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+--- Thread: portable test track. (/showthread.php?tid=2242)
portable test track. - e-paw - 01-21-2010
I put this together this afternoon, a battery powered test track. I thought it would be a good idea to bring to the train shows and keep out on the table. Because It's battery powered, I don't need a power source. I'll give it a shot at the show in Allentown PA on Saturday. I still have to put together a charger for it later.
Re: portable test track. - Gary S - 01-21-2010
Very nice and innovative. Terrific use of the phone line and jacks.
Re: portable test track. - Herc Driver - 01-21-2010
Hey - that's pretty smart! Neat job.
Re: portable test track. - toptrain - 01-22-2010
Nice going steve. Nice and compact with quick disconnects.
POP
Re: portable test track. - boppa - 04-10-2010
just as a quick question- what wattage and ohms variable resistor did you use?
(a carbon track one (1/4w) will not last long unless the motor is tiny- which is what you appeared to have used)
a 5w wirewound might be a better choice in the long term
very good idea btw- a handy thing to have
i normally use a multimeter for a quick check but that will only give a quick go/no go where your idea could be used to actually run the loco
I am thinking that even if the track is only say 6-8" long- enough to sit the loco on it say
you could use it even then to actually run it up if you `lightly' lift the loco so it has pickup from the rails but no traction (ie it sits and spins the wheels)
good for general `engine running/noise/wheel wobbles/funny noises' inspection for that loco at the shows...
Re: portable test track. - Sumpter250 - 04-10-2010
And, history comes full circle.
There once was a time when model trains were all run off large rechargeable (car) batteries......then came the era of selenium rectifiers, and so forth.
Definitely a good idea for a show environment, where power sources can be inconvenient to find.
Re: portable test track. - Russ Bellinis - 04-12-2010
If you are planning to use it to demonstrate or test locomotives for sale, you might want to incorporate one of these:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.micromark.com/HO-and-On30-LOCOMOTIVE-ROLLERS-ASSEMBLED-SET-OF-4,8274.html">http://www.micromark.com/HO-and-On30-LO ... ,8274.html</a><!-- m -->
The other thing I was wondering about was if you have a fuse or circuit breaker installed between the battery and the track? I didn't see one in the picture, but if a short circuit occurs a battery will just keep pouring juice to the tracks until the short is removed, the battery goes dead, or the short circuit melts to an open circuit.