metal strip for extra pickups ?

I got some from my local model shop, distributed by Romford. On-line try Mainly Trains.

Some people use brass wire rubbing against the edge of the wheel.

MBQ

Brass isn't a very good conductor, copper is much better. Brass has lower friction but that only matters if you have a large contact area.

(kim)

Springiness (to maintain contact) is more important than conductivity. I've never seen the use of copper advocated for pick-ups. No doubt someone will now come up with an example.

MBQ

On 09/02/2006 16:01, kim said,

Brass is OK, but the way I use it (Alan Gibson's hard brass wire), is to bear end-on onto the wheel tread. This gives a very small contact area, so the actual pressure on the wheel is probably tons per square inch (same principle as the stylus on a record - remember those?) The action is also pretty much self-cleaning. I try to aim for a bit of pressure towards the flange as well, to stop the pickup sliding off the tread. Of course, I only do any of this if I can't build the chassis as split frame, which is by far and away the best option, IMO :-)

For a practical example, have a quick look at my website, and see the battery electric loco on the fourth row down of

Personally, I find brass or even phosphor bronze *strip* pretty crap because it has a very low pressure on the wheel, so any date and crud can easily get trapped under it.

How big a piece do you think you will need? If you contact me off list I may be able to help out here.