A Simple System for Track Electrical pickup. for Model trains

Most forms of electrical pickup into locomotives, tenders or rolling stock used on model railways has been accomplished using "wipers".  The problem with this metal wiper systems is that they depend on pressure applied to the wheel which does initiate a slowing of the rotation of the wheels due to frictional forces.

A simpler approach is to rely on gravity and extract the electricity from the axle rather than the wheel. Instead of a wiper a fine tube of conducting metal such as a copper collar  can be used to surround the metal axle to draw current. Of course this requires a wheel set that is insulated on one side either by a plastic wheel or metal wheel with plastic insert while the other metal wheel is directly attached to the metal axle.  

These two wheel sets are arranged on the truck with the insulated wheels set up opposite one another so one will pick up from one side of the track (Positive) to provide electric current for lighting a passenger carriage, locomotive or other rolling stock and return current via the other axle (Negative).

 Two wire leads are soldered, one onto each collar. The wires are inserted through an access hole drilled into the floor of the passenger car and connected to a lighting circuit. (also available on Ebay)

Each Kit consists of 2 wheel sets: 4 x 33" wheels, 2 axles and 2 copper collars ( 3/8" L x 5/32" OD) plus wiring and heat shrink tubing along with instructions for installation.

Connection wires and heat shrink tubing are included for making in-cabin connections to the electric load such as lights, sound or motion.

See photos for more details or Project 4 at modeltrainsounds.com

This Kit contains 33" wheel size (HO scale 3/8", 0.9cm ) with smooth back .

 (a 36" set is also listed on eBay separately )

The wheels are new and manufactured to NMRA standards by a leading USA manufacturer.

 Note: The truck is not included, NMRA standard wheels are supplied that will fit axle housings that meet NMRA standards. Drilling of holes and soldering of connecting wires is required.