VGN 2-10-10-2 - my 2014 challenge

[modelsof1900]

jwb, thanks for your friendly addition.

A short addition to last picture.
The biggest difference of model to original drawing is a lengthened wheelbase. Front like rear drivers are a bit wider positioned so that each is 0.1" longer than original. Also LP cylinders are moved to front for this value and all in all the model is also 0.1" too long.
In fact I do not need this comparison but I need exactly a few measurements in order to set new motors, yes motors and not only one motor, gears and all other to new positions.

First thing I want to change is the frame and axle mounting. No more fixing - all wheelsets should be movable! Here is my plan.



You can see that the fourth und fifth wheel sets in each driver group will get working driver equalizer. The two mounting points of equalizers are the two rear support points for the model. The two rotation points of the equalizer are the two rear support points for holding the model during the three leading wheelset of the rear group are pressed with springs on the rails, but such springs which are softly enough so that the wheel sets can move up and down. All rear equalizers are externally mounted to the frame flanges and they will sit with their ends on the axle bearings. Unfortunatel there is not enough room for an inside mounting.
The front driver group has a third driver equalizer for first and second wheelset which is positionid in center of frame. It gets new bearings in center of axles so that they can move up and down and swing laterally too. So I get a local three-point balanced front frame together with a soft sprung center wheelset. This frame gives a new and the third support point for the boiler front with a new glideway that not existed at model in moment. How I have said - all will be movable and all wheels will on rails assisted by a changed motor and gear conception.



Also the motor and gear conception is changed.
I will use the original axle gearboxes also with new concept because they well usable and they have a 1:44 ratio, I think a good value. What I will change as first - the gear box of rear axle group moves from first to last axle.
So I can build two absolutely independent motor and gear systems, one for each driver group. All gears are fix mounted and the connections to axle gearboxes will realized by universal ball-point connections. However, my "gears" are realized by simple rubber ring components, rubber rings and small belt pulleys. So I can realize additionally to the 1:44 gear ratio of axle gear boxes a more reduction of 1:1.5 or 1:2 and I get an optimal motor speed of 7.000 or 8.500 rpm.
My big vantage should be that I can built all by scratch and I must not try to use commercial products. And there is a great problem. I have studied the NWSL catalog and there were no parts which I could well combine with these axle gear boxes. With my solution I can set the motors on levels and positions in boiler where they will have their best place. I can mount all shafts of gear systems in a horizontal line and at last, I do not have problems with small differences in measurements and materials; they will be eliminated by the rubber band drives. And I so think that I have found a good solution -
... a good solution for my absolute dream in use of mallet or articulated steam engines.
I hate to see how the running gears of all models of articulated steam engines run foot by foot, meter for meter, and after many rounds on a layout the running gears are in an identic position to each other. This is a fact very far of reality! I hope for a new view on model steam locos, changing of position of running gears and to see slipping wheels of one of driver group and I think that this will be reality with my system without additional changes, because the weight pressing on front wheels is a little bit smaller as that on back wheels. And if this will not be enough to achieve these effects than I should install a second decoder for front unit that will get a little bit more start voltage. Or?

What do you think? All your ideas and discussions are welcome! Thanks for all your answers!

And as last. Open description on my website for a few more pictures of original locos, as double back end helpers or with an exploded boiler.