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 Posted - August 17 2013 : 10:27:42 PM
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Hello All, Tonight, I found an easy way to improve electrical contact in my Tyco/Mantua Shifter. We all know that the problem lies in the tender, and even when the loco SEEMS to have contact and run, it actually runs smoother with better contact. I happened to have an old Bachmann tender with brass pickups. I removed them and experimented how to install them on the Shifter. Turns out that they merely lay right OVER the truck screws--the holes in the pickups are large enough to encircle the Tyco screws, so no screwing-down or soldering is necessary. And better yet, you can quickly remove them and use them on various locos. The fact that they make contact between the axles and screw heads gives a much improved connection. See below.
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Posted - August 18 2013 : 01:43:50 AM
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I own 3 shifters as of now, 2 of which I restored and the other is in the process of being restored. Both of mine run good without the added pick up plates but I added them on my big six and it does run better. A tip I picked up from here was making sure the needle nose ends of the trucks where the axle fits into, is free of paint. Clean tender wheels also go a long way.
I buy, repair, and collect
http://scvr.weebly.com/
http://seyboldlocomotiveworks.weebly.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheDeputation?feature=watch
Hyde.
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Posted - August 18 2013 : 02:25:29 AM
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| Yes, I agree with you totally--I try to keep every contact surface clean--axle bearings, bolster mounting, tender-to-loco connection. This just seems to give it that one extra level of dependability, and seems to help with slow speed. I actually just saw a video on Youtube about how someone now makes a device for Mantua steamers--it also requires conversion to a Yardbird can motor-- that creates continuity and constant voltage. He even ran the loco over a 6 inch piece of tape and the stored energy just kept it going!
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Posted - August 26 2013 : 11:20:36 AM
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Nice Adams and it makes total sense. Much easier than trying to keep the axle bearings clean. I saw the youtube video and it was pretty cool. Do you know if there is a Bachman part #?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21OqYpEihPA
rich p
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Posted - September 02 2013 : 11:47:35 AM
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| This weekend, I went to my local Ace Hardware and bought a package of assorted brass sheet for abut $5. I cut out some one inch by 1/8 inch strips. I didn't even drill holes yet to fit over the screw heads, just curved the ends over a bit to hold on to the axles, and bent the strip so there would be a bit of pressure between the screw heads and the axles. It works just fine---my Shifters and Big 6's have never run better.
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