DCC - Electrical
Interlocking-In-A-Box
It's back! Due to popular demand, we reactivated the Interlocking-In-A-Box for a limited time. Click here to learn more and to place your order.
Work bee!
This weekend I had a work bee with a friend coming over to help push the layout forward. Chris took on the challenging job of fixing some problematic switches, adding switch machines and wiring them up so they have live frogs.
Of course he asked how to identify the wires for the frogs: why, they're green of course. Everyone knows frogs are green...
Control Panel for my HOn3 PC&N Ry
Today I put the finishing touches on my latest control panel for my PC&N Ry. I reporposed an old document frame and created the track schematic using Power Point. Once I had the schematic printed I took it to my local Office Depot and had it laminated with .010" thick plastic to protect it.
Next I used the frames cardboard insert as a pattern to cut out a piece of 1/8 inch Masonite and glued my laminated schematic to it. I then glued some scrap pine strips to hold the panel into the document frame permanently.
DCC conversion of an old Athearn locomotive.
I have these mid 1980's locomotive that run great. I would like to add DCC control and sound to them. One of them is a dummy unit. I am looking to you all to give me advice as to what decoders will work best for me. Sound is very important for me.
new to DCC
Maybe someone can help. I am an S scaler and just getting back into the hobby now that i have some space. My problem is i have a 1980s Overland Models 2-8-0 camelback loco in brass. I would like to convert it to DCC but have no idea of decoders to use both for running and sound. It has a can motor but not sure if it is to pre Dcc and need to be changed. Hoping to use an NCE pro cab for my control. My layout will be in a 17.6 by 17.6 room so I think their 2amp system will be enough. not running more the 3 locos at a time on a double Maine with some yard work.
How many colors of wire do you use and for what function(s)?
In connection with the discussion about sources for purchasing wire I'm curious which colors of insulation people choose and what colors are assigned to which functions. Sorting out DCC bus lines and lines for switch motors or other accessories is obvious but with the advent of so many electronic devices I'm wondering what systems folks use on their own layouts to keep all this stuff more clearly identifiable and organized.
Sound bug question
Okay, so, my Proto 2000 S1 has a Digitrax DN146IP (N scale, though it's an HO engine) because there is just no room inside the engine for an HO decoder, let alone an HO sound decoder.
My question is, is there an N scale sound bug compatible with it?
I can't seem to find one on the Digitrax site (and the only sound bug they have there is too big)
I would really like sound with this engine, but dang, there is no room!
Sources for electrical hook up wire
So - am wanting to start accumulating an inventory of bulk, electrical, hook up wire for my forth-coming layout build project - for bus wires, feeder wires, etc.
I'm sure I could source it locally, but was curious if there was a good on-line source for this type of material. Thanks in advance for your input!
If interested in my trackplan, it can be viewed here:
Atlas Master GP-40. Decoder Equipped, or is it?
I just picked up two NOS Rio Grande Atlas GP-40's. Never opened. The boxes both state they are Dual Mode Decoder Equipped.
Question on keeping 1st gen Digitrax Zephyr
Sometime in 2007ish I purchased used working D igitrax Zephyr and a dt100 handheld. I tested and goofed around with it on a simple few tracks and then it went into storage. It's now 2018, and I'm planning out my purchases for starting my layout and wonder should I just start fresh and brand new since there is newer tech in Dcc controller and boosters, or wire this in to start and upgrade later once I got my first TOMA section wired to start.
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