Hello All,
I found a powered conveyor unloader set from Faller (#B-196) on eBay. This is a motorized unit that is approximately 8-inches long and the belt is approximately 1/2-inch wide. They also produce just the conveyor and motor (B-195). I have not been able to power this unit because the motor is European power 50hz. I have found a 60hz replacement motor at Hobbylinc that I just haven't gotten around to purchasing.
The Bruder toy company makes a non-scale conveyor that I have seen powered (Conveyor Belt 02031). Powering this unit would be a simple conversion using readily available D/C motors and gears from places like Micro-Mark or Hobbylinc.
Tyco also produced hand cranked conveyor belts in the 1970's. These were designed to load plastic beads or cubes; representing various types of loads. You can find them on eBay. Again you would need to modify these for motorized use. The one I have is 8-inches long by 3/4-inch wide. Be aware that because these are "vintage" items many have cracked drive gears on the hand crank mechanism and the rubber belts might be degraded.
I have seen where one modeler used a Lionel conveyor belt and cut it down to replace the degraded Tyco belt.
Then you could also go the fully fabricated way. I just did a search and found a You Tube video that shows a completely scratch built conveyor.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
Man buddystrains, after several years you stop being a lurker, and yet everyone ignores your first post. Possibly because a lot of info is missing.
1) Are you modeling a mine/distributor to power plant and return traffic flow? Load the rail car (hopper or gondola) with coal (I'm guessing coal, although it could be biomass - ETA - I see frac sand in the title as well as coal...well, same idea) at the mine, and unload it at the plant?2) How are you getting the coal/biomass out of the rail car? Working Rotary dump? Working hopper floor doors?3) What distances are involved? Have you seen any examples on the Web/YouTube you like that could form a basis of discussion?
I want to move material from a bolow table container to a hopper car or a power plant or other destination. Need ready built conveyors or parts to build. I want it to be powered electrically. Material would move from power plant thru table and return by conveyor to original below table container, creating an endless loop.