A Study on the Feasibility of Overhead Current Collection in Plarail Vehicles

プラレールスケール車両における架線集電導入の 実現可能性の検討

A Study on the Feasibility of Overhead Current Collection in Plarail Vehicles

Creators Nishimura Teppei

Creators Watanabe Taiki

Creators Sato Soma

Creators Yoshida Masafumi

Abstract: In this study, an overhead current collection system using Plarail toy trains was developed for educational purposes and
potential applications to model railway systems. A dual-mode rolling stock capable of both direct current (DC) and alternating
current (AC) operation was designed, fabricated, and experimentally evaluated. An N-gauge rail was employed as the overhead
contact wire, and a trolley wire-following mechanism was adopted for current collection. Two power supply methods were
investigated: direct DC supply and AC supply with onboard rectification. Experimental results demonstrated that continuous
operation was achievable under conditions of stable contact between the overhead line and the current collector. However, several
challenges were identified, including contact instability due to the lightweight vehicle body, stopping at dead sections, and
mechanical interference of the current collection mechanism. Future work will focus on improving the spring mechanism of the
current collector and introducing onboard energy storage elements to enhance running stability.