Litchfield Station is cutting back DCC operations a lot. I got an email from them a few days ago. If you like their prices and products, better get over there.

They have a new EZ Command for $60.00. Don't know how many are left.

They are already out of the LokSound Micro decoders I use.

Once much of their stuff is gone, it is gone forever.

Lex

The newest issue is online for Windows, Linux and MAC PC's. Some of the articles include videos for those who have not looked into this.

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/magazine/mrh-2010-MarApr/legacy_download

For the Bach Man.

It would be nice if Bachmann can advertise in this online magazine because whether we like it or not, the technology is changing.

I would not be surprised to see some articles with people using Bachmann products. I have not looked that close yet.

Lex

I mentioned some months ago about this sound conversion. Here are a few photos of my second 44 ton sound install.
The decoder is installed at this point and the loco is running fine. The speaker installation is next. The speaker will fit inside the front part of the shell, firing downward. The wires will be pressed down and covered with Kapton tape like my first install. The wires are not seen with the shell installed.

My next one will be a 45 ton sound install as the 45 ton is available now.






Lex

Has anyone seen what the Bachmann factory Tsunami decoder installations look like? I have heard they are the shrink wrapped decoders and some say a PC board type decoders with no shrink wrap. So far, all I can find are opinions, no pictures of factory installations. I do know some people have bought the Bachmann with factory Tsunami. Just wondering. Thanks.

Lex

Only six days left. I think it is an HO kit. Not sure. cheap enough.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=110486986347

lex

A few weeks ago i had a spectrum two motor Ho 44 ton develop a cracked gear. I removed the decoder i had installed and got  it running on DC. I sent it back 1-7-2010.
The single motor version came in today. It will become a sound loco with  loksound decoder.
I will get the decoder/speaker combo at the Big E show the end of the month.
I followed the Bachmann instructions for returning the loco and they worked. Nice service.

Lex

I just contacted Dave at nwsl and he told me the HO Climax gears should be ready in a few weeks , then onto developing new gears for the ON30 Shay and Climax.
you all can contact Dave and also get on his mailing list.
I alway find it an advantage to go to the source rather than depend on opinions from forums.

lex

The below link might be good for those who do not like reading manuals. just a guess.

http://00200530.pdl.pscdn.net/002/00530/MRH04/DCC%20Shortcuts%20Card.pdf

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-rail3-2010jan03,0,27378.story

Lex

for those not aware of it, the big e train show jan 30 and 31. west springfield ma.

http://www.railroadhobbyshow.com/

the bach man is usually there.
in a couple weeks or so you can download documents to plan what you want to see and were they are located.
be aware, sometimes at the last minute, a location can change. there are always plenty of volunteers to help.
i only live a few minutes away. if it is really cold, dress warmly as the parking lot is big.
be aware also, there can be long lines for the atm. bring plenty of cash.

lex

watching them do some snow removal tonight on the weather channel. the rotary seems to be doing a little bobble. every so often they show a short clip.

lex

below is a follow up to the 16 locomotive finale that was removed from the forum recently. i thought this was a general discussion forum. i guess i am wrong.
i guess someone must have complained about it.
that one was 2008.

2009 parade is below. this is done in Poland every May.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wx-eo3yiVhQ

lex

i just picked up this loco. a little old. it has the horn hook couplers.
fairly good runner with some fine tuning.. pancake motor draws 290 ma at 11.3 volts dc.
one weak link is the driver pickup method.
below are some photos.



Bottom view



wipers



I found out with the john bull that corrosion can develop between the inside of the drivers, thin metal pickup strip and metal motor halves. cleaned all surfaces with q tips and alcohol. used a scratch brush to clean the surfaces. small drops of corrosion preventative between all pickup surfaces.
i put a drop or two of labelle 102 gear oil on the gears with a puff of labelle 134 and a small drop of labelle 108 oil on motor bearings.  runs quite well. Not as good as a can motor but I like the results for a cheap loco.
considering putting in a dz125 decoder.
lex

ok, i got it this time. was a fun project. you might have to turn up the volume. you can hear both engines start.

http://s912.photobucket.com/albums/ac323/lexonew/?action=view&current=MVI_0637.flv

lex

an old idea but new type of install. i have been using a track cleaning car with masonite slider for many years.
below is a link to the sample of the article and you can download the free pdf magazine.
the author uses a center line track cleaner in front of the slider boxcar.

http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/mrh2009-Q3/track_cleaning_car

click on  mrh issue3, july 2009 to download the complete magazine.

lex

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Steam-Locomotive-4-6-0-Canadian-Pacific-Winston-Link_W0QQitemZ200405468010QQcmdZViewItemQQptZOther_Vehicles_Everything_Else?hash=item2ea918c36a

lex

another project for those who have a overhead electric railroad. take a ho two motor 44 ton and turn it into a ge steeple cab.
http://www.rgspemkt.com/Parts-1.html
lex

anyone gets ambitious, rmc magazine nov 2008 has an article aabout installing sound in a ho 70 ton diesel.
you will have to try to find one that is not noisy.
lex

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/11/10/mbta_workers_honored_for_roles_in_averting_subway_accident/
someone was fortunate
lex

i found this recently. quite a monster. the video might not work for dial up.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1RJfnk2S330&feature=PlayList&p=DC726C6194912B16&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=104

the below should be ok for dial up.

walther's has a ho scale model.

http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/933-2966

imagine a ho layout with three of these like the video

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hulett

lex