Hmm, I wonder if we haven't just seen an example of 'run away' thinking and we've solved a problem that doesn't quite exist? I've never had a problem with metal brake shoes shorting on any of my wagons in HO,00,P4 or 0, whether compensated or rigid.
It requires quite a bit to take place - first you need uncontrolled end play and/or float on both axles and then the vehicle has to find itself in a position where it's 'crabbing' down the track for both wheelsets to make contact on opposite sides/rails. If that happens as described I suspect the poor wagon is more likely to derail than short circuit.
CME,
I'd try it and see - I suspect you'll find no problems with it's running and therefore won't need to do anything.
Steph
Hi Steph,
Thanks for the insight, I was starting to think that way when doing the washing up and ploting on getting the verniers out and measuring up and drawing the brake blocks for Cynric, then I looked at the brake blocks again and they are well away from the wheels - I would prefer them to be closer from a 'looks' point of view.
As an aside I am so glad that I didnt cut off the pin points from the axles - as some have - and that I persevered with the fettling and filing at the build stage - checking as I went - so as to get the 'W' Irons and axle-boxes right. The wheels work okay in the 'top hats' and even the sloppy axle-boxes have er firmed up with my weathering (acrylics and talc)
One sage has pointed out that the brake cross bars are dangeroulsy close to the wheel flanges though - I hadnt noticed that! I shall, par away a little from the inner edges of the rods and give it a go as is.
If I do any more of these kits, then I will ask Cynric if he will be kind enough to make up some brake blocks as a wise precaution (dont worry Cynric there will be no more JLTRT wagons for a long while yet
- although I understand that they may have improved these parts
), yet with all of the work thus far and the brakes being off of the wheels and the flanges, as you and Cynric say, it's well worth seeing how it pans out..
I am so used to plastic wagons kits, then there are some authors who tell tales of woe about such things and how they coated the brake blocks in whatever gunk is required to stop them shorting out.
As I say my knowledge of these things is limited and with all things electric it's like painting by numbers for me, or a case of easy when you know how. When it comes to electrics and car wiring (in years gone by) professionals have said that I am 'overly cautious' and have used a 'belt and braces' approach etc. rather that I say than having to revist it, do it again or worse!!
Mind you with all of the cyano that I used I bet that everything is insulated anyway
Thanks again guys
ATVB
CME
P.S Nice work on those brake blocks Cynric