Help Identify Tab Track

[Ian_P]

Hi all,

Hopefully someone will recognise this very old tab track - we use this for our main FOH tabs, I reckon it was fitted in the 60s, and the track would benefit from changing to wheeled runners/bobbins if possible.

Anyone know what track this is so I can see if wheeled bobbins are available?

Thanks

IAn

[Bryson]

Looks like Halls T70, but with round runners rather than square.  I vaguely recall this type coming up in discussion before...let me have a search...

EDIT: Here: looks...similar?  Not quite the same though

 

[Ian_P]

Thanks Bryson, I contacted Halls, they confirmed it is an early version of their T60, with round bottom rails rather than square. Due to this, wheeled runners can work, but could jam, so they recommend cleaning and lubricating with PTFE spray, and rotating the bobbins to an area with no worn grooves.

All which we have already done.

So we are looking at continued careful maintainance, or a complete replacement of the track.

Cheers

Ian

[ImagineerTom]

From the pictures it appears the bobbins are a plastic(?) held inside a metal strap - if they are that simple then it would be a very basic task for any engineering company to machine up new "inserts" in an appropriate material like PTFE or self lubricating nylon.

 

 

Edited March 23, 2022 by ImagineerTom

[Andrew C]

They are wooden.  However, some nylon might make a suitable replacement, but without the oil and grease!

[ImagineerTom]

oh then definitely could be easily replaces with something much more durable and less "frictiony"