Greetz folks.

I'm going to take a while off.  Along with life in a wheelchair comes troubles if you don't watch closely.  Over the last four years I've gained 40 lbs. and that has me putting more pressure on my butt.  Now I've developed a very small sore on my left buttock in the area where my legbone hooks on.  I'm spending a lot fewer hours in my chair and in front of my computer in order to heal it ASAP.  My two train-type buddies are doing summer time things with their families so no progress is being made on the CNL Rail Road. 

I'll be checking in from time to time, hopefully enough to keep up.

If things change soon I'll be back.  PD, I'll be bothering you if DS64 connection time comes around.  Jonathan keep up your good work on your scenery.  Yampa Bob, take it easy on PD...you need to remember he's a city boy.

Email me if you want to, my address is on my profile.  Keep the fire burning in box & top off your diesels next stop.  I'll see y'all later.

OkieRick Graham

I was browsing the Broadway website and ran across this F7 unit with an antennae.  What's is for?



               


I couldn't locate any photos of loco like it, PRR or other.

Rick

I'm using 69 code on the first layout.  Actually it will have 100 and 83. Besides me, who decides what code and why?  Era?  Location?  RR use?

Rick

On the 27th I attended my first train show. Presented by MainLine there were to be 80+ show and sales areas.  There weren't 80, but enough.  Lotsa trash for sale as well as brand new 10 and 15 year old locos.  All scales and brands were presented.

A sizeable HO layout and my local-est vendor were the hits to me. On one side new old Tyco railstock was selling for $7.50.  Used out of production stock had roof high prices.  I purchased a 6pak of Athearn hoppers and two Atlas.  Also put in lay-a-way an RSD-15 and a PowerCab DCC control system.

Wooden cattle cars caught my eye but the bank was broke.

All in all there was too much to look with not enough lighting.  I'll enjoy the next one in Tulsa more.

Rick

Good day Bach Man,

I was wandering around the web yesterday and moseyed over across the pond to the official Dynamis site - http://www.dynamisdcc.com - and noticed the availability of three products.  Walthers advertises the Pro box being available on 31 July, 2009.



Can you let us (me) know if it will be available in the US then?  What about a MSRP? Lastly, will there be an upgrade path for those of us who own the currently availabe Dynamis Control System or will we have to pay full price for the Pro?



Dynamis Pro-Box # 36-508[/i]

* Expands Dynamis
* Allows up to four wireless handsets to be used at any one time
* Service programming track output - power switched from main track automatically
* Allows all CVs to be read by Dynamis system
* Full service mode programming of Decoders
* Allows all CVs to programmed by Dynamis system
* Receiver expansion unit allows up to five 36-509 Receivers to be attached to Dynamis system
* ECoslink connection to other devices

and the Dynamis Wireless Receiver # 36-509[/i]

* Use with Dynamis Pro system to extend receiver coverage

and the Dynamis Point Accessory Decoder OPP 4 Points[/i]

Accessory decoder with four outputs to power point motors, signals etc. Each output can be configured to provide a constant or pulse output. Additionally, two of the outputs can be configured to drive a standard RC servo. Can be used with any NMRA complying DCC system.

Thanks-

OkieRick

What is a can motor?  I'm looking at a DCC Ready "goat" 0-6-0 steam switcher with a can motor at http://www.historicrail.com

Are they reliable & long lasting?  Worth making into DCC?

Thanks-

Rick

Does Bachmann make or license a multiple DCC control "device" like the Digitrax DS64 ( http://www.digitrax.com/prd_statdec_ds64.php ) or NCE Switch 8 ( http://tinyurl.com/rbkb2l ) for turnouts, road crossings, etc?

NCE has a Mini Panel ( http://murattekbilek.com/ncedcc/ ) device that will control up to 30 different switch-types or push buttons.

"You can have up to 30 pushbuttons, toggle switches, block detectors,etc.

Can be connected for control of turnouts, signals and other devices."


       


I know the Mini Panel is for DCC systems using ProCab and Power Cab controllers but is it for (will it operate) non-NEC turnouts such as Atlas or Bachmann turnouts or accessories?  Does every accessory require a DCC address?

Rick

Anyone wanting to download the instructions to the E-Z Command Dynamis DCC Wireless Handheld Control System in PDF may do so for six days or 100 times downloaded, which ever comes first from the link below.

        https://www.yousendit.com/download/MnFqRkJWaTFUME5MWEE9PQ



Rick

I'll try to word this properly...

I need to see so pics of a Tortise connected to an Atlas turnout (#6 in my case) but any photos of what the finished product looks like and how / where things are positioned and connected will help.  These will be DCC when the layout is finished.  Many thanks - it is appreciated.

Rick

What is this type motor called and are they available at a reasonable price?  This is an old GP38 (I think) I got off ebay - it lasted about a month before the gears (?) or whatever drives the truck & wheelset stripped out.





Thanks-
Rick

Or "Make it yourself."

Has anyone had any experience making mold(s) from liquid latex, wax or plaster and casting your own trackside figures? (trash piles, animals, car loads, etc.?)  I sent email to Woodland Scenics re: bulk purchse of cattle figures.  I want 200 minimum. The reply was they'd be glad to sell be 40 catte scene paks of 6 each at regular price.

I've seen latex used for rocks & rock side / cliff side molds.  Plaster cast & sculptured glued on.  I'm thinking of molding some cattle I already have using liqiud latex & greased or oiled cattle - about 10 per mold.

Anyone expert in doing this?  Ideas?

Rick

How many different manufacturers of motors for HO scale locos are there?  Does one mfgr provide motors for different name brand locomotives?  I don't mean antiques or collectibles or any gage other than HO.

All the major players appear to be describing the same motor - 5 pole skewed etc...


jus wunnerin...
Rick

I was given a nod towards LENZ from a tech at Walthers - he also mentioned every other decoder maker.  Has anyone used a Lenz to go from DC to DCC in a loco that wasn't "DCC Ready?" (no 8 or 9-pin connector onboard)


Thanks-
Rick

Here's the score.  I have a 4'x8' section and room for a 4'x5' -if- it an be taken down and stored temporarily very easy.  I'm not worried about track wiring but I do need some ideas on "quick release" track connectors.  I'm planning on a 4x8 with the 4x5 as a stubby L shape.  I want to place my turn table and switch yard on the 4x5 section and have a loop around the outside the yard / table from the 4x8.

Kwik-connects anyone?  I'm open for ideas.

Thanks-
Rick

I found everyone likes their particular brand turnouts.  That's good - I'm looking for what brands and why if possible.

Again, not using EZ Track or EZ Track turnouts, what brand do you prefer and what brand switch do you like & use.  I found you like Peco, Shinohara, Atlas and are even making your own handlaid turnouts.

Do you use wired & powered ready-to-go switches on your turnouts?  How about turnouts then adding switches to them?  I priced Atlas, Peco and Shinohara powered & unpowered at a train only hobby store today located East of the Tulsa area about 55 miles from me.  Turnouts were reasnable but turnouts and the  switch of your choice (separate) were more expensive than powered turnouts.

I'll more than likely go with powered ready-to-wire turnouts.  More than likely Atlas.  Finding willing fingers as Spring & Summer comes on will be a tougher thing to do.  Oddly enough folks out here in rural OK would rather be out on a lake or just out fishing or swimming, playng golf or recreating in some other way after they've taken care of their livestock than leaning over an HO track setup in progress.
Imagine that...


Thanks for your input-
Okie Rick



                 

I'm not using EZ Track or any EZ track turnouts - just NS 80 together with turnouts and will be using NS 100 for my inner switch yard(s) turnouts.

I'm pondering on using a switch and accessory panel based on the one used by RickWilson - http://www.willnet.mine.nu:8083/images/misc/100_2118.jpg

Who makes good turnouts - who makes the best for less?  Any no-name brands that work good for less money than brand names?


Thanks-
Rick

Are / were ribbed back wheels ever put on prototypes?


If not, why are they made?


If they are / were, what purpose do they serve?



...jus curious...
Rick

I bought a Bachmann DCC GP40 loco last week.  It's a Blue / Yellow Santa Fe, nice looking GP.

But they all suffer from the same sickness...they don't look real.  Well they do, just not the wheels or trucks - looks more like a kid with new braces.


             


I have a few bottles of brush on powders for tinting, aging, rusting, etc., but not enough to put a few years looks on these.

I've used gun bluing on my NS track to help make it look real - works petty well.  But I'm afraid of bluing the loco.  I know I could buy new trucks but I read today's paper.  There is a recession going on.

Ideas?
Rick

I used to save every piece of hardware that wasn't going to the landfill when working in tv repair ('68-'73 Zenith & RCA) and utilities sales & service.  Same when working on my automobiles - no nut or bolt went to the trash.  That was back then.

Where do you get your hobby sized hardware - like those needed for HO trains, switch assemblies, etc.  I still have all my dead electronics robbed but I need some screws, small self tapping screws, machined screws with nuts, fiber washers, etc.  I've mnaged to save a few so far but not what I need.  Anyone know were a starter set / assortment can be purchased aside from ebay?

Thanks-
Rick

With the behind the scenes assistance of Yampa and some advice from Soundtraxx I completed the TSU-1000 sound upgrade to my 2-10-2 Light.

[1] Has anyone added a CAM to aid / provide truer sound?

[2] What is the easiest way to increase all volumes at once if possible?


I've read the operations guide but at this time have no programmer.  I can send it to Tulsa with a friend and have it done in a train shop.

Information is appreciated.
Rick