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Remove the trucks from the loco and then remove the side frames. The photo shows how the contact bar sits on the axle extensions. The wires to the decoder are just spring clips.
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With the side contact bar removed we can add extra pressure pickups to
the axle extensions. I use 12 thou (0.012") brass wire, why this
size? - Because I have plenty - I use it for hand rails and other
detail parts. 10 thou brass or phozor bronze would be just as good. The
wire will wear out after about 10 years of very heavy use, but is still
worth the effort.
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Clean the area to be soldered with a small file and then tin the surface
(Tinning - heat the surface and apply a small amount of solder, the
flux in the solder will clean any oxidents from the area). Also tin 3mm
(1/8th inch) at the end of the brass wire, this will endsure a good
bond to the contact bar. Solder to the bar as shown and bend downward
across the axle hole and cut to length as shown. |
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Solder the flexible
wire, that connects back to the decoder, to the same location as one of
the wires. I always have plenty of wire left from decoder installs -
they always supply a good length. Refit the side frames making sure
that the wire sits on top of the axle as shown. My locos have sound
decoders fitted and soon show up any pickup problems. I did this
modification to the SD9 and then ran it at low speed all over my system
for an hour without a glitch.
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