Converting a lawn tractor to a locomotive

[Mr Ron]

I'm sitting out a tropical storm and had an idea for a new locomotive. I have three lawn tractors that have good engines and transmissions, but the cutting decks are trash and not worth fixing. A replacement deck costs from $800 to $1000. My idea is to use the engine and transmission and build a diesel or electric locomotive in 3" scale. My lathe swings 11" so that would be the limit for wheel size. Has anyone tried this and what would be a suitable prototype to model. I would like to keep the size down to no more than 8' in length. I currently build in 1-1/2" scale, but I would like to put this old lawn tractor to use. Being a vertical shaft engine, I can't use it to drive a generator, so I will have to go with the hydraulic transmission. I'm thinking I will have to go with a rod drive, not trucks, as I would drive the wheels directly from the transmission.

[pockets]

You may want to jump to 3.75 scale, depending on your engine selection. I have almost all the parts gathered for a 3.75" scale critter utilizing an old wheelhorse hydraulic drivetrain and a Kohler K-341, 16 horse engine. At 3.75" scale, you can ride in, not on. My wheels are RMI 9".

Greg B.

[pwcphoto]

Well it doesn't run on tracks but I think it was built from a lawn mower and it is pretty neat.

http://www.southerncalifornialivesteame ... asp?id=148

enjoy,

Phil

[ScaleModeler1974]

You could use the vertical shaft engine to drive a generator or alternator.......use a belt, either V or toothed.

I know a guy that built a Hydraulic powered loco using a toothed belt to drive the hydro pump.

[Mr Ron]

Pwcphoto, That video was absolutely fabulous. I might just forgo the track and use rubber tires. How did you do the smoke and sound? Something like that would fit in just great in our local mardi gras parades in South Mississippi.