SPRING SUSPENSION FOR THE RIDING CARS JULY 25, 2010

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ANOTHER DERAILMENT - Occasionally passengers have undergone derailments, usually when they have been leaning to one side or the other, or when their weight is distributed too far to the front of the car.

FLOATING AXLE - The cars were designed with a three-point suspension, with the front axle assembly able to freely twist from side to side to follow uneven track.

ALIGNMENT BOLTS - I lined the bolts in the center with pieces of ball-point pens and enlarged the holes so they could slide freely and keep the springs straight.

SPRINGS INSTEAD - Using the same upright bolts at the centerline, and installing springs on the outside corners, the weight is now on the springs.

SPRINGS IN PLACE - I drilled 5/8 inch holes, 1/4 inch deep, into the car's base and at the corresponding positions on the floating axle assembly.  The springs that seem to work best are 1 1/2 inches long, 9/16 in diameter, and .080 wire thickness.

FINISHED PRODUCT - The axle on the left is now sprung, while the axle on the right remains attached directly to the frame.  The car now tracks very well.  The other car, using .065 thick springs, is probably good for riders lighter than me.