1. On this particular model, the engine is powered and a short wire leads to a screw on the tender- why, as there is no light or other device on the tender?
2. The tender trucks have metal wheels (for electrical pickup) on one side and plastic wheels on the other. Are these wheels basically the same as the modern semi-insulated Intermountain ones I am familiar with? If so, could the IM wheels replace the old ones with the same effect?
3. Also regarding the tender wheels- why is the same side non-conducting on these old wheels. That would mean electrical current pickup by the metal side of the truck (which is metal), right? How would that help the engine power, because I noticed that of the four drivers on the engine, the rear one - on the same side as the metal tender wheels has a rubber insulator O-ring around the rim (which means I may be missing another rubber O-ring?????).
I have only worked with BB and Kato diesel models, so this steam model- and it's technology- is unfamiliar to me.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Cedarwoodron
wheels on one side of locomotive pick up power from one rail, wheels on opposite side of tender pick up power from opposite rail. Wire from tender connects to one terminal of motor.
my Mantua 0-4-0 only has rubber ring on one wheel. Don't know why
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Ron,
.
On this model, as on old brass models, the locomotive frame is one side of the circuit, and the tender is the other side of the circuit.
The locomotive is insulated on one side, and the tender has plastic wheels on the opposite side.
Adding electrical pickup to all eight tender wheels will help this locomotive a lot.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
SeeYou190 Ron, . On this model, as on old brass models, the locomotive frame is one side of the circuit, and the tender is the other side of the circuit. . The locomotive is insulated on one side, and the tender has plastic wheels on the opposite side. . Adding electrical pickup to all eight tender wheels will help this locomotive a lot. . -Kevin .
Simon