Being the tight-wad that I am, I'm making my own pickups for power for some passenger cars. I've come up with an H-shaped pattern about 3/8" wide and about 1 3/4" long that I plan on cutting out of some 0.005" sheet brass. I plan on running some screws through the brass and then through the trucks to secure them in place. I'll then pull power of the screw inside the car for lights. Has anyone else done this and do you have any suggestions to make the design a little better? Potential problems? I'll be lighting up some smooth-side passenger cars, some Overton passenger cars, and maybe even some cabbooses! Mark [ 20 December 2001: Message edited by: Mark_Athay ]
Mark I know this has been done successfully. It migh be well to contact John Patton at: yellowstone10@hotmail.com and discuss your idea. John does this professionally for his customers. He would probable have a few pointers, or maybe even do the job for you at a reasonable price. He is good. I have tried a few, but mine look like they were hacked out with an axe and pipewrench compared to his jobs.
Watash, I've found that a large paper cutter can easily cut the thin brass sheets. For cutting out the insides of the "H's" if I have to I can use a Dremel tool to cut it. I figure that eliminating burrs and rough edges is mandatory to make this work. I'm concerned about making the electrical pickup reliable without hanging up the trucks from floating. I'll keep thinking about it while I cut the brass, maybe I'll come up with a better solution. As for cost, it looks like I'll be able to install pickups in 30 cars for under $4 of materials if this all works! Mark
A company makes pickups out of phosphor bronze. This stuff is thinner than brass and will probably work a bit better. youre hobbyshope might have some sheets, or know where to order it....Mike
