Quote from: Trainman203 on May 07, 2019, 07:58:25 AM
What's JMRI?  It assumes you have a PC and have/enjoy computer skills.  I have neither.  Cv's really aren't so hard to do that you need a machine to do them for you.

JMRI is a downloadable program for programming all CVs, including those not available on Bachmann decoders.  I do not think it is compatible with Bachmann's Easy DCC control, entry level system but is compatible with the more advanced DCC control systems, NCE and Digitrax for example.
There are many more CVs available than the ones on the Bachmann decoders.  

Whats a CV?  (Joking)

I use JMRI to program all my locos.  You do not have to know what the CVs are.  JMRI does all that for you.

We generally do not use the Bachmann model number of that is what you are referring to?

For steam we'd say a 2-8-0 or a 2-6-0  or a 4-8-4.

For diesels, we refer to the manufacturer's model type.  GP38, GP7, RS-2, F7 or FA-2.  Is that what you are looking for?

Going to the Bachmann catalogue on line may help you as they have photos.

As I do not think Bachmann stock Spectrum parts, your easiest way to replace the pilot (Correct name for "Cowcatcher" is to Google something like "HO scale steam loco pilot."   Failing that, you could quite easily make a "switcher" pilot, one with stepboards, from styrene.  They were frequently used on engines assigned to way freight service.

Try here http://www.bowser-trains.com/history/hocalscalesteam.html

You have to scroll down, section 'P', I think

Best of luck.

Quote from: Trainman203 on February 04, 2019, 08:03:12 AM
Roger it looks like the same hoo-doo that hexes the New Orleans Saints has laid a zodiac bad vibe on the Great Eastern.  I had some bad luck with 3 DCC decapods and ruined them trying to remotor them, milling the frame to take the new motor.  This turned out to be unnecessary since the motor control CVs were the real problem.  I've since bought 5 more, 2 DCC/Sound from the LHS and 3 DC only from eBay.  I shopped carefully and got 3 NIB undec all well under $100 each.  And they all run like clocks, crawl like ants.  My suggestion, if you really want decapods, is to try the eBay route and keep the crippled ones for parts .  You'll get extra tenders too, to put behind a 2-8-0 and change its countenance completely.

Good ideas.

Thanks

Quote from: Trainman203 on January 31, 2019, 11:50:01 AM
What are the issues, Roger?  Maybe I can help.  Mine are all ticking like clocks.

No. 1)   The gears no longer engage.  The engine can free wheel.  I believe this was an early production run issue where the cast metal smokebox saddle was a shade too high.  I believe the fix is to disassemble the loco, not an easy task with the 2-10-0, and lightly file the smokebox saddle down, taking care not to get metal flakes int to rest of the chassis.

No. 2)  I believe (hope) this is a detached wire to the motor.  Again, required the loco to be disassembled.

No. 3)   This is in a box as it's not required on the layout as yet.  Can't recall what's wrong with it.

On the old DC layout, back in 2010, they all ran fine.  The issues only stared after I moved and built the new, DCC, layout.  Though of course, these issues have nothing to do with DCC.

I have had issues with my two 2-6-0s.  The crank pin got lost on one of them and the other the DCC decoder gave up the ghost.  From the two I have made one that works.  I've contacted Bachmann and asked them if I could just send back the chassis for both loco and tender and keep the bodies as they have custom decals, weathering and details add.  They kindly said that was acceptable.   

Quote from: Trainman203 on January 28, 2019, 10:08:12 AM
I've been waiting a very long time.  Don't hold your breath.  The decapod needs some re-engineering before coming out again.  Hopefully if and when it happens it won't have molded on details.😡🤬

There are plenty on the secondary market though, check the online auctions.  Most are DC only though.  I've gotten 4 like that and all seem to run fine if you buy with care.  One of those I've put a Tsunami2-2 in , and it operates beyond spectacular with specialized CV settings.

I have three Spectrum 2-10-0s.  All are out of service due to various issues.

Quote from: VTBob on January 19, 2019, 09:52:50 AM
Small accuracy? The Flying Scotsman (A3 class) is a Pacific (4-6-2) & is still in the LNER paint scheme.

VTBob

Yes, it would have been a much better choice for the movie than an ex GWR Hall 4-6-0. 

From the useless information file.

The model is an ex GWT (Great Western Railway) Hall class 4-6-0.  A class of locomotive that never ran out of Kings Cross station and never, outside of fan trips, operated north of Kings Cross on ex LNER metals,  The class spent their working lives operating train out of Paddington to the southwest of England.  And were always painted GWR green, never LMS red.  :-)   
 
The loco should have been an ex LNER (London North Eastern Railway) locomotive.  There are several still in working, the "Flying Scotsman" for example.  But, I guess, one wasn't available when they shot the movies.  :-(

Ah well,  since when have movies and TV shows been known for accuracy?   Look at "The Big Bang Theory".  Sheldon, the big train fan, doesn't know the difference between Alcoa and Alco.  :-) 

Cheers.

Roger T.

How about Spectrum steam?

Cheers.
Roger T.

Thanks you all for your comments.

Cheers

What do people think of the Spectrum 2-10-0?

Sound or DC, doesn't matter which.

Any known issues?

Cheers

Quote from: sfrisiello on November 18, 2018, 06:56:30 PM
Hi,
I also have an 0-6-0 that is supposed to smoke but doesn't.  It's brand new.  Doesn't anyone have any advice??

Leave it alone.

1)  North American smoke units look about as realistic as if someone has stuck a cigarette down the stack.

2)  The oils from the smoke dirties your track.

Cheers.

Roger T.

Montreal.  Where two feet of snow overnight is no excuse for being late for work in the morning.

Where the morning temperature can be around -40C (About the same in F) and when you drive away, your tires have flat spots until the tires warm up.

Toronto.  Six inches of snow and they all go home home from work because of the "heavy" snow fall.  :-) 

Victoria.  Where two inches of snow shuts the city down.  :-)

It's all relative.

Cheers

Roger T.

Quote from: jonathan on October 05, 2018, 07:03:21 AM
Your Bachmann 2-6-2 Prairie is, in reality, a USRA 0-6-0 with added lead and trailing trucks.  If it were me, I would remove the lead and trailing trucks and be done with them.  The locomotive will look more like the prototype and solve the jumping switch problem.  I have done this to a 2-6-2 I have.  It is now much happier as an 0-6-0.

Regards,

Jonathan

Jonathan is correct.  It's just the Bachmann 0-6-0 yard switcher with leading and trailing trucks add to make it into a faux 2-6-2.   It's not based on any prototype.

Cheers.