photos. It's all been removed. I actually need 140 metres of the chain as each track has chain looped from end to end. The track itself is fine.
There is a braking system at the bottom and top - see photos - which I've not tested electrically but mechanically appears to be ok, but no other apparent safety mechanisms other than relying on two sets of very strong roller chain not breaking at the same time and in the same place.
I've provided more photos of the track etc as well as the trolley that sits on the chain. I will build a box to sit on the trolley.
I also need to replace some of the railway sleepers supporting the track in certain places as they have rotted. There are concrete blocks at regular intervals too and they are sound.
So, it looks like a new chain, a couple of railway sleepers, a new motor and new electrics (switch etc) at first blush. I'll let you know more after the two expert PHers come over next Saturday.
Happy days!!
https://flickr.com/photos/127288954@N08/sets/72157...
Hello all. Update as promised. There is good and bad news. Good news - I have recovered the motor - it's a flender himmel - see photos. It doesn't work still but it might make it easier to get a replacement. The gearbox (separated from the motor and in an earlier photo) is in tact and appears to be working.
The bad news is that the vast majority of the chain is beyond repair. It is so rusted that it crumbles and breaks without any pressure at all. See photos. It's all been removed. I actually need 140 metres of the chain as each track has chain looped from end to end. The track itself is fine.
There is a braking system at the bottom and top - see photos - which I've not tested electrically but mechanically appears to be ok, but no other apparent safety mechanisms other than relying on two sets of very strong roller chain not breaking at the same time and in the same place.
I've provided more photos of the track etc as well as the trolley that sits on the chain. I will build a box to sit on the trolley.
I also need to replace some of the railway sleepers supporting the track in certain places as they have rotted. There are concrete blocks at regular intervals too and they are sound.
So, it looks like a new chain, a couple of railway sleepers, a new motor and new electrics (switch etc) at first blush. I'll let you know more after the two expert PHers come over next Saturday.
Happy days!!
Thanks again everyone. I am looking into getting the motor refurbished and have been put in contact with Robson and Francis rewinds.
I will have a better idea about what needs to be done when people with significantly more technical expertise than me have a look at all of this on Saturday. If I ignore anyone's question it is most likely that I don't understand it than me being rude! I will post more as and when I have anything interesting/useful to report.
I will have a better idea about what needs to be done when people with significantly more technical expertise than me have a look at all of this on Saturday. If I ignore anyone's question it is most likely that I don't understand it than me being rude! I will post more as and when I have anything interesting/useful to report.
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