Track and electrical/DCC
DCC Specialties PSX intelligent circuit breakers
A quick question. Apparently these devices can work with a photo transistor so when a train breaks the light, the PSX shuts off power to the track/block.
It also says, power can be restored via a DCC command.
For all you guys (and gals) out there with PSX units, I'm assuming power could also be restored by hitting the manual reset button.
Is this a correct assumption?
Atlas switch motors
Who has long-term experience with heavily-used Atlas switches/ switch machines?
One of our club guys would like to install a pair at the entrance to a staging area. His position: It's easy to diode-matrix the routes, and they are easy to replace if they fail.
All of my experience with Atlas twin-coils dates back 30 years and involves things like stuck push buttons.
Simplest DCC decoder (for first attempt?)
I run DCC on my standard gauge HO (temporary) track. I'm getting ready to try my first install of a decoder in a Bowser Combine Trolley with a can motor. The motor is insulated from the frame; I just have to snip the wires from the trucks and add the decoder, then run the wires from there to the motor. I hope to eventually install headlights, so I need one that can control those as well. Any decoder to recommend or stay away from? I don't want to spend much money, since it is my first attempt, and screw ups happen.
Bulb or LED?
I have a Lifelike proto 2000 GP 18 that I obtained second hand. I need to replace the bulbs. My LHS suggests 12 or 14v 50 miliamp bulbs. I'm wondering if I should put in LEDs instead.
Should I stick with a bulb or pit in an LED?
The loco has a decoder.
Thanks
Any interest in handlaid turnout build?
One of the many many projects on my to-do list is handlaying some track for a Free-mo module, and that involves building some turnouts. In contrast with many folks here, I do not use copper ties, jigs, kits, plans, etc., as I learned to lay track more or less in isolation, and had to make do. I was just wondering if anybody would be interested in seeing the progress whenever I get around to the job. I cannot claim to be an expert or even to lay especially good turnouts, but they seem to work well enough for my needs.
Mounting a ground throw onto a turnout
I want to mount a Caboose Industries ground throw onto a Walthers Code 83 turnout. Looking at the throw bar, there is a small vertical hole & a bump with a horizontal hole on either side of the rails. Looking at the ground throw, there is a bar with a vertical pin protuding down. If I remove the bump with the horizontal hole and enlarge the verital hole on the throw bar, it looks like I can mount the ground throw directly on the two long ties that suround the throw bar. Is this a good thing to do? Or will I be wasting a turnout and a ground throw?
Doug Maddox
N Scale Turnout Sizes
I'm contemplating a conversion to N Scale and have a question (the first of many I'm sure). I am planning on #6 turnouts for all industries, #8 turnouts for passing sidings and staging. My question is around crossovers. I was thinking of #10 turnouts for crossovers, however that is another set of jigs. Are #10 crossovers going to perform any better, or be more reliable than #8s? This is a transition era layout, so there will be long passenger cars.
Thanks,
Ryan
grades & sidings
hello...i am modeling an "N" scale layout that will have a 2-2.5% grade on the entire layout. my question is: if i have a siding that i want to park a string of cars, how do i keep them from rolling down the hill? i have considered a helix, but unfortunately i don't have the room..can some one out there HELP me
vinny... a frustrated "N" scaler
Has anyone used "San Juan Car Company"On3 Flex Track?
In the description it says:
"This Code 100 Flex Track uses SAN JUAN CAR COMPANY copyrighted center connection for the ties.
This method allows for a smooth radius and even tie spacing, a much smoother and kink free curving of the track.
There is no plastic connection between the ties under the rail. This allows for realistic space between the bottom of the rail and the top of the ballast."
I have seen one picture of it and it almost looks like "Gargraves" O Scale Track:
Operating Switch Stands
I've read and re-read Woflgang's great article in the Jan-Feb 2010 MRH on operating switch stands. I really like the idea, and I wanted to see if I could get it to work with my Fast Tracks turnouts.
Instead of brass plate, I simply bent the rod, and inserted it into a hole on the throwbar. For just testing purposes, I mounted the stand sideways.
And here's the results.
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