Pick-Ups for Model Power 0-4-0 Tender Loco

[Sunshine Express]

I have a Model Power 0-4-0 Tender Loco,and it is a good performer.Since changing from Peco Insulfrog Points to Electrfrog,it switches through all these without a stop,even at creeping speed. But it all came to an end when I directed it across my Atlas 19% Crossover,full stop.
I need advice on obtaining suitable pick-ups for it,and how best to install these.   
Thanks Owen

[richg]

Install some all metal wheels and install Kadee #5 coupler springs as pickups. Solder #30 stranded wire to conduct power.
I did this with a Bachmann standard 0-6-0 oil tender.







Rich

[Doneldon]

Sunny-

Rich is right on the mark with his fix although I wouldn't try to have a contact on the wheel edge as shown in his second photo. Use the backs of the wheels as he shows in his first photo.

Good luck!
                                         -- D

[richg]

Both contacts ride on the back of the wheels on the uninsulated and insulated sides. In one photo the contact came loose from the truck as I set it up for the photo. I then drilled and tapped for 00-90 machine screws.

Below is Harold's idea that I used. Download the page into your PC because it goes away sometimes.
Be advised. That link was dead about a week ago.

http://www.55n3.org/cars/tender_wipers/

I use to have a article where someone had the wipers riding on top of the wheel threads but cannot find it right now.

Rich

[richg]

A few more links. Sometimes you have to use your imagination.

http://www.nmra.org.au/Hints/Pickups/Pickups.html

http://www.westportterminal.de/tender080.html

http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/nswmn1/ExtraPickUps.htm

http://www.2guyz.info/Content/pid=5.html

Rich

[Len]

If you'll be adding power pickups to a lot of cars and locos, you can get phosphor bronze sheets from Micro-Mark:

http://www.micromark.com/Phosphor-Bronze-Sheet-5-Inches-x-7-Inches-Pkg-of-3,8335.html

The picture shows a rail slider made from a sheet, but personally I prefer using straight strips as axle wipes for HO. Especially with 6-wheel trucks that don't leave much room for a rail slider.

Len

[CNE Runner]

Tomar also makes a line of electrical power pick ups that have a multitude of uses. I use their locomotive pick ups to power transfer tables (traversers) and, in the past, sector plates...before discovering the wonders of stereo mini-plugs.

Ray

[richg]

I prefer the all wheel pickups for the tenders when running DCC. I converted my Spectrum steamers to all tender wheel pickups with the Kadee springs as they only pickup on one side of each truck.

Rich

[Sunshine Express]

Thanks everyone for the instructions,help,and links with great photos on Pick Ups for Tenders etc.. Making them from Kadee Springs is brilliant,I love the innovation,great stuff  .Owen

[Sunshine Express]

I have successfully adapted and fitted Kadee # 5 Spring Pick Ups to my Model Power 0-4-0 Tender Loco. The cross members of the tender trucks are moulded two piece,and to tap and drill for a retaining screw for the wipers,I first filled and glued these with pieces of scrap plastic. Luckily I had 2 only tiny "Bachmann Screws"which made a neat job.
I made all the mistakes,like left and right is different upside down,and got some short circuit warnings,and then found I had made the connecting wires too short,making the tender rise  slightly off the rails .
Finally with all the "old age goof ups " rectified  it crept right over that Atlas Dead Frog Crossing 10 out of 10 on test. At 80 and with a Macular Eye problem,I found the illustrated instructions very helpful. Thanks  again to all for your help.  Owen

[richg]

I have successfully adapted and fitted Kadee # 5 Spring Pick Ups to my Model Power 0-4-0 Tender Loco. The cross members of the tender trucks are moulded two piece,and to tap and drill for a retaining screw for the wipers,I first filled and glued these with pieces of scrap plastic. Luckily I had 2 only tiny "Bachmann Screws"which made a neat job.
I made all the mistakes,like left and right is different upside down,and got some short circuit warnings,and then found I had made the connecting wires too short,making the tender rise  slightly off the rails .
Finally with all the "old age goof ups " rectified  it crept right over that Atlas Dead Frog Crossing 10 out of 10 on test. At 80 and with a Macular Eye problem,I found the illustrated instructions very helpful. Thanks  again to all for your help.  Owen

Great news. I love it when a plan comes together. I am 70 with trifocals so I understand. I average out the shaking hand movement when soldering. 
I forgot to mention the Gotchas when doing the truck pickups.
I have added weight to the tenders also. I use lead bird shot from a gun shop. Easy to distribute in the tender. I did that with the Bachmann oil tender I posted which also has a speaker and sound decoder in it.

Rich

[richg]

Both contacts ride on the back of the wheels on the uninsulated and insulated sides. In one photo the contact came loose from the truck as I set it up for the photo. I then drilled and tapped for 00-90 machine screws.

Below is Harold's idea that I used. Download the page into your PC because it goes away sometimes.
Be advised. That link was dead about a week ago.

http://www.55n3.org/cars/tender_wipers/

I use to have a article where someone had the wipers riding on top of the wheel threads but cannot find it right now.

Rich

As I figured, Harold's page with the pickups is gone again. Harold must be watchching and frustrating people again. Go figure.

Rich