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Offline BruceOrrell  
#1 Posted : 30 July 2020 15:42:48(UTC)
BruceOrrell

Canada   
Joined: 12/01/2020(UTC)
Posts: 10
Location: Ontario, Aurora
My apologies if this is an old solution but it dawned on me and it works.

I have some old coaches with lighting kits installed before I acquired them. They use the small pickup shoe that is about 1.5 cm long on a single pivot point and attached to one of the 2 axle bogies. I found that the pickup will short out when it hits a high point of track studs - usually a turnout.

I was trying to figure out the problem and I could see the pickup actually pivots up and contacts the axle of the bogie. Obviously the solution is to insulate one of the contact areas but how?

In looking at a plastic drinking straw I had a brainwave. I cut a length of straw long enough to fit between the wheels of the axle. Then slice the straw down the length. Opening the straw up, you place it around the axle. There is enough springiness that it close back around. The pickup can now contact the axle but the plastic straw insulates it and no more shots.

thanks 18 users liked this useful post by BruceOrrell
Offline costing  
#2 Posted : 01 August 2020 08:13:08(UTC)
costing

Switzerland   
Joined: 20/08/2018(UTC)
Posts: 157
Location: Geneve, Geneva
Great idea! I wonder if this is enough to convince goverments to un-ban them... In any case, stock up on plastic straws, for modelling purposes, obviously! :)
JMRI on RPi & DCC++ / C-track / Marklin, Roco, ESU, Bemo locos / Christmas car collector
Offline Gregor  
#3 Posted : 01 August 2020 10:53:43(UTC)
Gregor

Netherlands   
Joined: 17/04/2003(UTC)
Posts: 996
Location: Netherlands
I like the straw solution!

I once fixed it using some tape.

UserPostedImage
Offline ocram63_uk  
#4 Posted : 01 August 2020 11:21:57(UTC)
ocram63_uk

United Kingdom   
Joined: 07/01/2015(UTC)
Posts: 704
Location: England, Suffolk
it is not the problem of plastic ‘per se’ is the ignorance of humans that brings them to litter the planet. Virus masks are now appearing on all public grounds. If this is not ignorance what is it then?
thanks 2 users liked this useful post by ocram63_uk
Offline hxmiesa  
#5 Posted : 01 August 2020 15:39:49(UTC)
hxmiesa

Spain   
Joined: 15/12/2005(UTC)
Posts: 3,519
Location: Spain
Originally Posted by: ocram63_uk Go to Quoted Post
it is not the problem of plastic ‘per se’ is the ignorance of humans that brings them to litter the planet. Virus masks are now appearing on all public grounds. If this is not ignorance what is it then?

I agree in principle, but I suspect it is not that simple. Equivalent to; "Guns don´t kill people, people kill people". But yes; Ignorance indeed!

Best regards
Henrik Hoexbroe ("The Dane In Spain")
http://hoexbroe.tripod.com
Offline BruceOrrell  
#6 Posted : 02 August 2020 15:55:54(UTC)
BruceOrrell

Canada   
Joined: 12/01/2020(UTC)
Posts: 10
Location: Ontario, Aurora
They are not banned here in Canada. Can still get them for free at the store where you buy a can of Coke!
Offline HO Collector  
#7 Posted : 02 August 2020 16:50:16(UTC)
HO Collector

United Kingdom   
Joined: 21/02/2016(UTC)
Posts: 195
Location: Just north of London
Originally Posted by: ocram63_uk Go to Quoted Post
If this is not ignorance what is it then?


Carelessness. You need to see some of the properties that I have to get in to.

thanks 1 user liked this useful post by HO Collector
Offline ari1982  
#8 Posted : 07 August 2020 09:17:38(UTC)
ari1982

United States   
Joined: 23/08/2012(UTC)
Posts: 58
Location: San Francisco
Originally Posted by: BruceOrrell Go to Quoted Post
My apologies if this is an old solution but it dawned on me and it works.

I have some old coaches with lighting kits installed before I acquired them. They use the small pickup shoe that is about 1.5 cm long on a single pivot point and attached to one of the 2 axle bogies. I found that the pickup will short out when it hits a high point of track studs - usually a turnout.

I was trying to figure out the problem and I could see the pickup actually pivots up and contacts the axle of the bogie. Obviously the solution is to insulate one of the contact areas but how?

In looking at a plastic drinking straw I had a brainwave. I cut a length of straw long enough to fit between the wheels of the axle. Then slice the straw down the length. Opening the straw up, you place it around the axle. There is enough springiness that it close back around. The pickup can now contact the axle but the plastic straw insulates it and no more shots.



I guess you just solved a shorting mystery for me!



thanks 1 user liked this useful post by ari1982
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