From the photo I saw it's a manual turnout

Kevin

Never met I tool I didn't like.

Kevin

In another discussion, some comments were made regarding why some modellers prefer steam and others diesel.  So I thought this might be a nice discussion.  Some like steam because that's what they remember as a child........others never had the opportunity.  Growing up in Chicago in the 50's I don't recall ever seeing a steamer.  Then again my memory may have some gaps.   I got back in this hobby about a year and a half ago.  My first power was diesel. 2 F7's, 2 GP40's and a 70 tonner.  Once I started building the layout (and the 3 expansions) I realized that the structures I liked (and had room for) were from the "Golden Age of Rail".  Small freight stations, smaller passenger depots, ice facilities, feed lots and other small businesses that utilized rail for their goods.  They have a smaller footprint as compared to modern industries on the rail lines of today.  Back in the sixties RR's closed most of their smaller branch lines and got out of the LCL business and went to trucks and piggyback.  A steamer is the only thing that looks good spotting cars at the icing facility.  I now have 7 steamers. Life was so much simpler in those days but oh brother the work was harder.

Took a vote at the company board meeting and Me, Myself and I all voted  for steam. 

Kevin

Just as a matter of information...........the UK has a national  lottery.........some of those funds are earmarked for heritage preservation.  I'm sure the rest of the money comes from other sources.  Steam in the UK is becoming very popular.  They just don't only restore but actually build new.  I'll be going over there in the next year our 2 and am already making a list of which lines I want to visit.  There are some great narrow gauge lines.

Kevin

Hunt

So that's what was on those papers I filed away immediately after putting the locos on the track.

Kevin

hawaiiho,

I do believe that the OEM DCC On Board decoder is only address, lights, speed steps and direction were as the sound decoder has all the other functions.

Kevin

Stevedb,

Sound values are 0- 255

Kevin

Anyone with a Dynamis with the Pro Box that is thinking about adding the 5 amp booster......think again.  They are not compatible.  You lose Program track capabilities because that is the port that you use to run the DCC signal to the booster.  I think I have a wiring solution using a DPDT switch.  I post again if it works.   But you'll  only be able to use main track or program track...not both at the same time.  It would have been nice if Bachmann stated in the Dynamis manual that the Pro Box and Booster were not compatible with each other. 

And before anyone suggests calling the Service Dept..............been there...........done that. 

There has to be a way..............and...........I WILL FIND IT.

Kevin

Ronman

I noticed a lot of down force on the pilot truck.  Loco had trouble getting it's self and a caboose up a 3.7% grade. Took it off and bent the bracket a bit.  Now it pulls 2 tankers, a box car and a caboose up the grade at speed step 25.  I guess that pilot was lifting the drives up just enough to loose some traction.  Don't know if it will work for you but you have nothing to loose.

Mr. D

I was looking at how to add some weight but can't figure out how to get the boiler off. 

Kevin   

Ronman

Your not alone.  My new ALCO 4-6-0 is a little short on the pulling power.  My other 4-6-0 and  4-4-0 have twice the pulling power up a 3.7% grade.  It is what it is.  Now the ALCO S4 is another story.  Almost unstoppable.

Kevin

GD

Finally got over to Hobby Lobby.   THANK YOU ....THANK YOU.....THANK YOU.  They had lichen (called Raindeer Basil) for $5.99 a bag.  Woodland Scenic bag $10.99 for close to the same amount.  On top of that it was 50% off.  So I got $55 worth of lichen for $15.  Plus they had some moss mats, in a large bag, with material in it that would make great dead fall for (again $3). 
Hey GD........better give your wife a couple of those "THANK YOU'S" .  Also those bamboo skewers are great as uncoupling tool.  I bought 3 bags (300) of them for a dollar at one of the clearance stores.  They also make great log fences and retaining walls.
We're having fun now!!!!

Kevin 

BMZ

I think the mini water pump is probable used for small fountains.  Keep in mind that your 22" in the 1:1 world would be 159.5'.  That would take a huge pump .  Try a tile wet saw pump.  you can get one at Home Depot or other big box store.  You can control the flow by crimping the tubing with a clamp.  Some come with a flow control.

Kevin

KF

The Dynamis System shows point position.

Kevin

Have you looked in parts and service?

Make sure the IR unit on the top is plugged in completely with no bent prongs.  Also check your power supply with a volt meter to see if it is working.

Kevin