Original page created on 19/04/2018.
Bogie equipment
For current pickup, I have the choice between two solutions: either, conventionally, strips rubbing on the axles or wheels, or conductive bearings.
The bogies of these coaches are not equipped with conductive bearings, and their installation is never obvious. On the other hand, the train is short and will never be modified: the restraint force due to friction will be minimal. So I can choose the solution of the strips, on a single coach; the transmission of current will be through conductive couplings. To obtain a maximum of contact points (four per polarity), I prefer that the strips rub on the wheels rather than on the axle rods (in which case there would be only two contact points per polarity), despite the higher friction torque.
The pickup coach will be the BD coach. The available space will allow to install a rectifying circuit and energy reserve without difficulty.
Mounting the contact strips
The strips of 34 mm in length are made from bronze strips. They are soldered on salvage nickel silver plates, 9 × 6.5 mm. After soldering, a ⌀ 0.6 hole is drilled 3.5 mm from the outer edge of the bogie for the passage of a wire through the existing slot (arrows). The whole is glued with CA. The wires go up through the pivot hole.
The tests will reveal that this solution was not the good one.
Connection onto the chassis
The link between the two bogies is made of self-adhesive copper tape, although it is also possible with wires (there is a 2 mm high space between interior fittings and chassis, completely free if the ballast plate is removed). The wires coming from the bogies and going towards the rectifier circuit are soldered on the copper tape.
Note the piece of red electrician tape stuck on the brass plate that covers the drawbar. Its role is to ensure the insulation of the future tail lamp circuit with respect to this plate. See further.
Phosphor bronze in strip 200 × 1,5 × 0,20
Bandbrzph-200x0,20x1,5
€1,20 — price 2019
at micro-modele.