N Gauge Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Bikeracer on February 08, 2012, 10:56:10 PM

Title: Why doesn't it short out
Post by: Bikeracer on February 08, 2012, 10:56:10 PM
An example of my elektrickery ignorance....

Steel wheels on a steel axle,how does the electricity know to go up to the pickups rather than just shorting across the axle ?


Allan
Title: Re: Why doesn't it short out
Post by: EtchedPixels on February 08, 2012, 10:59:47 PM
Quote from: Bikeracer on February 08, 2012, 10:56:10 PM
An example of my elektrickery ignorance....

Steel wheels on a steel axle,how does the electricity know to go up to the pickups rather than just shorting across the axle ?


Allan

The axle is insulated on one side or both from the wheel with a thin plastic insert.
Title: Re: Why doesn't it short out
Post by: EddieA on February 09, 2012, 06:06:57 PM
 :) Unless of course it is a 12inch to the foot wheelset in which case it does 'short out' otherwise signalling/track circuiting doesn't work and Network Rail etc would have a few problems?  :)

OK off to look for my flack jacket and tin helmet, and also remove my 'smarty pants'! :smiley-laughing: