Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Exhaust Cams

1259 views
2 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    October 2006
  • From: Western, MA
  • 8,571 posts
Posted by richg1998 on Monday, November 17, 2008 11:34 AM

Use a silver based conductive paint. The stuff is sometimes used to repair a cracked PC board path.

http://www.alliedelec.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?SKU=9070009&MPN=2505N&R=9070009&SEARCH=9070009&DESC=2505N

Also, look at  windshield defogger repair kits in your local automotive parts store.

Rich

If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Sierra Vista, Arizona
  • 13,757 posts
Posted by cacole on Monday, November 17, 2008 9:58 AM

The only exhaust cams I've seen stick to the inside of a drive wheel and will not be visible.

I have never installed one, so would suggest that you direct your question about soldering to the axle to the people at SoundTraxx.  The cam contacts will require a power source in order to work, but I think the material from which the cam is made will not withstand soldering.

  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Michigan
  • 167 posts
Exhaust Cams
Posted by AlreadyInUse on Monday, November 17, 2008 9:17 AM

I'm building a Bowser 4-8-2 Mountain and will be using a SoundTraxx Tsunami decoder in it. I'm considering using a SoundTraxx Exhaust Cam Kit with it and have a few questions for those of you who have installed cams on your locomotives.

I'm a little concerned about the visual appearance of the driver wheel that has the cam installed on it. The cam disc is opaque, but I wonder how noticeable and objectional it will be once the locomotive is placed in service.

The instructions recommend soldering the cam to the axle. This makes me a little nervous. The alternate method is to use conductive epoxy or conductive paint. I would prefer one of those methods. Conductive paint is available in silver, nickel, and copper. The difference being the impedence per square inch. From experience, is one recommended over the other?

Finally, any pitfalls to avoid? Shortcuts not to take? Is the effect worth the effort?

Thanks!

You can never have too much glue

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!