I'm using a Digitrax Super Chief with a Bachmman decoder that came with the Digital commander set. The only thing I had to do so far was use a 1K resistor on the programming track.  I haven't noticed any erratic or jerky operation.  Yes I would get Digitrax again, mainly because of the recommendation from the people here and that is whats used in my area.

Les

I forgot to ask if you where using a programming track or not,    I use a programming track for addressing, if you are using the main line I'm not sure if the resistor will work.  Hopefully someone else will jump in.

Les

I'm not to familiar with MRC system, but what I have found out using the Digitrax Super Chief system that a 1000 Ohm resistor is needed across the rails to provide more current to the decoder for programming.  Hope this helps, I'm sure others will chime in with more suggestions.

Les

Please post -a-way, I could use all the help and ideas for the up coming layout. 

Les

Here's my alternatives to the Weller. 




Les

Quote from: pdlethbridge on June 11, 2010, 06:43:38 PM
Is mine a little over the top?  It gets the job done but is real tricky on the small stuff.

Just a tad , it works great for building metal bench work. 

Quote from: CNE Runner on June 12, 2010, 09:05:15 AM
It took me six months of saving, but I bought this induction soldering station and love it. While it is pricey, it does an outstanding job of soldering track, wires and brass.

Ray

Nice set-up.    I'm using a Weller EC-2000 with a 1/8 and 1/16 chisel tip, and a Weller D-550 Soldering gun for the bus wire.

Les

I would of put her out on her CAN years ago if it wasn't for the grand kids,  unfortunately there the one's that gets the short end of the stick and I don't feel they should pay for there mother's problems and be deprived of what kids should have.

Well back on a Train note:  I just ordered Micro-Marks Deluxe HO gauge track laying set, there flush cut rail nippers, and HO track inspection car.

http://www.micromark.com/DELUXE-HO-GAUGE-TRACK-LAYING-SET,9536.html
http://www.micromark.com/FLUSH-CUT-RAIL-NIPPER,7041.html
http://www.micromark.com/HO-TRACK-INSPECTION-CAR-WITH-METAL-WHEELS,8025.html

Along with other stuff I'm eventually going to need, like there Push Hammer(15262), Trip pin bending pliers(80600), Scratch brush(82466A), Miniature pry bar(81576), HO truck tuner(82838), Soft touch cradle(80784), Fine micro-brushes(83170).  I really like there flush cut rail nippers because of the handles, I just don't have the strength any more in my hands after my Stroke.  Now all I need to get is the track materials to actually do the track laying, and that's where it get expensive, good thing I'm going to be doing it in sections.       

EDIT: added materials list.

Here is the list of materials for the track, turnouts and other, keep in mind that the curved sectional track is going to be flex track, and it's been added to the total amount of flex track needed.   

XTrackCAD Parts List
AtlasPeco10x6code 83
Sat Jun 05 08:16:43 2010

Count | Description
------+------------------------------------------------------
    3 | Atlas 512/532 C83 18" 30D Curve
   22 | Atlas 513/535 C83 22" 22.5D Curve
    4 | Atlas 522 C83 3" Straight
    6 | Atlas 525 C83 2.0" Straight
    3 | Atlas 533 C83 18" 15D Curve
    2 | Atlas 534 C83 18" 10D Curve
   20 | Atlas 536 C83 24" 22.5D Curve
    3 | Atlas 537 C83 22" 7.5D Curve
    9 | PECO Code 83 SL-8351/SLE-8351 #5 Right Hand Turnout
    5 | PECO Code 83 SL-8352/SLE-8352 #5 Left Hand Turnout
    2 | PECO Code 83 SL-8361/SLE-8361 #6 Right Hand Turnout
    6 | PECO Code 83 SL-8362/SLE-8362 #6 Left Hand Turnout
    2 | PECO Code 83 SL-8381/SLE-8381 #8 Right Hand Turnout
    3 | PECO Code 83 SL-8382/SLE-8382 #8 Left Hand Turnout
    1 | PECO Code 83 SL-838X/SLE-838X #4 WYE Turnout
    1 | Walthers 933-2829 130' Turn Table
    1 | Walthers 933-2900 Modern Roundhouse
    1 | Walthers 933-2901 Modern Roundhouse Add-on Stalls
    1 | Walthers 933-2902 Machine Shop
    1 | Walthers 933-3006b Interstate Fuel & Oil, Office
    1 | Walthers 933-3016 Allied Rail Rebuilders
    1 | Walthers 933-3025 Northern Light & Power, Substation
    1 | Walthers 933-3027a ADM Scalehouse
    1 | Walthers 933-3027b ADM Rail Car Scale
    1 | Walthers 933-3039 Backshop
    1 | Walthers 933-3043 Steel Water Tower
    1 | Walthers 933-3102 Overhead Traveling Crane
   42 | 1537 HO Flex Track                               
------+------------------------------------------------------
Thanks
Les

They do get the smallest portions, butt they do it all day long. 

Les

Thanks for the suggestion, but unfortunately I don't think there leaving any time soon. 

Les

Don:

Yes you are correct, I would love to have a layout where it could be along a wall, but at this time it would be impractical.  The room I'm using is the garage and all the walls have heavy steel cabinets with welded shelving on top of them so moving is imposable, the layout is going to be on rollers so it can be moved around when I need the space, but for the most part it will stay in the open, my ultimate goal is to build a layout in one of the spare rooms in the house, once the step daughter and grand kids move out (I hope).       

Les

The right curve on the turntable is 18" at the moment, but when I lay the flex track I'm going to try an make it a nice smooth arc, I went ahead and added 3" straight's between opposing curves on each track in the lower right side. 

Les

I took your guys suggestion's and a special thanks to pdlethbridge on the turntable idea, which I do like it better this way.  Keep in mind the parallel tracking is going to be set-up with a parallel track gauge, so that should give the proper spacing between the tracks.

I'm also going to take an earlier suggestion from ryeguyisme from one of my other post's,  about not gluing the roundhouse roof down so to gain easier access to the tracks inside, will probably do that for all the building with tracks. 

I'm not sure how many insulated joints I'm going to need, I know that there needed to separate the four Power Distribution blocks.  I also don't see any reverse loops that I need to worry about.   



Here is a link to a bigger layout diagram that shows it in better detail.

http://members.cox.net/lescar/content/AtlasPeco10x6Code83Big02.JPG

Keep the comments and suggestions coming. 

Thanks
Les

Thanks for the reply pdlethbridge

I'll play around with the idea in XTrkCAD (kinda like it) may work out even better,  also just to let you know, I plan on having access from all around the layout.  If I come up with a plan I like I'll post it to get your guys opinion.   

Thanks again for the suggestion. 
Les

Joe and Don:  Thanks for the reply's

when I do lay the flex track, I'll be using a parallel track tool, should that give enough clearance between the tracks.  On the possible S-curve problem, on the main lines there going to be #8's with at least a 2" straight in between, will that be O.K..  When your talking about reach from the top, I'm assuming that is for the turntable area, for the access to the turntable is going to be 18" or better using the parallel track tool, will that handle most engines.

Thanks again for the suggestions.
Les

This time I've changed track styles, now everything is mostly flex track and Pico insulated swithches with some sectional track throwin in, (Sorry Bachmman, EZ-track wouldn't do what I wanted).  The two main lines are now  24" and 22" with 18" on the inside of the double loops, I've also add power districts, inulated connections, roads,parking lots, along with other data.

I have been doing a lot of reading about laying Flex track and like the idea of less connections and soldering the joints, and will be ordering the layout tools to do it the right way the first time.  Note: that XtrkCad only has sectional track, so most of it will be changed to flex.   



As always all comments and sugestions are most welcome.

Here is a biger layout diagram that shows better detail.

http://members.cox.net/lescar/content/AtlasPeco10x6Code83Big.JPG

Thanks
Les