Track and electrical/DCC

tcrofton's picture

Hand laid track joining question

I'm planning on using hand laid code 83 track for my new HO layout. After reading a bunch I'm confused. I intend to create a lot of blocks and handmade turnouts.

I understand soldering curved rails before bending keeps them curving consistently.  Do I need to use rail joiners to solder on curves and do I need plastic joiners for blocks or can I just gap and maintain smooth joints? I like the proto87 style of gluing to tie plates but may just use micro spikes and some contact adhesive to attach to ties.

Clearance for a Rapido Railcrew switch machine?

Does anyone have a copy of the Rapido Railcrew switch machine instructions sheet?

I want to check whether I can use the Railcrew instead of a Tortoise for some specific install (small space/footprint so I need to double check clearances). Or if you have used one you can tell me how much space I should plan along side the track, say from the track centerline (HO scale).

Rail joiner tool

   Had a few spare minutes today so made a rail joiner tool for my S scale track Just a piece of code 100 rail bent to a comfortable angle and a piece of brass soldered on the bottom. The handle is carved wood with the rail driven into a drilled hole. A joiner is slipped on til it hits the brass stop then can be pushed onto the end of the rail being joined. Saves wear and tear on one's finger tips :>) ......DaveB

Alco_nut's picture

I think I killed a decoder

I have a NCE DASR decoder in an older Atlas RS1, it had been working fine, I cleaned the wheels and tested it and it responded the my  MRC Prodegy Advance. I was working with JMRI trying to read and write the decoder. Now the decoder does not respond to anything. I have a PB-100 in line with my program track, it was flashing green.

I disconnected the PB100 and JMRI. I tried to read it and run it with the MRC system but nothing. I tried a factory reset but still nothing. I checked another RS1 with the DASR it works ok. Any ideas, did I kill the decoder?

DCC for vintage HO Bachmann 4-4-0 UP

I've got what appears to be a vintage DC Bachmann HO 4-4-0 UP loco. The motor is in the tender. I see the newer models have placed the motor in the engine. So, how do I get a sound decoder in this loco? There doesn't seem to be enough room in the tender. Any ideas? Recommendations for a decoder?

Are Shinohara 3-Way Switches DCC Compatible?

I just picked up a NCE PowerCab this past weekend to be able to use and start testing DCC equipped locos (one of them being a Rapido Turbo train so I'd like to get a longer run.) that I've got in my roster.

On my current DC layout, I've got a N scale Shinohara 3-Way switch with all 3 diverging tracks (6 rails) being isolated from the 3-Way switch. Power is fed to the switch via rail joiners on the main.

Am I going to run into any shorting issues with the way it is currently wired for use with DCC?

joef's picture

MRH Media: Looking for modelers willing to document DCC installs

MRH Media is on the lookout for modelers able to do articles and videos about DCC installs.

We want DCC install articles, especially step-by-step ones, for our new low cost paid magazine, MRH Running Extra. You get paid for these articles, remember!

Sure could use some advice

Hello. Was hoping someone could give me some advice on Lionel 6-82013 Double Yard Light Towers. I purchased and installed eight towers on a model baseball stadium I tried to recreate from by childhood days back in Kansas City in the 60's. They were Plug in Play. I removed the Plug in Plays and wired therm into a 12 terminal block attached to a Z 500 Transformer. The light worked great for a month or so but then they began to have individual lights on 6 of the eight towers blink on and off.

Can you identify a decoder for me?

Hello!

I am not able to identify this decoder sent to me by a friend.  My only experience is working on my friend's railroad a few times, and he's hundreds of miles away.  He uses a mix of decoders.

I checked CV7 and it reads 31.  I checked CV8 and it reads 143.  However, I found that I could program them with whatever number I desired, which surprised me.

Painting roadbed and track

I model in N scale, and for better or worse (OK, it's what I have an ample supply of) most of my track will be Atlas code 80 flextrack laid on cork roadbed.  I'm wondering if anyone has recommendations on painting it?

Geof


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