So, getting ready to build a rail bike in 7.5” gauge. But thinking about going with Aluminium wheels and drivers to save weight. Maybe steampunk it a little with 4 aluminium drivers and a set of pony trucks, and a cow catcher. Also make it a tandem, for two people to peddle and ride, or alternatively, add a ‘tender’ or riding car with its own peddle mechanism for extra propulsion and as the wife is interested in cycling, sneak her unwittingly into the hobby.
One of the members on the Facebook Backyard Railroading page posted this way cool design.
And This is a more traditional one I borrowed at the Trianneal. Made by another member at our local Club. Runs great and only weighs 60 pounds with the Al wheels. But, extra cast iron wheels etc would drive the weight up significantly, possibly inhibiting long distance riding ability. So, thinking about aluminium channel frame and aluminium wheels.
Anybody have any leads on 8” -10” aluminium drivers? Or maybe how to convert a small children’s bike rim to run on track??
And, and design ideas for the frame and drive chain or seating arrangement - particularly for a tandem, recumbrant. I am sure there must be 100 possible gotchas in making this to fit different size engineers.
I’ve had a thought to machine some delrin tires and ‘press’ them into a small kids rim, as a driver....?
Any help,would be much appreciated?
Thanks
Glenn
