Re: HO Power pickup question

Wolf Kirchmeir wrote:
> 
> Jay1028 wrote:
> > Wow, you guys were a big help.  The wheels are some ****ny metal and
> > the axels are plastic..  it looks like the contact wipers are what I
> > really need and I can configure them to rub on the inside of the
> > smooth metal wheel like is done on our GP40 diesel locomotives.
> >
> > I couldn't find any photos of what the wipers look like or how big
> > they are.   I will also look into Kadee for axels for other cars that
> > I want to light up.  Trains look so dull until you see a layout that
> > has done a lot of lighting for buildings and cars.
> >
> > Thanks to all very much and for your timely responses.  I have a nine
> > year old son that I am getting into the hobby.
> >
> > Jay
> 
> Kadee doesn't make N scale - it's Micro Trains Line (MTL). MTL split off
> from Kadee about 20 years ago. They have a website.
> 
> The only metal N scale wheel I know of are made by Atlas.
> 
> The wipers on N scale wheels would probably be made of wire a lot easier
> than cutting sheet metal into itsy bitsy wipers, anyhow. ;-) If you can
> find it, phosphor bronze is best. it solders easily, and is springy.
> 
> HTH
> 
> --
> wolf k.


Hi Wolf, Jay,

the question is definitely about HO, not N scale, so Kadee is the one
Jay would want.

Wipers are best avoided if possible, as they can add a lot of drag to a
model.
With a metal wheel (the other one insulated) and axle and sprung metal
bogie/track frames, electrical contact is automatic without relying on
connections of minimally moving contact parts which can oxidise and
become nonconductive.

If you must have wipers then the best material is phosphor-bronze,
either circa .020" ****m or wire.

Regards,
Greg.P.