Quote from: DAVE2744 on February 21, 2015, 08:53:12 PM
Hunt - I knew Gieco could save me 15%, but I did not know DCS51 had read/write problems.  Thank you for the information.  I will certainly get it touch with them.  Dave

I've used a D'trax Zephyr for 11 years and have never had a read/write problem with it.
I use a dedicated programming track for initial settings and fine tune if required by using POM.
This on a layout roughly 12' x 14' with a large center peninsula.

Gus.

Need a little more info...Was it just the pilot truck that derailed first and cause the main drivers to jump off the track..??..??  In my experience, B'mann pilot trucks will jump off the track at the slightest unevenness of the track or going through turnouts.  I fixed mine by gluing a small weight on top of the truck.

Gus,

I purchased my files from Harbor Freight (online) several years back...

http://www.harborfreight.com/12-piece-needle-file-set-468.html

Gus.

Quote from: Irbricksceo on February 14, 2015, 10:54:19 AM
So I should file the inside of the point, thinning the rail?.

Not sure what you mean by "inside of the point".  You should file the face that does NOT come into contact with the outer rails.

Gus.

I agree with Len's advice.
Personally, I wouldn't stand for the cacophony of sound coming from 2 or three engines huffing 'n puffing...
My solution was to buy a "steam sounds" CD just for background "ambiance".

I'm perfectly satisfied with just the "clickety/clack" of the wheels on the track...

Gus.

"Snap" switches are notorious for their questionable performance.
Jward's advice of filing the points is the best solution. The points should be almost razor-sharp to prevent "jumping" of the pilot/trailing wheels.
If you don't have a set of jeweler's files, get one.  You'll be glad you did...

Gus.

Quote from: AGSB on February 12, 2015, 01:05:01 PM

Quote from: kdgrant6 on February 12, 2015, 12:22:45 PM
Trackman Ed is running DCC only, I assume. Is a gap or an insulated joiner even needed?  Just wondering.

Doesn't matter if it's DC or DCC, if you want to isolate the section of track you need the gap and switch. Using an insulated rail joiner is, technically, not required but is a best practice. Changes in temp could cause expansion in the track and close the gap if the joiner is not there.

DCC engines are always powered, even if not selected by the controller. They are sitting, waiting for a command from the controller to the decoder to do something. This eats away at power available to other engines running on the layout, specially if they are sound equipped.

I agree...All my storage tracks, whether dedicated for engines only (roundhouse), or common yard or sidings, are able to be turned off.  No sense in having engines sitting idly and being powered for long periods of time.

Gus.

Quote from: jbrock27 on February 07, 2015, 07:25:12 PM
In case you are still looking or have to look again, I saw that plastic safe, Teflon reel grease in K Mart today for $2.99.

Thanks JB....But, as I mentioned in the original thread, I did find my original grease tube a few days ago.

Gus.

Quote from: jbrock27 on February 07, 2015, 07:03:13 AM
The adds also refer to metal and plastic "fishplates".  I can remember a time when joiners and fishplates were terms used interchangeably to describe the same thing, rail joiners.

The only "fishplates" I'm familiar with are the ones served at my favorite fish restaurant...
Rail joiners..??  I've got over 100 in my layout....

Gus.

For whatever it's worth...When I run my trains, I think to myself - "Gotta line up the switches for track three". Or something along those lines...

Gus.

Once you start connecting the feeders to the bus, check, after EVERY connection that the system works.  It's no fun having to track down a short circuit once you have finished connecting all of them, only to find that it doesn't work...
It takes a bit longer, but once you are finished, you'll have a functioning layout.

Gus.

Quote from: electrical whiz kid on February 03, 2015, 01:36:42 PM
Gus;
I had been told (by someone who knows better than me) that the turnout is a term for the whole assemblage.  The "switch" is the device that actually directs the travel to one convergence or another; the mechanism is, of course, that part which is actuated, either by hand, electric, or any of several other means.
SGT C.

So...Like I said, turnout is the proper name for this device...

Gus.

The number of the turnout (the wye is a turnout) indicates the "sharpness" of the diverging route.  These numbers are inversely proportional.Thus, a #4 switch is "sharper" than a #5. A #5 is sharper than a #6, and so on.
The proper name for these is "turnout", but "switch" has been used for so long that I doubt it will ever change.
Hope this helps.

Gus.

What system are you trying to run it with..?? DC (analog) or DCC..??  If DC, analog operation should be enabled in CV29.  If DCC the default address is #3, which you should select (dial in) in your command station. 
If it doesn't run in either of these conditions, you've got a defective loco or command system.

Gus.

If you are using D'trax as your control system, here's the link to the Yahoo user group (copy and paste in your browser's address bar.)  Lots of good advice there.

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/Digitrax/files/Electronic%20DCC%20Projects%20for%20the%20Hobbyist

Gus.