Hey guys, I'd like your suggestions re making an effective handbrake for my locost.

I'm using an escort axle however the original handbrake gear is removed and instead I'm using a system as per photo. It works, but it aint great

Need suggestions as how to improve it and preferably not going hydrolic.

you can't have hydraulic handbrakes anyway.

i think ideally the bracket should be nearer the arm on the back of the drum?
at the moment, a lot of the movement in the lever is being wasted on straightening out the slight S shape in the end of the cable. being a bit tighter to start with would help a lot i think. also look at how the arm moves, and think about better positioning for the beracket

Looks like the brackets have been moving as well not sure they are stiff enough?? I would think you need to work out what the mechanical advantage is in the old set up and the one you have, to see if they are similar. At a guess you might need to change that (moving the cable attachment point at the handbrake closer to the pivot?? if you still have enough travel!!)..

Dan

Use a shortened Morris Ital (or very late Marina) cable running wheel to wheel. It is a direct replacement for the Escort cable but dosen't need the rubber flap hinge support thingy or the metal cross rod.

Ital cables were a common mod to escorts in the late 1970s/early 80s.

Thanks Guys

quote:

---

Originally posted by britishtrident
Use a shortened Morris Ital (or very late Marina) cable running wheel to wheel. It is a direct replacement for the Escort cable but dosen't need the rubber flap hinge support thingy or the metal cross rod.

Ital cables were a common mod to escorts in the late 1970s/early 80s.

---