Target reached – thank you!
Launched in March, The ADA Clutch Trial and Design Project reached its £15,000 target before the end of May. An incredible response by P2 Supporters!
With funding now in place thanks to our generous supporters, the electrical engineering team is continuing development of the axle-driven alternator — a vital system that will power the locomotive’s electrical equipment in service.
This Club has proven how a small group of people can make an enormous difference to this project.
Once the new clutch design is certified, further funding will be required to build the ADA for the P2. Watch this space for updates!
Progress to date:
1) An order is being placed with Ricardo to provide independent scrutiny of the ADA clutch fitting mini-project. As the notified approval body, Ricardo must be involved whenever modifications or significant work are carried out on the engine. A quote has already been obtained, and the order will now be progressed.
Ricardo is being engaged from the outset to ensure that all relevant information is shared as the project develops. This approach allows any questions or concerns to be addressed in real time, rather than at the end of the process. Upon completion of the work and satisfactory review, Ricardo will issue the necessary certification to allow the modified ADA to be installed in the vehicle.
2) An order is also being placed with the clutch supplier. The proposed overload clutch is an off-the-shelf solution, removing the need for a bespoke design. However, selecting the correct unit requires careful consideration, as there is a wide range of clutch types, each with different operating characteristics and configuration options, including torque capacity, speed rating, and mounting arrangements.
Ongoing discussions with the manufacturer have ensured that detailed operating data from the ADA has been taken into account, allowing the correct specification to be selected. The supplier will provide a complete assembly, including the appropriately matched pulley already fitted, ready for installation. A dedicated adjustment tool for setting the clutch set-point is also being procured.
3) Detailed design and drawing work has begun to integrate the clutch into the ADA. Preliminary checks have confirmed that sufficient space is available within the unit for correct operation.
The primary focus is on updating the design of the main input shaft, which previously supported only the input pulley and must now accommodate the clutch assembly. This work will be carried out in collaboration with the clutch supplier. In addition, minor modifications will be made to surrounding components to ensure proper integration.
Once the design phase is complete, updated drawings will be issued, enabling the revised components to be put out for tender and subsequently manufactured.