Track and electrical/DCC
Reverse loop in a dog-bone layout
I adhere to the request of oldmanep in which he asks that you please show the gaps on (4b) of Mr. Petrarca dog-bone with a basic loop description in the January 2015 issue, page 27.
My problem is that my new layout (see attachment) is being converted from a Rev loop to Rev loop to a dog-bone one but still mantaining the rev loop on the right. As this is new to me, I do not see clear if I have to also double gap the left side of the layout and if yes, where?
Many thanks to all.
Atlas GP40-2 w/QSI suddenly won't move/sound only in FWD only
I was classifying cars with this loco to free up a couple tracks to speed match it with an Atlas U23B and it worked fine. I backed it up so I could have enough track in front of it to set the V Mid CV and when I set the direction to FWD, nothing but sound. I changed direction to REV and got no RPM change at all (just idle sounds)...back to FWD and got RPM change but no movement. I have an NCE Powerhouse (not Powercab).
Soldering: Who really does it right?
I've soldered before, mainly on track and PC boards, but I haven't in a while. I'm getting ready to solder feeder wires and took some time last night to watch some videos on soldering on model railroads. Everywhere from Youtube, to TrainmastersTV, MR, MR+, and few self hosted.
I'd always run under the adage that you need to heat both the iron and the part you are soldering. The part you are soldering needs to be hot and that's why you can melt your ties if you aren't careful (or some people use something for a heat sink.)
DCC and sound problem
This is probably really basic, as basic as I originally thought, but cannot resolve. Recently switched from N to HO. Have one loco, Athearn Genesis GP9 wih sound. I am not sure at this moment what decoder it has. Using Lenz set 90 for power/control. Same set up used on my N scale layout.
Just finished basic track work for most of my switching layout this weekend. Ran a 14 gauge power bus underneath with 18 gauge feeders every 3-4 feet. Micro Engineerin Code 70 rail.
RESISTANCE SOLDERING STATIONS - 100W vs 250W
First, with all due respect to alternative opinions on what type of soldering tool should be used to solder track including feeder wires to track, I intend on using a Resistance Solder Unit. Every technique I have seen using a traditional soldering iron and/or gun, requires at minimum 3 seconds to heat the rail (for HO Scale) and longer for O Scale. Even Joe Fugate's techniques require 5 seconds of time using a higher wattage soldering gun. With a Resistance Soldering Unit (RSU) it takes less than a second!
where to get code 83 19 degree crossings?
Where can you order code 83 19 degree crossings, Atlas, Peco or other brand?
They match the #6 turnouts 9.5 degree angle. The Atlas code 83 19 degree crossing seems to be out of stock, at least in the half dozen online shops and ebay. Is the an equivalent in Peco?
Smoking Power Supply
The last time I ran my layout was some weeks ago and everything was just fine. Last night I had an opportunity to get back to it and run some trains. Switched on the power supply to my DCS 100 picked up my D402 throttle and selected an engine without problems but then tried turning on the loco lights and nothing. After a few seconds of head scratching I realised I had no track power.
At this point I went back to my control cabinet and saw smoke coming out of my power supply. I switched it off immediately and took it outside.
Inexpensive fleet decoder recommendations, and bulk buys?
I'm getting to the point I need to start outfitting more of my diesels now that I have a layout under construction.
I imagine there are two major categories of decoders I'll need:
1) those to fit Athearn RTR plug and play sockes (I have lots of tunnel motors and SD45s)
2) circuit board type that fit KATO GP35/F40PH/SD40-2 and Proto 2000 GP30's
Also Genesisi GP40-2's, GP9's and F units.
Distance of Power District Gaps from frog
I have a number of power districts planned for my DCC layout under construction. All of these districts start and end at a diverging end of a turnout. Except for two crossovers that have a gap called for in the middle, is there an advantage for locating the gaps a bit further away from the frog than just the end of the two turnout rails? If so how far away? And while you are at it, why is further away than the end of the turnout advantageous if at all?
Larry Kedes
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