Best Way to Add Pick Ups?


KB02

Well-Known Member
In my DCC conversion plan, I have three locos (one S2 and a couple of trolleys) that are in need of some extra electrical pick ups. They currently only pick up power from the front trucks. I would like to add pick ups to the rear trucks as well. I have no hobby shops anywhere near me, so this forum is my best hope. Are there kits one can buy, or is kit bashing the best way to go?
 
I don't know what kind of decoders you plan on using, but have you considered something like the CurrentKeeper by Soundtraxx. It keeps your loco powered up to 10 seconds into a power interruption. I have a loco equipped with one and it really works. $19 on ebay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv_Vh0ACFyk
 
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pickup design may vary from model to model, but a good basic thought is to cut a piece of plastic, fit to size and placement, superglue it in, then superglue the pickup wire.
I bought 2 ring engineering powered trucks for my proto 0-8-0, tho its not the correct model match, they work.
 
Tomar Industries makes several types of pickups for cars and locomotives. Here is the link to the pickups;

https://tomarindustries.com/acc.htm

I believe that the ones you'd be interested in is located under Tomarshoes and Contact Wipers.

Just click on the model number to see what they look like. I've used these before, and they perform as advertized.
 
I don't know what kind of decoders you plan on using, but have you considered something like the CurrentKeeper by Soundtraxx. It keeps your loco powered up to 10 seconds into a power interruption. I have a loco equipped with one and it really works. $19 on ebay.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pv_Vh0ACFyk

Those look great. Can they be attached to any decoder, or just the Soundtraxx ones? I might get one for my Rivarossi steamer, but the it was all I could do to stuff a small decoder in my S2, let another the Keep Alive. I doubt the trolleys would be worth it, though.
 



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