I currently have a mix of locomotives with SoundTraxx decoders (Econami and Tsunami) and LokSound Select.  The SoundTraxx decoders are set up to start the prime mover with function F5 and stop it with F6, while the F8 function mutes the sound.  The LokSounds use function F8 to start and stop, as well as mute.

I would like to make the start, stop and mute functions consistent between the two so that when I have a mixed consist I don't have to press a whole bunch of buttons just to stop and go.

{Hey, what happened to Step 3, Add All-wheel Pickup?  I moved that to a separate blog entry because it is more general and can also be applied to DC locos. Adding all-wheel pickup to brass steam locos}
 

Drivetrain...

I try to avoid driveshafts with dual U-joints, replacing the tubing is usually enough. I try to keep it simple. 

I stole the phrase "Make it run Like a Dream" from the trilogy of books, Make it Run Like A Dream by Joe Fugate.  They have been extremely helpful for trackwork and rollingstock.  I ordered the whole set from the MRH store.  I am eagerly awaiting the third book about locomotives. 

Like I mentioned, I try to do the least disassembly – more touching means more chance of breaking or losing parts.

Concern that use of a multimeter to measure track voltage, as described in new video,  and then to use this to set a cv to match track voltage is incorrect.

This is due to the waveform on the track being NEITHER straight ,level, DC nor sinusoidal AC;  what correction factor applies?