Hello Sarah and nice to hear from you again as been a long time.
So an alternative energy powered model train sounds great fun and as
requested I have a few points or questions.
I am not too clear how the dynamo is intended to work but if your converting
mechanical energy into electrical energy than putting that back into a motor
to convert back to mechanical the resultant losses would mean you get less
power out than you put in hence I think you will get more drag that
propulsion.
Using solar cells to charge batteries to drive the motors is good, however
putting them on the train/coach roof means it is going to be difficult to
control the speed so on a dull day it may just crawl along and on really
sunny (I wish) it may be just too fast. Also train may stall if area of
track is in shade.
So what about powering the train as normal via the track and putting the
solar panels by the track side, you could also add in a wind turbine to
charge a 12volt battery as well as solar. This put you in control and I
think would be all in all easier to make as most of this solar/wind battery
technology can be easily purchased if you do not want to make everything.
(See battery charging system for small boats ebay)
If I am unclear on your intentions sorry my fault, please correct me.
Other than that John is the 12 volt man and he would be a wealth of
knowledge on the subject, also Matt and Archie do lots with batteries and
charges. Me am old school so I use an old car battery and top it up from the
mains if the wind don't blow and the sun is hiding.
Good luck with the project and if you need some help you know where we are.
Ian
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