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Do-It-Yourself 10K
HO-Scale
Resisted Wheelsets
for DCC Block Detection
Current-sensing block detectors can be used to detect the presence of a train within a given electrically isolated block on a model railroad layout. As implied by their descriptive name, they work by detecting the presence of current flow between the two rails. Typically locomotives and lighted rolling stock such as passenger cars are the only current-users riding the rails. A small resistor connecting two metal wheels that share the same axle, will cause a minute amount of current to flow between the two rails. This small current is enough to be sensed by the block-detector. |
STEP 1
Start by opening the package of wheel sets. If available, use the clear plastic part of the packaging to hold the wheel sets in place on your work space. (Fig. 3)
STEP 2
Working on one row of four wheelsets at a time, apply a very, very small amount of super glue to a spot near the center of each axle. (Fig. 4)
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FIGURE 3: Plastic packaging serves as a convenient work tray for holding the wheelsets.
FIGURE 4: Apply cyanoacrylic cement sparingly to each non-metallic axle. See SUPER GLUE application tip below.
Glue Application Modeling Tip from Tom Troughton, MMR Instead of trying to put a small dot of super glue on something straight from the bottle, take a sewing needle and glue its point into the end of an old paint brush, one that the bristles are shot or non-existent. I used one in which all the bristles were gone and I cut the metal end off of it. Put on your safety goggles and carefully grind the end of the needle's eye off until you only have two prongs remaining. Dress the tips of the two prongs up with a hobby blade to clean off any grinding burrs. Put a drop of the super glue on a plastic lid (I use the bottom of old 35mm plastic film container), stick the forked end of the needle applicator into the puddle of super glue and it "wicks up between the forks" and stays there until you touch it to where you want it. Glue Applicator (CLICK TO ENLARGE) |
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WHAT YOU WILL NEED SUPPLIES
TOOLS
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