Quote from: jwoj69 on May 17, 2007, 12:23:07 AM
WITHOUT PROGRAMING, WHAT LIGHTING IS IT SETUP FOR? LIGHT BULB OR DIODE?
IF DIODE, DO I HAVE TO USE RESISTOR?

Any led that you wire up to a decoder will require a resistor or you will see a one-time imitation of a flashbulb.  There are a load of formulas(formulae?) out there to determine the proper value of the led, but I've found that ~750 ohm has done just fine for me.

Mike

Quote from: sully14 on May 16, 2007, 12:12:12 AM
Well, since I got that first pic to post, here are a couple more shots of her. Still have to wash the grills on the sides, and get a set of horns for it. I also had to rebuild one side of the pilot. Sully

Nice job... especially for a first attempt!  A little wash to tone down the grillwork and you'll have one to be proud of.

Mike

Quote from: the Bach-man on May 05, 2007, 11:24:04 PM
Dear Mike,
Check this out:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/Bachman%20N%20scale%202-8-0/bachman_n_scale_2_8_0.htm
Have fun!
the Bach-man

Really interesting... just match the colors on the wires.  The same procedure as this site:
http://mvns.railfan.net/dcc//bach280_dec_inst.pdf

I, however feel the need to thank whomever at Bachmann that decided  to switch the motor wire colors to those that are on my engine:


It is such a thrill for this old man to see his new steamer head off in the wrong direction!

Mike

Quote from: conradin on May 07, 2007, 12:12:04 AM
I am still new to the hobby.  I read from this board and people mentioned rapido couplers, dummy knuckle couplers, MT couplers, magnetic couplers, etc etc etc.

I am totally confused.  My trains came from the basic train sets..so I have no idea what sort of couplers people are talking about.

Can anyone please be so kind as to post pictures of different type of couplers?

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u293/fieromike/couplers-1.jpg
Not the best photo, but l to r:  Dummy knuckle coupler(s), Truck mounted Micro-trains coupler, Micro-trains coupler for body mounting.  Most all of the knuckle type couplers will mate with one another, but not all will uncouple automatically.

Mike

Quote from: nrnr on May 06, 2007, 01:09:29 AM
The Atlas freight cars (N-scale) seem to be really interesting and I think they have more variety. However, in the pictures I saw on the internet - they have a different kind of coupler than Bachmann.
Would highly appreciate if someone could tell me how to couple the Atlas cars with the Bachmann freight cars I already own? Do I need to replace the Atlas trucks with the coupler mounted trucks of Bachmann or is there some other way?   

Bachmann uses the Rapido type of coupler that was the standard n scale coupler for many years. 
Atlas has recently started using an Accumate licensed knuckle type coupler that was originated (in n scale) by Micro-Trains.  This type coupler is fast becoming the default coupler due to its more prototypical appearance and better operating qualities. 
Rather than switching any new cars to the Rapido type coupler, consider switching your existing roster to the knuckle type... you won't be sorry.
In the meantime, you can use a 'transition' car with a Rapido on one end and a knuckle on the other.  That would allow you to use both types of coupler in one train.

Mike

Not really the answer I was hoping for, but now I have an answer.


Thanks, Mike

I'm seriously thinking about buying a recent 2-8-0 to run on a tourist operation.  The advertising says it is "DCC ready", but how ready is it?  Is it like the new J that has a PCB to solder the decoder wires to, or does it require disassembling the loco and rewiring the whole thing like the older Consols?
Bach-man?

Mike