Is there a way to improve the pickups on the Roco six wheel diesel or can you recommend a good way of setting them up. Put DCC chips into two and managed to move the pickups and whilst I have them working again it set me wondering.
The main problem with these chassis is that when they ware the axles start to twist in the chassis. As this gets progressively worse it will start to lift one wheel off the track. To see how bad the chassis you have are worn turn the back wheels (under the motor) by hand and see how much the front axle twists.
However from new they only have four wheel pickup and it is possible to add extra pickups on the centre wheels.
You will need to disassemble the chassis somewhat. The following applies to the spring drive version of the chassis with the open frame motor, there are several other versions:
1. Loosen the motor brush holders to release the contacts from the motor.
2. Unclip and remove the motor and the drive spring. (Recorded what way up the motor is installed and do not lose the drive spring!!)
3. Unclip the gearbox cover and remove the worm gear. (Do not loose the plastic bearings.
4. Remove the two screws that hold the contact plate to the chassis.
5. Solder on two new contact strips (aprox. 1mm x 12mm) to the underside of the contact plate going rearwards. (You can use the existing solder for this, but be fast so as not to melt the plastic.
6. Adjust the springing on all the contacts so they are just enough to hold them on the wheels. (Too much will slow the chassis down and ware out the contacts.)
7. Reassemble the chassis.
I have some thin (0.1mm) phosphor bronze sheet that I cut into strips for use as contacts.
It is a bit difficult to show this process in photos with out taking the loco apart.
Brian Meldon
Thanks Brian, gives me something to think about, and a job for later I think...........much later!!
I have converted one of these + a roco 0-6-0 to DCC . The secret is to study the exploded diagram and TAKE YOUR TIME. The problem I found with the diesel was the looseness of the rivet that holds the pick-up in place and also holds the ring-terminal for the wireing ( I have contacted roco regarding this.) regarding chassis wear, as a ex motor mechanic, I find that a little, careful lubrication works wonders on these little works of art.
Please note that adding the extra pickups in the way I describe will invalidate any manufactures warrantee on the loco.
Brian Meldon