What are the problems, if any, with having both DC and DCC on the active track at the same time?  I have run both at the same time and have left the DCC sitting and continue to run the DC.  Only a for less then 5 minutes do I let the DC unit sit while I run the 1 or 2 DCCs. 

Have read here -not a good idea to let the DC sit on active track, while running the DCC but one respondent said they never had a problem with letting the DC sit.   Any feedback would be appreciated.

HGC

I had not phrased my previous question correctly 'magnet couplers'  for Thomas cars.  Replies were so-so So I attempted and accomplished putting on #58 couplers on Thomas cars.  =remove present couplers saw and/file flat protrusion and a simple replacement with the kaydee couplers.  Correct height - all works fine.  Now I will be able to accomplish rearranging of Thomas Friends for different short runs.  [i am running on a prototypical HO track that many Brass Locomotives are running on. - [causing some consternation at times with the senior members}]

Reason I am doing this is:  I belong to a 'Train Club' and we are open every sunday and a number of children come with their parents.  If I am about - I bring out Thomas and his friends just to run up and down the track by the glass protected isle where the young ones can just see track level.  They seem to enjoy and the parents always give me a thumbs up.  Makes for an enjoyable day for the small ones.

HGC

I choose not to wait till Bachmann restock their uncoupler [in a month or so] so instead I purchased several 'Totally Hidden Uncoupler'. Now these do not come with track or that little signal figure. 

Installation that I used was a section of straight track turned over and a coating of rubber cement on the underside of the plastic roadbed {let this air dry completely} - put the four magnets on the corners of the metal plate which is provided. Top the magnets with a touch of rubber cement. Once it is also dry place it on the bottom of the track.   Looking down from the top - rails - roadbed [underneath roadbed {hidden} four magnets and metal plate

I have found this seems to have a little more strength for the uncoupling.

hgcHO.

no text

Are there replacement couplers that work with magnets for Thomas and/or the cars?

HGC

There is a little shelter house that the brakeman could sit in and watch the train around curves.  This little house sat on the coal car.  The picture I have seen is, one on the coal car behind a 2-10-2. 

Has any one seen such and is there a model out there?

HGC

Excellent - purchase on my part, on the double uncoupling box car.

It works!   How it works on my simple DCC - I told Glenn what number button activated my engine [in my case, I used #5 that i had programmed on one of the two HO engines I originally got.  So all I need to do is if engine #5 is running, just press function button then button  3 for the back uncouple or #4 for the front uncouple. If running with another engine press #5 then the function as above. Once you have uncoupled pull away and press the same button again and close the couple {if you desire}. I am really enjoying my self.  As I much prefer working the switch yard then running the scenic route.   No wiring to do and up to four cars per engine and up to eight engines  with my Bachmann set up.  Other set ups the sky is the limit [WELL MAYBE THE POCKET BOOK AS DOUBLE UNCOUPLING CAR COSTS $70.00]  That may be the reason I have only one at the time being.  Using the uncoupling track from Backmann that come in the set adds to the fun - which is a little tedious at times but less expensive.  Much switching can be done.

Prior to the uncoupling I had purchase several E-Z Command DCC Turnouts which work off of the DCC Controller and up to eight turnouts.  Again no wiring.

I really did no research into DCC before I jumped in and purchased a Bachmann - 'Digital Commander Deluxe Set' HO - 0051.   [look around on net you can find some good prices] 

short history-
Now I was the helper and my Dad purchased, back in 1948, a Mantua Shifter which he put together and we then set up a 4 by 8 board and I really learned a lot about wiring turnouts and solenoids; using toggle switches. We even had a reverse loop [tricky wiring here but lots of fun.  Scenic work was never accomplished because Dad retired and we moved D.C. to California.  Never did set up the HO again and older brother got all the HO stuff except the Mantua Switcher.   yes, I intend to get it rolling again.

Hope that helps Redtail67. 

Any one who is interested here is the address of  the 'DCC Uncoupler"

http://www.dccuncoupling.com/

HGC

John R. Stilgoe, Robert and Lois Orchard Professor in the Faculty of Arts and Sciences and Harvard Graduate School of Design, predicts that trains will once again play a key role in shaping American life. Based on an analysis of real estate investment patterns along railroad corridors, Stilgoe predicts that trains will make an important comeback, and not only for long distances but also back for freight, mail and express packages.

Stilgoe's arguments are based on the increase of estate prices along railroad lines. According to him, investors are purchasing everything from derelict buildings to gravel plots, which can be easily transformed into parking lots when the time is right, and he expects the time will be right when there are 150 million more Americans (i.e., 2050). By then, no more land will be available for roads, and available roads will be full (see also: Europe). Not to mention that if these new railways can get speeds above 90mph, the notions of urban and extra-urban settlement will be altered. According to Stilgoe, motorists will switch cars to railroads because the more gasoline costs, the cheaper traveling by train becomes (although you should see how expensive is in London, UK). So is the train going to make a comeback in the U. S.? In some areas they already have. One successful example is the Rail Runner service in Albuquerque, N. M.

found on autoblog green

HGC

Can any one give general information on  Nickel Plate ?   I am being given a box car with # 16425 which is just a number but the history or background on Nickel Plate would be nice to know.

Thanks in advance

HGC

Why I am asking is I am getting a uncoupling car that works with Digitrax  F3 and F4 functions - will the Bachmann DCC system that I purchase in the two locomotive set work with the uncoupler? 

HGC

 Has any one tried this DCC Uncoupling?

Does any one have knowledge of this:

"http://www.dccuncoupling.com/"

works with the new E-Z Command and/or Dynamis® system?   Mr Bachman?

This appears very interesting and powerful from the sense of being able to drop a car where-ever.
 
HGC

Anybody with feedback on this?

HGC

 Does anybody make the old 1010?

The one that used to pull Death Valley Scotty private business car via the Santa Fe.

 When would one use 33" wheels and/or 36" wheels?

I have a choice on the EOT - 33 or 36?  What about the other cars?


HGC

Does anyone know of an 'End of Train Signal' that works off of DCC.  I am using the Commander system - simple test tack with three turn outs, one being spur, three different engines and head lights, but not sound as of yet - all work fine 

At present have an ENT that works with AA battery but was wondering if some company has one that uses track current?

Thanks - in advance.

HGC

I just installed 3 of these turnouts. 

Back in the late 40's installing solenoids with my Dad, was the high point for my little H O set up but now:

Nothing beats the control and ease of these Decoder-Equipped Turnouts.  I can just sit here and wonder and appreciate the advancement of technology.

Yes - I just got, less then a month ago, a Digital Commander Deluxe Set.  Now I having the most enjoyable time.