Test rollers/test stands

Delamaize Dec 17, 2010

  1. Delamaize

    Delamaize TrainBoard Member

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    Well I have got to the point where I really need a test stand/roller stand for testing when Scratchbuilding, so this brings me to the question: how many of you guys have test stands/roller stands? and who makes them?
    I have seen the bachrus ones, and I like those, but I am curious what else is out there, and what the people of this forum prefer and why.
     
  2. TetsuUma

    TetsuUma TrainBoard Member

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    I think Aristo makes them in multiple scales including N. I've never had a chance to test them, however. My only experience is with Hornby rollers for their Live Steam OO locomotives. (Very Cool, by the way.)
     
  3. Gats

    Gats TrainBoard Member

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    I have the Bachrus rollers, though there are others, since I have diesels only and didn't need the section of plain track. I could get what I needed with the Bachrus system.

    Trix T66721 has 4 sets of adjustable rollers and a section of track (for tenders), or T66722 with 8 sets, on a fixed bed arrangement.

    There may be another from the UK similar to the Trix unit which I have seen in HO and told was available in N. Sorry, can't recall the brand and a quick search hasn't found it.
     
  4. Moose2013

    Moose2013 TrainBoard Member

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    OLD THREAD ALERT! :cautious:

    Moose no find more recent discussion on the topic of test rollers, so resurrecting this thread ... Does anyone have recommendations for currently available n-scale test stands?
     
  5. ggnlars

    ggnlars TrainBoard Member

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    Moose, you brought up a topic that I would be needing soon. I have had some Micro Mark rollers for my HO work. I have used them on every engine project since 2008 or so. They work great. I went looking for a something in N scale. I will be testing engines soon. Now, but other things are higher on the list. Well, I was disappointed with what I saw. The N scale seemed to be north of $200. Additionally they seemed to be focused on testing Big boys. More functionality than you probably need. The prices seemed high, even for the Micro Mark HO version. I am sure I did not pay $60. I remember a number close to $25.
    I have used the four rollers successfully on engines as large as eight driver steam. Hopefully there is something like that out there in N scale. I’ll let you know if I find it.
     
  6. Moose2013

    Moose2013 TrainBoard Member

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    @ggnlars

    Thank you Larry. Much appreciated if you can follow up here with what you find out. (y)

    Oh, and this moose does have several articulated locomotives, so having a set up that can accommodate up to eight drivers in some fashion would be desirable.
     
  7. Moose2013

    Moose2013 TrainBoard Member

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    @ggnlars

    Moose found DCC Concepts offers a multi-gauge roller set for a reasonable price. Sent off an inquiry regarding suitability to n-scale and immediately received an informative reply -- have to love British customer service! (y)

    Information provided:
    * The center of the roller assemblies can be placed approximately 14 mm apart.
    * Suggests simply using two roller stands on the end driver sets where there are three or more adjacent axles.
    * Stated that shipping for the DCM-RRA8 set to mainland USA will be £10 by Royal Mail International.
    * Provided the photo below.

    So, this might not work on two axle n-gauge locomotives such as say a 4-4-0 steam locomotive or a BB disease'l locomotive. :(

    Since Moose has a lot of locomotives of various gauges for which this tool should work adequately, Moose ordered a set this morning. :)

    DCC Concepts Rolling Roads N Gauge 050521sm.jpg

    Note that this is a multi-gauge roller set, adjustable for the following according to the DCC Concepts website:
    • 9mm or N scale, 009 and HOn30/HOe (or HO scale 3’ gauge)
    • 12mm or TT, HOm (Metre gauge) (or HO scale 3’6” Narrow gauge)
    • 16.5mm or HO, OO and On30 gauge
    • EM and P4 Finescale
     
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  8. ggnlars

    ggnlars TrainBoard Member

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    Moose, looks like just what I am lookin for. I put in an order as well
    Thanks for the info.
    Larry
     
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  9. Moose2013

    Moose2013 TrainBoard Member

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    @gglars

    You are very welcome Larry!
     
  10. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    The DCC Concepts are a fine product (I have them), but the design is iffy for N scale. Unfortunately, I have found they do not work reliably, due to the wheels not making great contact with the rollers. Work fantastically in larger scales.

    I recently purchased the Yamix N-scale treadmill, and absolutely love it
    https://www.amazon.com/Yamix-Access...ywords=yamix+1/160&qid=1620234442&sr=8-2&th=1

    Also bought a set of extra rollers

     
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  11. Moose2013

    Moose2013 TrainBoard Member

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    The Yamix test stand has an interesting design and decent price. Could be a good alternative if the DCC Concept stands become too much of an issue for n-gauge. Like the ability to have all of the wheels engaged, including the pilot/trailing truck & tender wheels.

    Comparatively speaking, the DCC Concept stands appear to have the advantage for Moose in being adjustable for different gauges, likely much easier to set up in the train room where space is a premium (no table top or workbench surface), and perhaps the bearing rollers are more durable (assuming that could be an issue). Just some moose thoughts...
     
  12. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    Wait... what? There are other scales besides N?... Nah, say it ain't so!

    Are there any dual-gauge N/HO (i.e. w/3 rails/rollers) test stands? Seems like one could be useful, and when produced in mass quantities, cheaper than producing two different, unique products.

    I purchased the Yamix set and extra rollers. No instructions were included on how to add the extra rollers, but the center rod pulls out either end fairly easily, and allows you to easily slip them on the end. I tried "snapping" them onto the center rod, but chickened out. Braver souls may have success with that...

    I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but it seems very well designed and built.

    Has anyone used one of these (or similar roller stands) as their programming track? One would not need to worry about length of programming track (for those decoders that pulse the motor a little longer, and always in the same direction, for responses). Of course, you can't do speed matching with them, but you can get most everything else programmed on one.

    I especially appreciated the video of the steam engine on the stand. It would make timing the sound decoder chuffs to the cylinder strokes a lot easier since the locomotive is sitting still while rolling.

    But I noticed the bell did not swing while it was ringing...
     
  13. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Andy (@BigJake ),

    Yes, that video was shot using the LokProgrammer as the source for power (i.e., programming track). Of course, I do most of the initial programming on ESU decoders using the decoder tester, before ever installing in the loco. Then, it is just tuning afterwards.

    To add the extra rollers, just twist the guide (no need to take center rod out) and pop them in - start at an angle and a little twist. Don't force, but the Delrin blocks are quite forgiving.

    I know - not sure why the LokSound decoders don't swing the bells on N scale locos! :ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO::ROFLMAO:
     
  14. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks Rick, but I didn't remove the center rod; I just slipped it far enough to one end to slide one set of rollers on at a time.

    I chickened out on snapping them onto the center rail, afraid the plastic would break. Good to know that works too though. Might come in handy...
     
  15. GM50 4164

    GM50 4164 TrainBoard Member

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    I absolutely love the Yamix roller. I to was having issues with the DCC Concepts version as most n scale engines were just to light to work efficiently with them. I have learned that I can place 3, 6 axle locomotives on the Yamix at the same with the included 6 rollers! I've had several engines not receive any love lately. This is how I ran them!
     
  16. BigJake

    BigJake TrainBoard Member

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    Sort of like athletes riding stationary bikes when on the sidelines during a game...

    Lord knows steam engines had to keep their steam up, but they didn't need to run their wheels to do that.

    And it is said that a diesel engine does the most damage (wear) to itself when getting warmed up to operating temperatures. That's why they are idled so much (or used to be). And a diesel engine, in cold temperatures, cannot even keep itself warm at idle w/o load. That's why they automatically speed up (to ~1500 RPM) after a while when idling in cold temperatures, to keep combustion products from condensing on the cool cylinder walls (called "wet stacking"). A gasoline engine has to work against intake vacuum when idling (consuming more fuel & generating more heat), but a diesel has no throttle plate to generate a vacuum in the intake manifold.

    Gotta love my 2002 F250 7.3L turbo-diesel!
     
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  17. pmpexpress

    pmpexpress TrainBoard Member

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  18. Tad

    Tad TrainBoard Supporter

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    I’ve looked at these Yamix rollers since they have brought up. I’ve been wanting something like this for a test stand.

    Does a feller need to get the extra roller kit when he gets one?
     
  19. RBrodzinsky

    RBrodzinsky November 18, 2022 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter In Memoriam

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    Without. Just use alligator clips
     
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  20. pmpexpress

    pmpexpress TrainBoard Member

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    Thanks.

    Thought they might be referring to the power leads.
     

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