Linear Motor Experiments - Turning Trains Around in T Gauge

[@alexdean3794]

Just found your channel and wow, absolutely amazing. I have so many questions, and the applications of this tech seem infinite. I'm tempted to look into this system to control vehicles on my n gauge layout so I'll whittle my questions down to these; - Is it possible to convert a standard Oxford 1:148 car to run on a linear motor system, or do they have to be particularly lightweight? - Is there a minimum track spacing with this system, and is this effected by the size of coil used? I noticed that on your layout the tracks are spaced quite far apart, is this the minimum distance or a design choice? Thanks in advance!

[@modelrailmusings5981]

Thanks for your comments. The system certainly has its drawbacks, but if they can be tolerated then it can do some amazing things. - I did try some Oxford diecast models, but they are much too heavy for my version of the track which is highly optimized for light weights and long tracks. IDL's might be powerful enough, but the different tradeoffs they chose cause other issues such as undesirable track heating. There are plenty of variables to juggle here, and no ideal solution. - With Dauntsey Lock, I finally standardized on an 18mm center-to-center track spacing. This isn't really a track issue, but simply due to passing vehicles both having very powerful magnets. Even my previous road standard of 17mm caused occasional unwanted interactions (visible in the Outer Melbourne and traffic light videos if you look closely). That extra millimeter made a big difference.

[@alexdean3794]

@@modelrailmusings5981 Thank you so much for taking the time to get back to me, thats super helpful. As I say I have thousands of questions, but I will try and stay content with watching your videos! Keep it up!