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 Posted - January 26 2011 : 2:56:38 PM
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How do y'all bench test your locomotives or should I ask, what do y'all use?
Regards,
Michael B
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Posted - January 26 2011 : 4:20:30 PM
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I have some foamcore board that I put down 3 foot of track on, and use a train transformer to test them back and forth. I also just created last month a power cradle using an old brass desk lamp with long skinny type bulb, removed the bulb, cut the power cord end off, wired it to a train transformer, and then used the light bulb wires for DC voltage contact with the upside-down engine in the 9 inch long bulb recess ( that picture is in another thread somewhere ). You can also make foam cradles to hold your upside-down engine to work on, and just connect power to the wheels when necessary. Depends on what you want to do. I've got probably 10 DC power packs and a few AC ( Lionel ) packs on hand to test trains. I've got a test loop upstairs, the lamp-engine holder is by my PC, and I've got a workbench in the basement with the foamcore board and various other power sources nearby. So it all depends on what test I"m running ( static, moving, testing, etc ) determines which type of test rig I use.
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - January 26 2011 : 4:22:57 PM
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if you want a mobile tester,use a pp9 battery with the terminals and wires from an old model etc that uses pp9 batteries,ken
Edited by - catfordken on January 26 2011 4:23:21 PM
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Posted - January 26 2011 : 4:30:18 PM
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I maded a test track on a board 43" long. I used power-loc track by Life-Like and an old life-like power pack. see pic. 
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Posted - January 26 2011 : 4:48:34 PM
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I have about 2 1/2 feet of straight track which is wired to a voltmeter and ammeter. I can see how much voltage and amps a particular loco is using. This is useful after cleaning and oiling to see if I get any improvement. Also, gives me a baseline to determine whether a loco is 'sick' or not.
Unspoken expectations are premeditated failures.
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Posted - January 26 2011 : 9:51:22 PM
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Great idea.
Happen to know where to get analog amp and Volt gauge's for a deal?
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Posted - January 27 2011 : 10:26:42 AM
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All,
Thanks for the interesting information. I am new to this site and wanted to get back into railroading. I am trying to learn how exactally these things work and where all the pick-ups are for various locomotives.
Unfortunately, there are no hobby shops close to Paris, Texas that I am aware of, so I am limited to internet information.
When I asked what y'all use to bench test, I was waiting for someone to say, "A bench".
Thanks again,
Michael B
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Posted - January 27 2011 : 11:35:56 AM
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quote:All,
Thanks for the interesting information. ... I am trying to learn how exactally these things work and where all the pick-ups are for various locomotives.
..
Thanks again,
Michael B
Originally posted by Michael BÂ -Â January 27 2011Â :Â 10:26:42 AM
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Well, it'd take a lifetime to tell you where ALL the pick-ups are on ALL the different manufacturers engines. Basically, if the metals are wheel ( er, the wheels are metal ) they probably are used for power pick-up, especially on the cheaper models. That's kinda basic, Michael.  . Many high-end engines have all-metal and all-wheel power pick-up. Really just have to ask for each individual engine, as you get them. Some, like Tyco, use powered tenders instead of the (steam) engine, which is just a free-rolling shell with some power pick-up points. That's about all there is to it. Look for brass or nickel wheels, and those pick up power generally.
Jerry
" When life throws you bananas...it's easy to slip up"
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Posted - January 27 2011 : 12:38:26 PM
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| All I do is lay out some EZ tracks from either Bachmann or Life-Like (still need more btw ) in a circle or straight line & hook up my MRC power pack & test locos
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Posted - January 27 2011 : 7:46:23 PM
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quote:Great idea.
Happen to know where to get analog amp and Volt gauge's for a deal?
Originally posted by Jeepman - January 26 2011 : 9:51:22 PM
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Don't have a specific source. I was given my meters from somebody's junk pile.
The voltmeter should be in the 0-15 volt range. The ammeter 0-400 milliamps.
Try an internet search.
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Posted - March 06 2011 : 12:54:21 AM
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| Thanks for the meter ranges. I shall find some. My Fluke is too sensitive and jumps all over
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