Track and electrical/DCC
Fine tuning Digitrax DH123AT decoder
Hello all!
I have installed DH123AT decoder in the HO Bachmann Shay loco. No problems there, I used 8-pin harness for the decoder.
But, as I use it, I noticed that decoder works in a strange manner. When I turn the control knob to FORW or REVERSE, loco starts a bit fast, like a little power surge is applied to the motor, and than goes smoothly through whole speed range, and also deccelerates with no surges.
It seams the problem is only in the moment between idle and go points in time.
I hope you will understand what is my problem. Anybody has some idea?
Template for laying non-turnout n-scale track?
Hi,
I have all the stuff I thought I needed to layout some code 40 N scale track. However, while I can find templates for building turnouts in several places, I can't find any templates I can use for laying out ties to out down for "non turnout" track. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Right now I am looking at just using a .125" or .15" spacer to lay them out on some masking tape, but a printed template would seem more elegant.
XtrakCAD will print ties on a track plan but they are not really suitable for this purpose i am thinking.
Switch Machine Motors
I need to replace about 12 Atlas switch machines in my staging yards. The cost of Tortoise machines is prohibitive so in looking around for alternatives I came across this site:http://www.dynalloy.com/index.html#Scene_1. It seems that reliable machines could be constructed for pennies but I'm fuzzy on voltages, mechanics etc. Any thoughts?
NCE Power Pro or Digitrax Super Chief???
Been in HO for 30+ years and slowly learning DCC. Old dog, new tricks etc. Have a zephry for temporary layout but getting reading for larger layout and will need a wireless DCC system. Will use hand throws whereever possible on switches. Want something "simple and easy" to use. I'm not into a lot of sophisticated programming or computer interfaces. Just operation of locos, consists, some speed adjustments etc. Would like some info from those in the know as to plusses and minuses to consider for each system. Thanks!
Code 83 and 70 track
I thought to put code 70 track in my yard and sidings and 83 on the mainline. One problem is the difficulty in finding Code 70 turnout. Not only that, it costs a lot more to get then than code 83. In fact, I haven't even seen anyone advertise No. 4 turnouts in Code 70. I thought to use that type on the yard and sidings.
Here are my questions:
Atlas GP38 sound decoder question
Hi all!
Has anyone out there installed sound in an Atlas GP38 (Silver Series) recently? My dealer has closed out all his Soundtraxx LC series decoders and when I purchased a Tsunami for my E8, he made me a deal I could not refuse on his last 2nd Generation EMD LC Series decoder ($40 bucks!) I've installed the Tsunami in the E, and yes, it is sweeeeeet, but there seems to be barely any room in the Geep for sound. The decoder itself fits where the factory dual purpose decoder fits, but where to fit the speaker, and what size to use?
Any ideas?
Thanks for looking!
Sound Decoders For Electric Engines?
Anyone know of sound decoders for electric engines, i.e. AEM-7 and a GG-1? Looking to add some lighting effects to them as well.
I just got a Fast Tracks jig
I just got a #8 fast tracks jig. I have so many #8 code 83 turnouts to build for the peninsula on the BC&SJ that I though the cost of the jig would be amortized enough (about 40 of 'em).
Nearly all the turnouts on the Bare Creek are scratch built but with so many to build for the main yard and staging areas I thought I'd stick my toe in the water and gamble the jig cost that they'll help me build better turnouts faster.
I won't be able to get started on 'em right away, but real soon now.
Beginners and hand laying turnouts
I keep reading about handlaying turnouts and track. I don't think I want to handlay all my track but it seems to me that there is a lot of good arguments for hand laying ones turnouts. I'm hoping my fellow modelers can shed some light on this for me, maybe convince me to try it or at the worst convince me it is beyond my abilities.
Cost of Track
It appears Atlas is raising the price of their flex track. Again. My LHS tells me it's now $5.75 for a piece of flex! Did I misunderstand? If not then OUCH!
Charlie Comstock
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