Dorfan Clockwork Set

Steve

When I got into clockworks not that long ago I thought they were all created equal using similar mechanisms and how wrong I was, and so thanks for the expanding of knowledge in the variety of them. Always have enjoyed your videos and hope you continue to share this find by posting a video of the set in action. Is the loco shell cast iron?

Bruce

Steve, thank you for this, that is really interesting.  Truly a "clockwork" mechanism and not just a "wind-up", the escapement is right out of clock mechanisms.  

I have some experience installing clock works in cases I built as a cabinetmaker, and the escapement is what acts as a kind of "step governor" so the spring doesn't unwind all at once.  The oscillation of the escapement cog is what causes the "tick-tock" sound of a spring-driven clock mechanism.  The Dorfan mechanism is just a little bit less refined than that found in most clocks, but the principle is the same.  

I have never seen this in a train before, would love to see it in operation!

Beautiful set, Steve - thanks for the pictures.  I figured you would have some of the American Flyer "Hummer" clockworks in your collection; they also use an escapement as opposed to the more common centrifugal weight governor.  I don't have any Dorfan locos, but if they are like the AF motors, the escapement isn't very effective.  I look forward to finding out how it runs!

Here is a picture of an AF escapement - it isn't quite stock; I repaired it for a friend:

I have an AF with this type of windup motor on the layout - it really puts the "Flyer" in American Flyer!

James

Here you can see how well it works. Quite effective considering. Wish it ran a bit slower, but still Ok.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqtJ-huQWxw

I do have a few Hummer type clockworks, never really tried to run them yet.

Steve

Thank you for sharing this excellent example. Have never seen one in such great condition before, and such a treat to see it run!

We all know how fragile a Dorfan casting can be. The first couple of runs had spotters in the corners until I was comfortable that the oscillating escapement would do it's job.

Steve

Very nice...I see you used the wide radius oval.

That's great Steve, thanks for the video.  I would say that is comparable to a Flyer's speed if it is in good condition.  It seems that as the escapement wears out, it becomes less effective.  My little AF has a well-worn escapement and it is a speed demon; have to wind it just a little bit or it will fly off the O42 curves - much like an early Marx with the wheel governor!  I may have to do some surgery on it one of these days...

The Dorfan set is wonderful, thanks for sharing the pictures and video!

here is another #155 "Spring Wind" locomotive out of a #120 set...

the Greenberg / Dorfan text describes this set as a #155 locomotive and tender with 2 #355 coaches (the other one missed the photo-op), 4 curved and 2 straight pieces of track, which is exactly what was in the box.

the Greenberg text lists the red livery but does not mention a black version of the #155.

on inspection, this piece appears to be original.

the key is a slip-on 'wing' which i keep close track of.

the Dorfan Type I tender is easy to spot if you look for the raised 'bubbles' on the floor over the wheels to aid in clearance.

this train runs fairly well, though the drag of the cars probably provides more speed control than the escapement mechanism.

cheers...gary

Steve

Thanks for the video. This is one very interesting thread !

Bruce