Track and electrical/DCC
Bowser Executive MLW 630 / Loksound V5 Grade Crossing and Ditch Light Programming
I got this locomotive a couple of weeks ago and generally love it. The paint is lovely, it sounds decent and runs really well. I often chased BCR trains along Highway 97 as a young guy running empty home in my pilot car (a college summer job that paid decent and got me on every highway in BC). The line became a favourite.
Decoder to replace DPDT turnout switch
I've been building my layout using Peco turnouts with Tortoise machines, where a DPDT toggle switch mounted on the fascia board powers each Tortoise from a 12 VDC accessory bus. The Tortoise in turn switches track polarity to the electro-frog. I'm still using DC track power with DC locos, but I plan to upgrade in coming months to DCC--I'll probably go with Digitrax & Loconet. The layout's electrical wiring is already "DCC-ready." Unfortunately I have zero experience with any kind of DCC equipment.
One stay alive for two decoders?
Is it possible to connect a single stay alive to two DCC decoders in the same locomotive?
For example, I am using a Tsunami2 decoder and want to add a TCS FL4 for additional lighting. I already have a TCS KA1 connected to the Tsunami. Space is at a premium, so I would like to use the same stay alive for both decoders if possible.
Thanks for the help,
Ryan
Central Valley Bridge Tie Strips vs ME Bridge Track
I need some bridge track for two bridges I'm building for my layout. The manufacturer recommended Micro-Engineering Bridge Track has anyone had success using CVT bridge ties with their own rail? Code 83 rail in my case.
Thanks,
Lou N
Mute when track power is turned on.
Just getting started with sound. Quick question for TSU2 sound decoders. Is there a way to have the locos on mute when you turn track power on? Even when I have F8 selected for all my TSU2 locos (8 of them). If I turn the track power off and then back on the sound come on for al of them. I would like them to all stay muted and then just turn on the sound for the locos I am using.
Daryl
Signals for a DC Layout
I am helping a friend finish his large, basement filling DC layout. He would like to have some simple block signals. He is a retired railroader and knows where they need to be placed to work with his operating scheme.
I have plans for my DCC layout but I don't know where to start on signals for DC. I'm thinking photo sensors for detection and standard Green, Yellow, Red signals with an option for a flashing yellow.
If someone could point to what kind of boards I need or a good source document I'd appreciate it.
making a double crossover with regular FT jig
Is it a reasonable proposition to build a double crossover using the regular turnout jig? There's obviously a crossing involved that is not accounted for. I have the regular set of FT tools, but now I've been asked to build a double crossover.
Gluing down track
I'm just about to start laying track and was wondering what folks use to glue track down. I know Ken Patterson recommends DAP Kwik Seal Plus but that seems to be hard to get here in Canada. What else do people use?
Chris
have you written custom software or used JMRI Panel Pro to control a layout?
i'm curious how many modelers have layouts using intelligent devices such as C/MRI or LCC nodes to control their layouts.
it seems to me it is difficult for a typical modeler to do so without a background in EE/firmware, having a friend that is or uses JMRI Panel Pro to do so. both the custom software and JMRI approaches seem challenging for someone without a good technical background (or a lot of patience)
i'm also interested in hearing about club having a custom control systems and if there is one or more people responsible for it
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