Thought I would ask a question on successful electrical pick-up improvements to the Mantua/Tyco Diesel Locomotives produced during the 1960’s and mid-1970’s, using the Mantua MU-2 Electric Motor.
As some of us know, when these units hit the frog on a Atlas turnout frog, it will always jump, a momentary electrical disconnection.
Like to hear of some readers improvements.
All the ones I had had 4 brass wheels and 4 plastic ones. And I believe they picked up on all 4 brass wheels.
If my memory is correct, there is no way (other than track sliders) to improve pickup for a single unit. You could MU a couple–that would help a lot.
Ed
It can be done, but it takes some work. Here’s how I did it on the old metal Shark and MU-1, which is basically the same as the MU-2. http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/195040.aspx (still haven’t figured out how to make these clickable)
Easiest way is to MU up two locos as a team. I have done this in the past with a pair of Silver Streaks and a pair of Midnight specials. There is also a place online that can nickle plate the brass wheels. This also helps with power pickup. Same for Tyco steamers, replace the tender wheel sets with nickle silver and solder a wire to the truck frame to eliminate any power loss between the truck and the tender floor when it moves around. Mike
Darth:
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/195040.aspx
Made the link clickable. If you want me to explain how, let me know.
Dave