Jump to content
 
  • entries
    47
  • comments
    82
  • views
    15,830

Clovelly Road - Smooth Running Through the Goods Yard Entry Point

Steam_Julie

Entry posted by Steam_Julie

356 views

 Share

I've not made any progress with the layout, for a very long time! That's because I have not felt able to grab the Bull by the Horns, so to speak, and solve the major problem. The phase that up to now, dared not speak it name, is electrical pickup quality.

 

When I attempt to run a train along the trough line, at a scale speed it almost always stalls on the goods yard entry point. The problem stems from a design decision onthe manufacturer, in this case Farrish, to pickup from the back of the flanges. This looks good, but failure occurs when the loco, especially steam prototypes traverse a sharpish curve.

 

The drive wheels on most model loco's are in effect semi-radial, meaning that they move in a traverse motion as the loco moves into the curve, resulting in one set of contacts, not being in contact with the wheel. This results in there being no electrical circuit and thus he loco stalls.

 

The use of live frog points, improves the situation, but does not solve the problem. The Basingstoke Area Group of the 2mm Association have tackled this problem, to acheive acceptable running on their Freshwater layout, see link below.

 

http://bag.2mm.org.uk/2016_01_01_archive.html

 

I'm now convinced that I to will need to add extra pickups to solve my running problems. I think that this solution will also aid running on Holloway Goods too, more than the installation of live frog, or more correctly called crossing, points.

 

Julie

 Share

3 Comments

Recommended Comments

MikeOxon

Yes, I've had this problem on my tight curves.  I use long lengths of phosphor bronze wire fixed to the chassis at as great a distance (lengthwise) from the flanges that they need to touch.  This usually provides enough 'swing' on the contacts for them to follow the lateral movement of the wheels.  If that's not enough, you can also put a turn into the wire to make it act as a coil spring.

Link to comment
Steam_Julie

I've tried various model shops to obtain phosphor bronze strip or sheet and have so far drawn a blank. Can anyone offer suggestion are far as possible suppliers?

 

Julie

 

Link to comment
Steam_Julie

I've just a few minutes ago found a supplier on the internet, Alton Model Centre. I have placed an order, and now await it's delivery.

Julie

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...