hydraulic and electric drive in 7" gage and bigger.

[Anonymous]

Hello everyone !
This is my first post on this site. I have been doing exstensive web searching for plans / drawings on building a gas hydraulic drive to power a 7 1/2" gage engine. It seems like this is a big secret. Does anyone know were to get good info on constructing one of these systems? Since I am asking, I would also be interested in info about electric drives and possibly plans that have scale demensions for a box cab or long hall type locamotive. I would think that there would be a big market for this stuff with all the talented "do it yourselfers" out there. Any info is appreaciated. Thanks, Joe T.

[ndbprr]

You might want to look into buying an old Wheelhorse tractor before they were bought by Toro. They used anything between 8-14hp Kohler engines to turn a hydraulic pump that went to a sunstrand hydrostatic transmission on the rear axle. They were infintely variable between 0-7.5mph in forward and 0-3mph in reverse. They can be found on E bay for a couple of hundred dollars and up. There is a whole cult following in a Yahoo group that helps each other solve problems. Apparently they are indestructible as I have a 1967 model that came with my house that just keeps running.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the info. Sounds like a good idea if I can find it in my heart to part out an old Wheelhorse. There a sweet old tractor ! Thanks again, Joe

[Anonymous]

Join the live diesel group on yahoo. They are mostly 7 1/2" guage, lawnmower engine powered, hydraulic drive locos.
Another source of info is any of the live steam sites. There are a lot of gas engine powered loco operators and builders on all of these sites. There are also a number of commercial builders for the type of loco you are looking for. Do a google search for 7 1/2" guage.
I have a Cannon Ball 7 1/2" guage "Lill Gasser" switch engine that is over 25 years old. Still runs great. Uses a go kart type centrifigual clutch and a riding lawnmower transmission with chain drive.