Quote from: jbrock27 on December 04, 2015, 08:32:19 PM

Quote from: Flare on December 04, 2015, 01:06:11 PM
I don't bother, I clip off one side of the plastic insulating joiners instead.

Quote from: Flare on December 03, 2015, 12:14:37 AM
Pliers work quite well, but you need to use a lot of force and sometimes the track gets damaged when the joiner finally gives.  I've pulled a few rails completely off the ties when removing joiners, that's why I clip them off now.

Ok, you've lost me ???  Looks like in one instance you are stating your clip off the metal rail joiners instead of using pliers to keep from damaging the rails, then you reply about working on insulated rail joiners...?  Help us out here.

Thanks.

I do both: I remove the protruding part of the metal joiner and leave the rest attached to the rail.  I then use a plastic joiner to ensure the two rails don't touch, cutting off one side because the plastic joiner can't go over what remains of the metal one.

I apologize for the confusion.

You don't HAVE to use DCC control for Bachmann's DCC-equipped trolleys/locomotives.  The decoders automatically switch to 'analog mode' when controlled by DC controllers like the ones included with auto-reverse sets.

Bachmann auto-reversing track has additional wiring underneath it that is designed for use with an auto-reversing controller included with auto-reversing starter sets (which use DC, not DCC) to power trolleys and locomotives.  Bachmann also uses Dual-Mode DCC modules that are compatible with DC operations.


The 'DCC Reverse loop module' is designed to allow a DCC-controlled train to travel through a loopback track without shorting out.  It is not meant for end-to end operation.

You are correct, the DCC decoders installed in your locos run in 'analog mode' when operated on DC layouts without having to change anything.

Quote from: jbrock27 on December 03, 2015, 08:46:47 PM
If the rails get bent you can forget it, time to toss it.  So, Flare Gun, after you "clip them" how do you get the remaining part of the joiner off the rail?

I don't bother, I clip off one side of the plastic insulating joiners instead.  Doesn't bend or pull the rails nor damage the plastic spikes holding them in position.

Works great for my layout.

Thank you very much.   :D

Pliers work quite well, but you need to use a lot of force and sometimes the track gets damaged when the joiner finally gives.

I've pulled a few rails completely off the ties when removing joiners, that's why I clip them off now.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,23566.0.html

So I was reading the documentation that came with my new locomotive, and it says the warranty will be voided if I don't lubricate and maintain the thing properly.  However, there were no instructions regarding what kind of oil to use, which parts need it, nor how often to apply the oil.  I didn't see any mention of what else was implied by 'maintenance' either.


I assume On30 needs only 'Light gear oil' and 'Conductive contact lube', right?   Will taking my locomotive apart to access the gears void the warranty?


Is there any other maintenance I should know about?

I'm running a DCC loop-to-loop layout, but instead of gap tracks I clipped off the four metal joiners leading into the
loop and used plastic insulating rail joiners in their place. (Which are also clipped because one side can't go over what remains of the metal joiners.)


I don't believe Bachmann makes curved gapped tracks (If that's what you meant by 18") But you COULD use a pair of 9" gap tracks within each loop if you don't want to use rerailing terminal tracks, each straight gapped track has two connecting terminals underneath them.

http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=879_604_782_783&products_id=2495

http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image_additional&pID=2495&pic=2&products_image_large_additional=images/HO_Scale/44597_03.jpg


You can also connect a single reverse loop module to both loops, the system won't care so long as you're only running one train.  ;)

What kind of help are you looking for?

Do you need assistance getting them running?

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/references.php

On this page, scrolling almost halfway down, you'll find the PDF versions of the Big Haulers instruction manual and the exploded view part diagrams for your Shay.

I want to have a 0-4-0 porter with a headlight (and its supports) from a 0-4-2.

I imagine the easiest way to accomplish this is to swap the cabs and footplates between the two models, but how much disassembly is involved?  Do I just have to remove the wheels and a few screws?


I assume it's easier than putting a replacement 0-4-2 boiler assembly on a 0-4-0, right?

Quote from: No mo HO on November 23, 2015, 09:38:09 PM
So assuming I can get the joiners off WITHOUT pulling of the rail as well, can I then just plug  everything else in as usual.  No wiring, soldering, or stuff like that?

That's right, the auto-reversers are 'plug and play' when installed between a pair of terminal tracks.

If you're worried about the rails coming off, you might try holding the rail directly with a pair of pliers as you pull the joiner with your other hand.

Quote from: No mo HO on November 23, 2015, 03:44:29 PM
Is it safe to assume that using part number 44897, and cutting the rails, very VERY scary, and using the reverse loop modules, I can create a reverse loop for my N scale DCC layout?

Rather than cutting, I would remove the joiners and replace them with insulated plastic ones.

That's what I'm doing with my HO layout's reverse loops.