Improve Auscision Pantograph Operation

The pantographs used by Auscision Models on their electric locomotives and EMUs are secured in the lowered position by a pair of metal tabs, requiring a twisting motion to release and raise the pantograph. This is not a very good design, as it can be really fiddly to lower the pantograph, twisting it around to get both tabs latched. The tabs also become slightly bent, and in some cases it becomes almost impossible to lower the panto - especially if you want to do it quickly and easily as part of normal operation. I've come up with a simple fix for this problem, using some tiny magnets to hold the pantograph down, which allows very simple manual operation. In this video I show the modification done to the Victorian Railways Tait and L class models, but it should also work for Auscision's various NSW electric models. I used some 2x3mm magnets which I bought here: www.ebay.com.a...
The seller claims to be in Melbourne, and they certainly arrived fast enough to support that. The small bits of steel I used on the L class pantograph are from a broken up old razor blade. Please use eye protection if you're going to attempt that!
Check out my full review of the Auscision Tait cars here: • A look at the Auscisio...
And for lots more model railway videos, have a look here: • Model Railways

[@WillJamesRailways]

Superb handy solution! I reckon I’ll be doing that to mine as well! Thanks for the very handy tip and very well put together video.
Also loved the 930!

[@vandenbricks]

Auscision models should take notes, I’ll be doing this to my CM van and L class, thanks for the tip!

[@harrystrainshorts]

Superb solution. Where can I get the magnets?

[@Taitset]

I got them from here, but it looks like they're out of stock now: www.ebay.com.au/itm/152684974380?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649
But if you search for a similar description there are probably other listings.

[@johnd8892]

Thanks for this vid with a good solution. At the Auscision stand years ago they even had problems demonstrating how the pantos on the L worked.
Just during the week I was discussing on the phone this solution that his son had independently came up with.
I was also on the 930 hauled Tait transfer trip from Ballarat to Flinders Street station.

[@philiphickman5085]

That's a great fix. Maybe this will work on many more pantographs.

[@mathewdickenson4908]

That was brilliant and simple too. Thanks for sharing that with us

[@Steamtostay]

If the magnets were somehow dislodged in storage, would they pose a risk to adjacent DCC chips or something else fitted with a reed switch?

[@Taitset]

Yes that could definitely be a risk. It would be easy enough to glue them in place. I'd probably temporarily remove them if I was putting the models in storage.

[@robbieberry9700]

The magnets are a good idea

[@robbieberry9700]

You can paint the springs black