Adding extra pickups to the Bachmann Class 37.

 

 

After having a few problems with the pickups on one of my Bachmann Class 37's (a problem which was later tracked down to grease on the back of the wheel surfaces, Bachmann's usual over exuberance with lubricants!), I added some extra pickups to maximise current collection. Although there is nothing wrong with the existing design, a few more pickups never go amiss and the more the merrier as they say.

This is a relatively quick and easy modification, I spent no more than 30 minutes on each locomotive and you do not even need to remove the lid! Although you will not get six axle drive at least all twelve wheels will aid the current collection.

(Click on the thumbnails to enlarge the pictures.)

Here are the basics with which I started. An EWS Bachmann Class 37, a soldering iron, a couple of screwdrivers, a scalpel, a pair of pliers and strip of brass to form the pickups.
 

 

  
The bogie frames are simply removed by unclipping at the rear of each bogie. Be careful not to use too much force here, they usually come away very easily and without any trouble.
 

 

  
Once the bogie frames have been removed the driving wheels simply unclip from the bogie frame and the idler axle drops out on it's own. Be careful not to loose the sprung mount which holds the idler axle, this is just a drop in part.
 

 

  
Each existing pickup is attached to the bogie side frame with a tiny screw. A small jewellers screwdriver will fit here. Again try not to loose the screw after you remove it, it took me almost half an hour on my knees to find one! Unsolder the pickup wires to free the brass pickups.
 

 

  
Here the rear of the brass pickup and extra brass strip have been tinned and are ready to be joined. I attached the strip to the rear of the pickup opposite to where the pickup wire is soldered on the front. Once tinned simply hold in place with a screwdriver and let the soldering iron melt the solder on each piece to join them.
 

 

  
Once the strip is attached the pickup can be placed back on the bogie side frame and bent into shape. I held the strip next to the frame with pliers and bent it outwards with a scalpel blade. Finally solder the pickup wire back onto the front of the pickup, the screw holds the extra pickup in place as you solder.
 

 

  
Here both sides have had the extra pickups added and we now have all wheel pickup.
 

 

  
Finally pop the wheels back into place. Also take the opportunity to thoroughly clean the wheels and remove any errant oil. Clip the bogie frames back on and away you go!

 

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Last updated on: Sunday, 06 July 2003 19:46:44.