Using Catenaries for Bachmann Acela.

If you are considering using the Catenaries on the Bach. Spectrum Acela, review this information submitted by Bob Roggenburg:

Just wanted to pass on my experience when I tried to run my Acela using the pantograph pickup. I changed the switch from rail to overhead but it didn't work. I took the shell off and found that with the decoder board mounted, the tab on the circuit board meant to contact the small plate mounted to the shell, which is supposed to carry current from the pantograph does not touch the plate with the decoder installed. To remedy the problem I soldered a small flexible wire from the tab to the plate. There is plenty of room to make the wire long enough so that it doesn't interfere with removal or assembly of the shell. The wire can be dressed along the top of the weight along with headlight wires. To prevent any contact with the decoder board I put a short piece of glass tape over the plate on the shell body to cover the solder joint.

I don't know if anyone else has had this problem but in the future it may pay you to check if the overhead pickup works after a decoder is installed.

Bob Roggenburg

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