Upgrading to Ball Bearing Wheel Sets with Power Pickup
Two main problems with the stock power pickup system on several Aristocraft's
cars is the drag they create and an occasional power pickup problem. Several
cars, including the Sierra Passenger cars and Long Steel Caboose come these
wheel sets that use carbon brushes as the method to pickup power from the
track. These brushes act as brakes on the wheels, dramatically increasing the
drag on the car. In addition, they may prevent the wheels from turning which
may cause intermittent power pickup which will cause the lights to flicker.
An easy way to correct these issues is to upgrade the power pickups system
on the cars with Aristocraft 29123 ball bearing wheel sets. They come in both
nickel plated and blackened versions. This is an easy upgrade to perform. The
only downside is the cost of the wheels. This cost can be partially offset by
using the wheels that are removed to replace plastic wheels on other cars.
To install the new wheel sets follow these steps.
Remove the smokestack from the car and turn the car over onto a towel or
something else to protect the top of the car.
Pull excess wire through the brush assembly.
Make note of which side of the axle the red and black wire goes to.
Remove the screw holding the brush assembly to the truck bolster and
pull the brush assembly from between the wheels. Be careful of the springs and
carbon brushes as they may go flying. If they did not, remove the bushes and springs
from the brass bushing. The spring may not come out if it was soldered in with
the wire.
Pull the brass bushings from the brush assembly.
Use a soldering pencil or gun to heat one of the brass bushings. Pull on
the brass bushing with a pair of pliers until the solder melts and the bushing
comes free from the wire. Repeat for the other bushing.
Pull the red and black wires through the brush harness.
Remove the axle by gently spreading the truck frame to release the axle.
Put the ball bearing wheel set into the frame and rotate the power pickup
tabs to be oriented towards the wires.
Feed the wires through the appropriate power pickups on the axle.
