I am a beginner. I am considering building a shelf-type layout inspired by Alberta's "Coal Branch" in the Rocky Mountain foothills of about 80-90 years ago.. Smaller steam locomotives, shorter gondolas. I would like to hand-lay turnouts.

Hello, 

I am new to brass and need help removing the boiler to diagnose a short.  Does anyone have any tips for removing it as I do not see any obvious screws.

Sparking on left front wheel.  Brakes are plastic, so I am having trouble finding the issue.

Thanks, Pete

Hi everyone,

Has anyone tried the Loksound decoders with steam? It seems they have a limited variety of US sounds right now but they are getting better. I have 2 of their decoders so far for diesels and like the ability to change the sounds in the future. Does Tsunami or TCS Wow provide better sound for steam? I am open to recommendations.

I have an Athearn HO scale Big-Boy with a QSI Titan-U decoder. Everything runs well except sometimes the locomotive surges. A fast-slow-fast cycle that lasts about 1-1.5 seconds. It is most noticeable when pulling a long train and the caboose oscilates back and forth. I think the coupler slack seems to accentuate the speed change.

Some in the club think it is a mechanical problem. I checked the side rods and none of them seem to be binding.

I think it might be a decoder setting, maybe a BEMF setting.

Anyone have any suggestions?