Brill 4 Wheel Drive unit

We are currently working on the design of a 4 wheel drive unit for trams/trolleys. This will take the form of a Brill 21E 4 wheel bogie (truck) of 8' 0" wheelbase. This translates to 28mm length in HO scale. The drive unit will be as complete as we can make it, such that you only have to fit a body to it and paint. The motor will be a Mashima 1015 mounted embedded in the floor with the majority of the motor below floor level. A fixed 15:1 drive ratio will be employed. The bogie will feature:

* Choice of three gauges, 16.5mm, 12mm and 10.5mm.

* Underfloor drive with the majority of components under the floor

* Printed circuit board floor with provision for lighting

* Cast 21E sideframes with life preservers as supplied etches

* Unique mode switches to allow simple switching between 2 rail, overhead or DCC operation

* NMRA standard 8 pin DCC decoder socket

* Provision for constant brightness interior lighting

* Sockets on the PC board for connection of trolley poles and lights.

We began the design process by visiting the Bendigo Tramways workshops in Bendigo, Australia to photograph and measure up a new bogie (truck) being built there for the Hobart Trams. This is a 'new' construction of a Brill 21E, built to the original design, but using modern material and techniques.

This photo shows the bogie under construction on the floor of the Bendigo workshop. The motors have just been fitted and will now be wired. We are grateful for the co-operation of the Tramways Superintendent, Darren Hutchesson for providing full access to the workshop to measure up the prototype.

From the measurements, a 3D CAD drawing has been produced of the sideframe and this has now been built as a High Resolution MultiJet Modelling Build by Fineline Prototyping in Raleigh, Virginia. When the build is received we will then examine the best method for casting the side frame, either in pewter or brass.

This is a 3D rendition of the design:

Note that certain items have been 'beefed up' or made solid, such as the top chord of the frame. This is to strengthen the casting, as it is quite fine, and in addition, 3 mounting pegs have been provided for mounting to the PC board. Additional etched brass components will be added to the sideframe.