An informal journal of various model railway projects.
I neither accept nor assume any responsibility for the results of actions by persons attempting to duplicate my efforts regardless of the methods employed. Always wear proper safety equipment and follow manufacturer's instructions for tool and material usage.
12.19.2010
pole position
Bachmann's On30 trolley is a decent little model. It runs well and is reasonably priced. With a little redecoration, it will serve admirably on small a display layout.
I found that (as purchased) the pickup pole itself did not go high enough to contact the overhead wire at the recommended height (20' = 5"). It was a simple matter to remove the two springs, push out the pivot pin, and file a little off the foot of the pole to allow more vertical travel. This increased the angle of elevation from about 25 to 40 degrees.
But, in the end, there may be no easy way to make the factory pole to collect power from the overhead wire...
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On30
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2 comments:
Chris,
I may be wrong, but I think that this trolley is ready for overhead power. I seem to recall that there is a DPDT switch under the roof to switch from rail to overhead power collection.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=422
Quote: This product conforms to all applicable NMRA standards
I read that to mean that it conforms to the NMRA trolley standards for power collection as well.
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Happy Railroadin'
The Tin Goat
Ron Wm. Hurlbut
Overlooking Fairbank on the Toronto Belt Line
Ontario, Dominion of Canada
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The Ontario Narrow Gauge Show:
http://www.narrowgaugemadness.com
"Do you mind being apathetic?"
Well, there's nothing in the manual, and the only visible wiring in the roof area is for the compartment lamps. I'll have to interrupt one of the wipers at the chassis in order to route a wire up to the pole anyway, so the whole thing will have to come apart at some point.
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