Inexpensive Bell ideas

This forum is dedicated to Riding Scale Railroading with propulsion using other than steam (Hydraulics, diesel engines, gas engines, electric motors, hybrid etc.)

Moderator: Harold_V

mojojerry
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Jun 09, 2008 1:01 pm
Location: Greenville, Alabama

Inexpensive Bell ideas

Post by mojojerry »

Hello newbee here! I don't know much about trains, but I do have an associate of science Degree in Electronics. I though I would give you my 2 cents worth. If you really like the sound of the bell at work. You could get one of the inverters that the other guy spoke of earlier in this blog. An inverter takes 12 volts from a battery and converts it to 120 volts at 60 cycle per second just like the electricity in your house. In this case the bell at work if connected to an inverter run off of a 12 vdc battery would sound just like it did at work. Not accounting for the loss of accoustics differentcies at work and on your train. You could get an inverter for 30 to 100 bucks more maybe depending on the size you need. You need to look at the wattage on the bell at work and get an inverter with an output 10 to 20% higher than it needs. This will probally cost more than just getting a 12volt horn and pushing the button when you want it to ring. Good luck mojojerry
User avatar
tsph6500
Posts: 1417
Joined: Fri Dec 03, 2004 3:38 pm
Location: West of Dunvegan, Ontario CANADA
Contact:

Post by tsph6500 »

A fellow in our club has a bell rung with a simple 12v automobile signal relay. I think he has a school bell but you can also use a tank from a hand-held propane torch. Just empty it before cutting the bottom off :shock:

They have a nice ring to them, are compact and narrow, cost nothing and have a thread at the top so you can easily mount it to a bulkhead, bracket or frame.
Best regards,
Jim Leggett

Montreal Live Steamers
www.montreallivesteamers.org

A Founding Member of the Tinkerbell Scale Society - Northern Division
I'm an A.R.S.E. (Association of Railroad Steam Engineers)
Toad Swamp & Punk Hollow Railroad - Head Tycoon
The Juvenile Traction Company - CEO & Apprentice Machinist 3rd Class
White Mountain Central RR - Engineer & Fireman
Oilcan
Posts: 179
Joined: Mon Dec 04, 2006 12:24 pm
Location: Northern Michigan

Post by Oilcan »

Nice idea! I never thought of using a signal relay. That could work out just dandy. Thanks, Jim.

Neil
Editor Emeritus - Live Steam & Outdoor Railroading
Allen Mogul under construction
Electric RS3
Stationary Steam
User avatar
Benjamin Maggi
Posts: 1409
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 10:38 pm
Location: Albany, NY

Post by Benjamin Maggi »

Thanks for the suggestions. I will look into that. A propane tank, hum..
"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
Mr Ron
Posts: 2126
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 12:36 pm
Location: Vancleave, Mississippi

Re: Inexpensive Bell ideas

Post by Mr Ron »

Benjamin Maggi wrote:My critter chassis is nearly done, and over the winter I might build up a quick boxcab structure to use until I build a proper Davenport switcher body shell. I want a bell and a horn for my train, but will probably hide them in the riding car because my engine is small. If I build a flatcar or a gondola holding "crates" that can be ridden on, then there will be plenty of room inside for a 12v battery and a horn and a bell circuit. I am not talking about the type that might be on the hood of an engine. I am thinking of more like a trolley bell/gong sound that I can use when I want to warn people at crossings, or backing up, etc.

I see Cannonball offers a bell unit that is around $170 and runs off of a 12v battery. http://www.cannonballltd.com/products_img/pt33902.jpg
It seems really nice but a bit too expensive for me right now. I am NOT looking for a simulated bell sound via some electronic board or sound card. Anyone have any frugal ways to create a bell-ringing unit? I was thinking in a pinch I could always purchase a counter bell ringer like near the cash-registers and hit it with my foot in time!

Thanks.
Get the bell from an old dial telephone. The electrical parts can also be adapted. They can be pretty loud.
User avatar
Benjamin Maggi
Posts: 1409
Joined: Wed Apr 25, 2007 10:38 pm
Location: Albany, NY

Post by Benjamin Maggi »

In talking with one of my friends (who happens to be an electrician), he went wandering around in his basement workshop and came out with THREE different bells! Each had a different pitch. I had no idea how to wire them up but I showed him this thread, and he worked out the circuit using the car flasher circuit. He said something about "putting in a dummy load" or whatever... I am not really sure what he was talking about. BUT, we/he did get it worked out and when I visit him again next month I will finish my riding car and pick up the bell circuit.

Then, it (along with a 12v battery) will be hidden in some crates that will fit inside the "riding" car to sit on.
"One cannot learn to swim without getting his feet wet." - Benjamin Maggi
- Building: 7.25" gauge "Sweet Pea" named "Catherine"
Post Reply