I am reviewing the plans for my York compound covering the details of the reversing lever assembly and got to thinking (that's always a bad idea )….
The reversing lever for the York is of the locomotive/quadrant style and has a spring loaded lever to hold the detent into the notch(es) in the quadrant. As drawn, the assembly is made from stock material but there was previously a drawing for a cast lever. I am thinking about building an equivalent to the casting from bar stock but would like to maybe simplify the mechanism if possible. Looking around at other engines, I find that there are several common methods used to hold the reversing lever in place. The other methods all seem to be a bit easier to construct than the pin & quadrant type and equally as serviceable.
Question is: I am leaning toward changing to a design of the clamp & rod style holding mechanism, is there any operational disadvantage of this type over the loco, notched quadrant type reversing lever mechanism? The only thing that comes to mind is that the loco style could be operated on handed where that would be difficult with the clamp & rod style (having to loosen the clamp knob while holding the lever) or is this not a factor?
I guess this depends on how your boat steers... our Otter has a push-pull tiller, so wanders off course very readily. Most of the steam plants around here have a screw clamp arrangement; this works well and is not difficult to construct. One advantage of the clamp is that you can adjust the link to generate the smoothest performance; it also seems to be quieter than the lever & slot arrangements.
Here is a picture of the reversing lever arrangement on my newly acquired steamboat. It is designed to be operated with one hand. The locking lever tightens a clamp on the quadrant, there is a nut on the opposite side to adjust the position of the locking lever so it can be easily manipulated with your thumb. The quadrant also has adjustable stops at both ends of its travel.
I can take no credit for this design or for its construction but it seems like a viable system worked out by the experienced man who built the engine. One advantage may be that the position of the lever is infinitely variable where a notched locking system would be moved in increments.
The main problem with the notched locomotive type reverser is just that, the notches, whatever positions you pick for your notches, you are stuck with i.e. not variable enough. A screwed type would surely be an improvement, or the sliding clamped style.
Maneuvering in close quarters with a screw reverse can be very interesting. I like the screw locking lever for all the reasons mentioned. When docking you can put just enough drag on the lever to hold it in place but still be easily pushed to the other end of the quadrant quick like a bunny.
Thank you for all of the great responses so far, I didn't expect so many,so quickly.
Wes, I may take you up on your offer should I decide to stick with John's design, Thanks.
It seems that there is a preference toward a clamp & rod style reverser. I am going to draw on up to see how it might fit. I'll post pics when completed.
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