Rotating Beacon Doesn't Rotate

The one you have is pretty tricky to get reliable operation from.  I had to tinker with the vanes on the top to get it to operate properly.  I had several of the heads, and I got two of them to work, but the 3rd one I couldn't get to work no matter what I did.

One trick I did to get one working is reduce the pivot point friction.  I removed their pointed support and JB-Welded a sewing needle in there for less friction.  That did the trick for that one.

I saw someone that had used a tiny fan mounted below to spin the head, that looked to be a more reliable method.

I saw what sounded like a great solution to that old problem - one of the forum members posted that he used a fish tank air pump and ran the plastic air tube up the backside of the tower, and (I presume) just aimed it at the base of the head -  just enough air to do a great job, I would think. And the pumps are relatively inexpensive, especially at garage sales!

14V may be low.  I have one the work all the time the other does not want to start, but if trains running the vibration of the track/table cause it to start.

I also have an over head fan in the train room.  If I start it the airflow will rotate the beacons even if they are off.  Wrong direction, but they rotate:-) G

GeoPeg posted:

I saw what sounded like a great solution to that old problem - one of the forum members posted that he used a fish tank air pump and ran the plastic air tube up the backside of the tower, and (I presume) just aimed it at the base of the head -  just enough air to do a great job, I would think. And the pumps are relatively inexpensive, especially at garage sales!

George, I was the one that posted the reply about the fish tank air pump. I have 3 trains boards with 1 rotating beacon on each and that set-up works great. I can't take credit for this as I read about it 2 or 3 years ago on a forum and decided to try it. EZ fix to an old problem...

Jay

Thanks for the suggestion guys.  I like the air pump approach, but unfortunately the beacon is in a location that is difficult to run power from a wall plug or to run a hose from a pump located under the layout.  I'm going to try the approach of adjusting the fins a bit and maybe attaching a sharper point to ride on the dimpled bulb.  I may also increasing voltage above 14v, but this will require adding a 3rd transformer.  Thanks again, Tom

How about a really small blower that you could power from the lamp power with a small power module?  You could put it in a small doghouse at the base of the tower and run a tube up with the air. 

15x15x4mm Super Tiny Brushless DC 5V 0.06A Fan Mini Miniature Fan

I like the small size and price.  Excuse my ignorance, but where would I find a small power module?  Radio Shack?  And would it plug into a wall outlet?  Thanks John, Tom

I roll my own, but you could just use a 5V wall wart to power it, you can get them on eBay for around a dollar or two shipped.  You probably have at least one or two from old cell phones...

I use a small Lionel Set transformer to power the beacons.  Something that can get the voltage up around 18V.  G

Try adjusting the fins at the BOTTOM of the lens housing - that did the trick for me. 

gunrunnerjohn posted:

How about a really small blower that you could power from the lamp power with a small power module?  You could put it in a small doghouse at the base of the tower and run a tube up with the air. 

John, I just ordered the e-bay fan that you suggested and I found an old 5v phone charger.  I tried bending the fins (top and bottom) and applying 18v rather than the fixed 14v output without success.  I hesitated placing a needle pivot point on the beacon assembly because the small interior post seemed to have a jell within the post which would have required me to carefully drill it out.  I will provide a follow-up post once the fan arrives and I install it.  Thanks again to you and the others who made suggestions ... this forum is great!!  Tom

I look forward to hearing how you put the fan in, it seemed like the best solution to me.

I used graphite on mine and it spins fine now.

Steve

Hobbit posted:

I used graphite on mine and it spins fine now.

Steve

Great idea ... I will try this tomorrow.  Tom