Search results

Just so I understand, this is a non-decoder locomotive, with channel 0 selected on the Zephyr. I have found that some non-decoder locos will do no more than hum, I'm guessing the mechanism is tight. In general, the address 0 mode is no more than a test mode, so there may be little more you can...

There is no problem with using #18 for feeders, just the way it may look and the difficulty in soldering it to the rails. Jeff

Eighteen gauge is actually pretty big for feeders, but if it looks ok it is fine. I've been using #20 doorbell wire on my N scale layout, I would have been happy at 22. as long as you keep the feeders to a foot or less it isn't a problem. Jeff

I think you will get help. At the same time, I'd like to suggest that you beg, borrow, steal (well, maybe not steal), or buy a copy of John Armstrong's "Track Planning for Realistic Operation". It's a bit 'heavy' for a small book, but it really has meat in it. You still might not feel like...

I sure wasn't thinking enough, that would work.... As far as whether it was done, I've got no idea.... Jeff

I would be surprised to see a pair of MUed locos separated to do switching. To switch a facing point spur one of the locos would have to be behind the cars that needed to go on the spur, so they would not be connected to begin with. The crews would have to communicate somehow, at one point it...

I've got a Pacific. Right now it isn't running well at all. One of my projects for the near future is to take it apart and see what's up inside. I think I am having a gear alignment problem, as sometimes the motor spins, but the drivers don't move. I'll post more if I discover anything! Jeff

???????

Yes, it makes sense for them to do that. If you don't have the unit, the chip is useless. And the postage would cost more than the chip. It is still good that they did it and responded quickly. Jeff

Also make sure the wheels on all of the cars are runnning free.

I may be mistaken, but I don't believe the Prodigy Express has a computer interface port. The Siskiyou Line guy is Joe Fugate. Jeff

This paragraph really sounds like a poor connection/bad contact between the train and the controller, either due to dirty track, or wheels, bad contact between the wheels and the decoder, not enough feeders, or maybe even a loose wire at the controller. Or maybe there is something connected to...

If you know how the zero stretching mode used by DCC to run DC locos, you know that even when running in one direction the motor is being driven in the other direction at times. I don't think the performance of a DCC system driving a DC loco is at all relevant to the real performance of the DCC...

Kinks like that (of even less obvious) can be killers in N scale. That one looks bad enough that it will throw a 6 axle diesel for sure. Don't ask how I know this, let's just say that fixing a joint in the middle of a helix is a real fun way to spend an hour (or more)! Jeff

On the whole, I'd say there are much better choices. Even something like doorbell wire would be an improvement. Jeff

I'd make it a little smaller, first the scrolling to the right is a pain, and it throws off looking at other posts in the thread. Secondly (and fortunately this doesn't apply to me right now) it makes it huge for dial up. I think 10% would do it. You could always put in a link to a full sized...

Well, an SD40 running on 9.75 inch curves on a 23x36 layout has a considerable risk of looking toylike. Only you can make the call about whether too toylike to use. If you like it, you'll probably want it. If your GPs look ok you'll probably still be happy with it. Jeff

I believe that in the end you'll find DCC to be easier that DC, and give much more flexibility. One advantage is that you'll never wish you'd laid out your blocks differently! Just being able to easily park multiple engines close to each other without worrying about where the blocks are is a...

You'll wish you got DCC equipped, you can do ready, and add the decoder later, but it will probably cost you more.... Jeff

The Zephyr is the control system, not the decoder. The Zephyr will in fact allow you to run one DC locomotive, though for several reasons most people don't like to do it on a regular basis. I think that it ends up being more of a test mode than anything. What I was trying (apparently...