I would suggest Roundhouse/MDC tender wipers.  I think they were set up to wipe the axles.  One of the modular club member uses them with the trucks on his steam engine tenders reversed so that the front truck picks up from one side and the rear truck picks up from the other rail to complete the circuit.  I think I would use a rechargeable AA or AAA battery to power it, but the only Fred I will use will be the name of the conductor in the caboose!

I have seen this done in N scale using a watch battery with a hidden switch to turn FRED on and off.  It is claimed that batttery will last multiple years.

I am somewhat surprised to see batteries being suggested, although the rechargeable idea had crossed my mind too.

I assumed the best way to do this would be to use the power available from the tracks rather than a battery.  Any specific reasons why you think a battery would be better?

Thanks for the input!

PPW offers a FRED in HO:

http://www.ppw-aline.com/EotDevice.htm 

PPW offers a FRED in HO

 

brothaslide,

Thanks for that link.

I think the EOT device they sell is a  bit pricey considering what it really is but their method of mounting the electronics in the truck is very interesting.  Making me wonder if I can fit the 555 IC, diodes, caps and resistors into a truck making it useful for flatcars too!  I'll bet they are using smd components.

Anybody have one of these they want to take apart and take pictures of. [wink]

Oh...OK skip that I see further down the page a picture of the bottom of the truck...sure enough smd components to make it small enough...

Oh sorry I finally realize what F.R.E.D.but don't know what the acronym stands for except as an E.O.T device I thought Fred was a conductors name that rode in a lit caboose. I saw a really cheap way to build one(E.O.T)in MRR magazine. As well as an easy way to constantly power it

I didn't mean to imply batteries were better. I can only assume the battery choice is a viable  option because it is cheap and easy and doesn't require changing trucks, wheels or axles which then may not meet required "looks" nor match the other 49 cars in your unit train.

No Dan, this has nothing to do with residents of Bedrock!  Flashing Rear-End Device I think or maybe Flashing Red End Device?

I have a circuit that is easy to build and for which I have all the parts on hand, although I would be interested in checking out the MRR issue you mention.  Any idea what issue it was in? 

Steve,

I see what youa re saying now.  Yes a battery is a viable option too but ideally power from the rails would be desireable.  Not sure if it is practical yet though.

Hi Blue

Have a look at Green Steam Products

They do an EOT kit along with other electronics kits. Price is a lot more reasonable and they also operate by batteries

http://www.greensteamproducts.com/index.html

Ian, thanks for the link.

Yes the EOT device is much more reasonable and they have some other interesting items as well.

Thanks again!