Model animation—bringing models to life—adds enormously to the interest and enjoyment of any layout or individual model! This entry describes how to build what I call a “DCC Function Generator,” a combination of DCC base station and throttle for about $8 that can be used for mixed DCC animation control, DCC testing, Absolute/Emergency Stop blocking for lift-outs and bridges even for Keep-Alive equipped DCC locos, trolley multi-stop control, and all around DCC havoc!

I have done quite a few Athearn blue box decoder installs but I really do'nt do sound. A friend asked me to put sound decoders in two units for him and I am looking for a reasonable decoder choice for the alco 244 engine or a generic diesel decoder that would be good for these units. I do'nt want to buy a computer interface to download the sound or other extra costs and if possible I have several of the standard connectors for digitrax and would these fit others? I will also be installing LED lights.

Thanks for your help. 

We're getting a number of questions about the Make it run like a dream series. Since we're offering this series as a pre-order and we're asking people to trust us for up to 18 months for final volume to be released, here's some questions and answers about this series and what doing a pre-order means you get.

I am at the stage with my layout that I need to finalize my wiring.  But in order to do that I need to consider signals and detection.

My prototype appears to have used ABS with TT&TO.

I may end up having to run it like it had CTC as the tower operators the prototype had at 10 different locations I am modeling would take up all available people leaving nobody to run a train.