GlennK28

I have one of these 1033 transformers, how do I convert it to DC power so as not to damage the motors?

mcapp

I know what your saying and that would be the easiest way to go.  But I don't think my wife wants the tracks cut into even a part of the lawn. She's understanding but not that much .  

I also think it would be fun to build a low trestle over that area that I could lift out and replace as needed. I have it pictured in my head and I'd like the challenge of making it work.

MCapp

Thanks Jerry,  sounds like just what I need.  I'll check it out.

MCapp 

I want to extend my track to a new area but I need to cross over a short section of lawn and in front of shed. Other than laying the track slightly below ground level so I can roll things out of shed, and mow the lawn, is there an easy way to remove and replace a section of track when I want to? I was thinking of a low trestle maybe 1-2 inches high that can be removed (much like a drawbridge would do).  Pulling the track apart doesn't seem the best solution.  thanks, MCapp

Kevin

Thanks for the info, very helpful!

MCapp

AML g scale brass track is a brand I don't see often...Saw this on Ebay and don't know much about it. Can anyone fill me in?

I'd like to add some NYC freight cars to my fleet and I see that Lionel Large scale is often available online.  How is it (quality , size, compatibility, etc.)?

Thanks - don't want to do either!

I have a PIKO G scale starter set and I've seen the power supply for sale separately as a G scale and HO scale power supply.  Before I ruin my HO scale engine, I'd like someone to tell me its okay to use it. 

Specs are as follows: TRANSFORMER POWER PACK #KU4B-140-0850D.  IMPUT 120V AC / 60Hz. OUTPUT 14V DC / 850mA. CONTROLLER 8.833030.13 IMPUT 20V DC MAX. OUTPUT 0-20 V DC.

no, I tried that.  I even ran it on my loop and same thing happened.  Seems to be a function of speed over the magnet. 

Thanks for all the input  Happy Trianing and Happy Thanksgiving to all.

It's alot of fun to play with for sure. 
So, here's what I've found.  The problem seems to be the speed at which the unit passes over the magnet. In the "Elf" direction, the trolley moves slowly so no problem.  It hits the magnet and reverses fine.  In the "Santa" direction it moves much quicker and crosses the magnet too fast.  It reverses but carries past the magnet so when it starts back it hits the magnet again and reverses again back to the first direction.  Kind of like a zigzag.

So what I did was replace the fix speed transformer with a variable speed power supply from my PIKO starter set (same amps and voltage). Now I can set the speed slow enough so that the trolley will reverse in each direction without a problem.  One thing... the music is  a little funky at slower speeds so I turn it off.

Mark

Thanks, I like the idea of putting a regular track after the mag track. I'll try that .  I'll also try turning the mag track 180 deg.  If all else fails, I can continue to have it bump off the bumper and thru the magnet or just run it in a loop. I'll tackle it this weekend.

Thanks for the ideas.  If there are anymore, send them on. 

MCapp

I have a Dillard's Christmas Trolley that I believe is a Bachmann G scale model.  The trolley runs fine in one direction and when it hits the magnets, it reverses, as it should. The problem is when it goes in the other direction: It seems to run faster that way (I checked for level grade), and when it hits the magnet, it reverses as it should then immediately reverses again and runs into the bumper.

Temporary fix was to position the bumper just as it hits the magnet so it bounces out and clears the magnet before it reverses the second time.  Very frustrating!   Any ideas on how to fix this

thanks, MCapp