driver8 Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 Hi, everyone This is my first post, so please forgive my lack of knowledge. I am just starting modelling again after a break of more than 40 years! I have decided to try to build a small layout in P4 (!!!), and am trying to modify a Bachmann 08 as my first P4 loco. I have re-wheeled it successfully, but I cannot solve the problem of electrical pick-ups. The originals are not suitable for the new wheel profile, so I need to provide an alternative. So far, all my attempts have failed. I would be extremely grateful if someone could point me towards a "how-to", or provide me with some guidance on how to start. Thank you in advance Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
smyles1 Posted January 6, 2010 Share Posted January 6, 2010 I have a Bachmann 08 converted to P4. Like you I had trouble with the pickups which were impossible to ajust. What I did was to cut a piece of copperclad 9mmX40mm, gap it longways down the middle and glue it to the keeper plate between the gear wheel hump and the front screw. I then soldered .33 brass wires to the copperclad and formed little loops at the end to bear on the backs of the flanges. Fine flexible wire was then soldered between each half of the copperclad and one of the old pickups (suitably cut down) each side. Works beautifully giving me a very good slow shunter. Try it for youself. Please ask if anything is not clear. Mike Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rail-Online Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 Hi, Are you sure you cannot adjust the Bachmann ones? I carefully (with a set of long nose pliers) moved/bent them to touch the P4 Ultrascale wheels, all done from the bottom without removing the body. Tony Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
34theletterbetweenB&D Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 A further alternative if prepared to strip the mechanism down, is to solder wire or phosphor bronze strips to the wiper strip that Bachmann install. All nicely concealed inside the frames when done. Just in case you haven't done it, while working on this chassis it is beneficial to file a recess into the keeper plate to allow the sprung axle a little more downward travel. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisMitchell Posted January 7, 2010 Share Posted January 7, 2010 I'd have to check at home tonight, but I seem to recall that with my Bachmann 08 converison I twisted the pickups so that the edges of the strips bore on the flanges of the wheels (I used Ultrascale ones). I think that this was described in one of the articles in the Scalefour News on converting the Bachmann model (are you a member as back issues are available via the Society website). Chris Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMweb Gold Captain Kernow Posted January 7, 2010 RMweb Gold Share Posted January 7, 2010 I have a converted Bachmann 08, and I have done both a tweak of the original pick-ups, plus some phosphor-bronze strip soldered to a piece of copper-clad paxolin glued to the underside of the chassis. You cannot see the pick-up strips, especially when they have been painted black. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
driver8 Posted January 9, 2010 Author Share Posted January 9, 2010 Thanks everyone. That gives me loads of information, so I know where to start. I have damaged the original pick-ups too much by trying to tweak them, so a total replacement is necessary. I had been thinking about the copper-clad replacement for the keeper plate, so I think I'll give that a go. Once again, thank you for all your help. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
37114 Posted January 9, 2010 Share Posted January 9, 2010 Thanks everyone. That gives me loads of information, so I know where to start. I have damaged the original pick-ups too much by trying to tweak them, so a total replacement is necessary. I had been thinking about the copper-clad replacement for the keeper plate, so I think I'll give that a go. Once again, thank you for all your help. Try the "How to" page on this website, shows you how to do it. I have done the saem and my 08 runs brilliantly. http://www.dyserth-road.co.uk/ Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
driver8 Posted January 10, 2010 Author Share Posted January 10, 2010 Fantastic! That's exactly what I needed - pictures! Many thanks, 37114 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.