Burrell Passenger Trolley

Introduction

Trolley Chassis

Temporary cart from Machine Mart

September 2006: This season I have made do with a small cart I purchased from Machine Mart.  I used it to carry additional water, coal and tools but it was too small/flimsy to carry passengers.  This has not pleased my crew since they have had to follow on foot.

For the 2007 season I plan to rectify this by building a cart capable of carrying my crew.  Originally I wanted to make a traditional looking wagon but I have now decided to make a riding trolley.   I have opted for a trolley as I believe it will provide more comfort and be easier to transport.  The trolleys that I borrowed for the funday were a hit with may passenger and I plan to make something similar.  
 

I plan to make a trolley similar to those I borrowed for the Funday

Basic design of chassis

I have been kicking various designs around and have decided to make a chassis from square steel tube to which the axles will be mounted using V shaped struts.

I have agonised over whether to incorporate suspension and or a rocking front axle.   Form memory, most of the riding trolleys I have seen don't incorporate suspension and I have decided to follow suit.  I hope that by using pneumatic tyres and keeping the axles short it will minimise the twisting effect on the chassis.  Steering will be by Ackermann style linkages actuated by the tow bar.
  

For my order size & location the delivery charge is about £20 so it was sensible to order a fair bit. Since the BMS that I use for normal model engineering is available at attractive prices I decided to order 3m lengths of my favourite sizes.  I was initially intimidated by the range of grades available but after some research  decided to go for green 230M07.  For example,  3metres of 3/8 dia 230M07 bright round bar for £1.90. 

For the trolley and other large scale projects I ordered a range of black steel box, angle and strip sections.  I placed this order online on Thursday afternoon and it was delivered by Parker's own transport Friday morning.  Speedy service indeed.  My first task was to cut the 7.5meters lengths down in size so that they would fit in the garage.  I am pleased I ordered from a steel stockholder and I would recommend other model engineers to consider this option, perhaps in combination with others to share the transport costs.
 

Drawing showing trolley base on trailer

October: One of the design challenges is to work out how to fit the trolley onto my trailer along with the Burrell.  My plan is to transport the chassis separately from the seat.   The chassis will be stowed vertically along side the Burrell.  The seat will be designed so that it may be broken down into panels.  

I have debated how long to make the trolley and consider options from 1.2 to 2.2 metres.  In the end I plumped for 1.8 metres as this will enable me to accommodate 3 adults in spacious comport.  As this is relatively long I have decided to provision bracing from the axles to centre section of the chassis.  I am not sure if this will be necessary and shall decide whether to fit it after I have made the basic chassis.

Initial design of the chassis

With the initial design complete I have started constructing the chassis.  I am sure that as the build progresses the design will change.