Playing with an older Rivarossi 0-6-0 and can't get consistent electrical pickup on the positive side from the little spring loaded wheel wipers. I think these transfer power through the frame to a tab on the motor connected to the frame. BTW the wheels and track have been cleaned. Anybody messed with these Rivarossis with this type of pickup?
Well, I don't own one of them, but I think my MDC 0-6-0t has the same issues. The problem is basically related to the short wheelbase, which causes stops at turnouts notably. If you are running on DCC, the best solution would be to install a keep-alive decoder. The thing stores energy to help the engine go over dead rail points. In DC, there are not a lot of options. Turnouts should be short and the connections kept clean. I like my little beast and cheat by accelerating a bit when going through turnouts. My plan is to install a keep-alive at some ponit...
Simon
The Mantua/Tyco 0-6-0's have the same problem as well. Doesn't help that the center driver on them is blind. In fact, on the Mantua one I am looking at right now, the side with the wipers only picks up from the lead driver and the center (blind) driver. The rear driver has no wiper. A keep alive is definitely going to go in this one.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
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