Rick
Thanks again
We started with a 4x8 layout then went to a 8x8 and I am now making the final layout that takes the 8x8 layout and splits them and making it a horse shoe style. This was my original plan but the wife said no.  But little by little she allowed my son and i to make it larger.  Now we can have a train yard, Mountains and all sorts of fun stuff.

So of course we need a more advanced system for all the trains, switches and stuff.

Rick
I am just returning the sound card to MRC. I hope it all goes well. 
I am curious what you think about the Russian Decapod?  Does it run well on the recommended 22".  Have you tried it on 18"?  I am thinking of getting one.
Robert

Rick

Wow Thanks on the info.  That was great!

Robert

Hi everyone
I have made the decision to upgrade my Controller system and am interested in the Dynamis Wireless Controller 36505 system.  I searched for past articles on it and it was very helpful . But what I am looking for is the people who have it or know about it, what do they think of it.  I have read over the information and it seems what I am looking for.
I am looking at other manufactures as well.  But I am partial to Bachmann.
What I am looking for is:
The capability of multiple controllers (One for me and one for my son)
The Capability of programing CV's ( I cannot do that now)
Eventual ability to upgrade to use a PC to run the trains.
Programing Train routes ( I do not think This system can do that though )

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Robert

Well I went to the Hobby shop and they could not figure it out.  So I called MRC and they are going to try and fix it or repair it. Now after reading the code of conduct I am going to say this part will be made in general.  I was suprised to see that I need to pay postage both ways. 

Thanks everyone
I go to the Hobby Shop tomorrow. This is one of the reason I like to buy locally. I do also shop on line too. But I do lice the personal service. I will post my results.
Robert

daylight
I bought my DCC switches on eBay at a great price from "thefavoritespot" seller.  it was the only way I could afford to do it.
44135 $36
44136 $36
44137 $46
44138 $46
No I do not work for him but I do buy all of my engines and track from him.  I live just down the street from him so i do not pay for shipping 

Hi
I just installed the MRC Sound decoder Model #1639 (from my local Hobby shop) in my Bachmann DCC ready steam engine. It was a simple install jut plug it in an go. It worked great for a week and then it stopped working.

Now here is the odd part.  It will make some sounds.  But it will not Chuff, make the whistle or the bell.  But everything else works i.e.
F3 Air release
F4 Coupling
F5 Brake squeal
F6 Conductor
F7 Fire box door open/close
F8 Air pump
F9 Associated loco sound
I cannot use
F1 Bell On/Off
F2 Whistle

I am using a Bachmann EZ Command with F1-F10 only. So F12 which is Turning off the chuff sound I think I cannot do.

Lastly  I curious what people think of MRC in general.  The web site is awefull. However I only paid 85 for this DCC/decoder and only 36 for the 1666 (Sound only) and they sound good.

Thanks for everones input.

Robert

PS I know my Hobby guy Paul (Angelohobbies in Haltom City TX) will let me exchange it since it is only 2 wks old.

I too will put my good word for "The Favoritespot" too.  I buy a lot from him and he is just up the street from me too!  I do have the passenger cars "NYC" and paid $15 a piece.
Robert

I have that type of engine on my Bachmann Amtrak Engine. I am trying to rebuild it.  The engine has 3 drive wheels on it. I agree it is an dreadful engine but i cannot find a replacement Amtrack engine out there yet.
You folks say that this engine is still being used?
I wonder if it is available in 6 wheel drive?

Bob
I wanted to say thanks for the advice on doing this upgrade. I decided to try one out and it came out great! Now I have now done about 10 so far I have had very good luck.  I may want to make a little Youtube video on it one day.  Thanks again! Next are some older engines that I would love to make them "new" again.
Robert

Jim
Thanks for the great input. As for the damage it melted part of the plastic on the engine.
I would love to see a video on Youtube that shows how to give and engine a maintenance checkup.  I have read the advice and handout stuff on doing the maintenance but I am a visual person. Though I am now getting rather good at converting my old stock to the new Knuckle couplers! I was think of making a littel video on that to help other too. I need to also thank Yampa Bob on his advice too! Again Jim Thanks! You might see that I have a lot of questions as I am home sick with Pneumonia and cannot do very much this week.
Robert

Hi again
Trying not getting too technical here but when I run a DC engine new or old on my Bachmann EZ Command (then one that allows me to run 1 DC engine at a time) after the engine comes to a stop it still sounds like the motor is running (still getting power). It almost sounds like the actually running at idle like a real engine. Yes I know that not possible.  It this a by product of running it in this mode meaning a DC engine on a DCC system. Now the question is can it be fixed.

Can you retrofit an older engine to DCC? I like some of my old engines and would love to keep them running.

I did notice that the newer DC engines i run do not seem to get as overheated as the ones from I got as a kid that would be 30 yrs ago. I unfortunately have slightly damaged one DC engine already.

Thanks for any input.

Robert

To: Johnson Bar Jeff
Wow what a great website! Thanks.

To: Jim 
The Athearn has a lot of  great into too! Thanks

To: Rustyrails:  eBay has been good too.  I wish people would categorize them a bit.  However sometimes you can find some great deals when people just put in the title "Used train stuff" if you look hard you will find some good stuff and save some money too!

I just found one engine on eBay that is Old stock and never used but the road name is Santa Fe. It is cheap it under $10 now I may but is and part the old stuff on the new. I will call that one a kinda refurb As it would mostly be new with a few old pieces on it.
Thanks you guys
Robert