Model Railway PCB Wheel Pickups – Small

Description

Model Railway PCB Wheel Pickups – Small

Copper PCB pickups for model railways. These compact cross-shaped pickups (7mm × 8.5mm) make reliable electrical contact with locomotive wheels, perfect for powering locos or adding lighting to coaches.

How it works:

1. Position the pickup so the extended tab (long end) touches the back of the wheel
2. Secure using the mounting hole with a small screw into the chassis, or simply stick in place with adhesive
3. Solder your wire to the pad near the mounting hole
4. The copper contact pad picks up power directly from the wheel

Specifications:

• Size: 7mm × 8.5mm
• Material: Copper PCB
• Mounting: Screw hole or adhesive
• Pack sizes: 5, 10, 25, or 50 pickups

Perfect for:

• Scratchbuilt locomotives
• Adding coach lighting
• Projects where space is limited
• Reliable power pickup — use multiple pickups per wheel for greater reliability

Small or Large — which size do you need?

If your chassis has room, our Large wheel pickups (17mm x 17mm) give a bigger contact area and are easier to handle. The Small 7mm x 8.5mm pickups suit tight bogies, TT and N gauge models. See both sizes in the Wheel Pickups range.

Frequently asked questions

How do I attach the pickup to the chassis?

Use a small screw through the mounting hole, or stick the pickup in place with a suitable adhesive. Position it so the extended tab touches the back of the wheel.

Where do I solder the wire?

Solder your wire to the pad near the mounting hole for a clean, reliable connection.

Will these fit my TT or N gauge model?

Yes. At 7mm x 8.5mm these compact pickups are ideal for tight bogies and smaller scales, and because each pickup is positioned individually they fit any axle spacing.

How many pickups do I need?

For coach lighting, two pickups (one per rail) per coach are typical. For a loco you can add multiple pickups per wheel for greater reliability.

What is the difference between the Small and Large pickups?

The Small pickups measure 7mm x 8.5mm, ideal for tight bogies and TT/N gauge models. If your chassis has more room, the Large pickups (17mm x 17mm) give a bigger contact area.