Model Railway Forum

I'm looking to fit lighting to this car set using electronic modules which tend to fail if coupled to the same feed as the motor due to back EMF. Therefore, I want to fit wheels from which I can pick up power independently. With other stock with pinpoint axles, this has proven relatively straight forward (switching out for metal axles and metal rims and using conductive paint and phosphor bronze strips). However, this vintage uses a metal axle and plastic wheels with central bushings. Has anyone any experience or suggestions for proceeding with this? All help appreciated.

Hi
I feel you will have to replace at least one wheel set, if not more, then consider fitting wheel pick up devices like the DCC Concepts wipers. https://www.dccconcepts.com/product/pic ... r-12-pack/ or something similar

I assume you are using DC so separate wheels & pickup will not stop the back EMF of the motor getting to the lighting units as the rail are the common point.

@Brian - thanks for the link; these look useful; the issue is at the moment I have all plastic and I assume the wipers are supposed to contact the back of the wheel rim which would need to be metal?

@Ron S - I understand your point but what happens is that the back EMF is generated due to a break in continuity between the power pick up and the track; thus, the back EMF appears across the motor whilst it is disconnected for a tiny period of time and therefore does not appear on the track.

Thanks for your very quick replies!

If you have access to a drill you might be able to rewheel the unit using hornby ringfield wheels from class 37/47 for right size. you drill them out to the right size, they will fit on the triang axles. the only other mod is if you use insulated centres you will need to fit a pickup to make up for not having the non insulated wheels.