Talking T Gauge

B 67 · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:41 pm Post subject: PWM - it's coming.

Earlier there were discussions on using Pulse Width Modulation to improve the slow speed and starting of T gauge trains.

I have enquired as to whether Eishindo are looking at developing this and Mr Hirai has sent me the following YouTube videos showing the development of such a control, which will become the next generation power box. He has told me this info is not confidential and my be published here.

trainspotter-usa · Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 315 Location: Minnesota

Oooh...
Third generation train.
... Wait a minute we haven't even got the second generation train yet! Wink

Ian
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I CAN see how cool this stuff is!!!
http://more-t-please.blogspot.com/

B 67 · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 10:55 pm Post subject:

The second generation train is the 1:32 scale model which has an extra reduction gear.
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Darren,
Stratford,
Australia.

victorian t gauge · Posted: Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:57 pm Post subject:

WWWWWHHHHOOOOOOAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Surprised

Wow! what an incredable low speed! the excitement i felt watching that footage! that is sooo impresive! PERFECT LIGHT VR BRANCHLINE RUNNING SPEED! I!! CANT!! WAIT!!!!!! Surprised

trainspotter-usa · Joined: 04 Sep 2008 Posts: 315 Location: Minnesota

victorian t gauge · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 12:53 am Post subject:

i have still got a grin from ear to ear, from watching that footage! this new worm drive & pulse system, along with flextrack & switches should surley take t gauge from "boarderline toy" to a very professional modelers level. Smile

B 67 · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 1:07 am Post subject:

Imagine what you should be able to achieve with PWM and the worm drive?

You'll notice that Mr Hirai has hinted at digital control too. The mind boggles at the possibilities this will bring (not to mention at the size of the decoders Shocked

).

What next? Flywheels? Well, perhaps not. Even if they could fit, I'd have doubts as to them being effective in such a tiny scale.

However, "Never say never" is certainly very applicable to KK Eishindo and T gauge.
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Darren,
Stratford,
Australia.

victorian t gauge · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 2:03 am Post subject:

never say never????? ILL HAVE A LIVE VR STEAM R CLASS please!!!! Surprised

B 67 · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:09 am Post subject:

David K Smith · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:32 am Post subject:

B 67 · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 8:02 am Post subject:

I don't know about anyone else, but I thought the sound from the pulse was reminiscent of the "chugchug" sound of a smaller diesel engine - like in a bus or rail motor. Some imagination may be needed here. Sound? Now there's a thought.

Flex track - as it was brought up. Mr Hirai has also told me that the following accessories are under development.

*Joiner track - this will be to join the flex track. Originally it was planned to sell a bag of gold joiners. However, it was realised that while some modellers would be able to use them, most users would not be able to handle them.

*Power cable plug for flex track.

*Turnout switch for flex track (with twin point blades).

Also, the controller will be available separately and the next batch of power box and track sets will come in a smaller package without the oval of track being pre-assembled. The pre-assembled oval was offered as a way of ensuring beginners, elders, women (keeping in mind that the first batch was originally for a mail order company) would have a properly assembled track to run their train on. It is easy in HO to join tracks with one rail above a joiner instead of in it. In T this is also easy and much harder to notice. At least it is until the train jumps off the rails.
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Darren,
Stratford,
Australia.

oztman · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Posts: 34 Location: Sydney, Australia

It looks as if there are some very exciting developments on the way. Now, pardon my ignorance, but in layman's terms what is PWM when it's home?
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Gary
Z scale, but very curious about T - and who knows?

B 67 · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 10:52 am Post subject:

oztman · Joined: 14 Jan 2009 Posts: 34 Location: Sydney, Australia

Thanks Darren for that very lucid explanation. Is this technology used by other model railway manufacturuers?
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Gary
Z scale, but very curious about T - and who knows?

David K Smith · Posted: Thu Feb 19, 2009 7:49 pm Post subject: