Recent content by nwdstek

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    DCC and switch machines

    It's going to take a little research, but I think signal controls could be incorporated. The motors I'm using have one grounded brush, and the armature shaft which the metal actuating lever is attatched to is grounded through the bushing so the motor itself might be used as a switch as long as...
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    DCC and switch machines

    Sorry to hear that you've been having problems. I would have to agree with your guess that your rolling stock is at fault. Out of guage wheels, worn bearings, bent truck frames, binding bolsters, and binding coupler shanks can all cause derailments. Bringing all your rolling stock up to NMRA...
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    DCC and switch machines

    Gary: Thanks for your good wishes. I'm afraid I must be a bit vague about my switch machine. It may be a marketable idea and require patent protection. I can list some of the features: 1. Low cost ( very) 2. Easy installation- compact unit mounts direct to bottom of switch. No additional...
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    DCC and switch machines

    Thanks, Gary! Your response indicates you see the direction I'm going with this idea. I also have some areas on my layout where I use atlas switches in the same way. The light, easy action of the switch points is the main theme of my thread, not so much the power routing feature. I am trying to...
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    DCC and switch machines

    frog wiring I use insulated frogs exclusively. There is no wiring to the frog. Inside the loop, the track is wired to the automatic reversing unit ( Tony's) and outside the loop the track is wired to the main power buss circuit. That's the beauty and simplicity of it. Also, by using a very...
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    Shinora #6 double cross over question....

    oops clicked it twice oops clicked it twice
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    Shinora #6 double cross over question....

    Shinohara double cross Steve: I'm new to The Gauge forum and when I was looking through some of the threads I noticed that you had not received any response to your problem ( scince July!) You may have solved the problem on your own in the mean time. If you have, I'd be interested in knowing...
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    Decoder in Bachman Spectrum DDA40X

    I did a decoder installation in an old Athern DDA40X a few months ago, but I also repowered it with new can motors. If you stall test both motors and they read less than 1amp ( each) you can get away with using one decoder and wire both motors in parallel. Test the polarity so they both turn in...
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    DCC and switch machines

    DCC/ switch machines I responded to Fred by e-mail and forgot to post a reply on the forum. I agree in most cases that a good electrical connection is important. The point I was trying to make is that power routing switch points are not required with DCC operation. Therefore a good electrical...
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    DCC and switch machines

    I believe it is time for a re-think about switch machines. Here is my reasoning, see if you agree. For many years we have all used either manual, or electric switch machines which all have one thing in common. They force the point rails against the stock rails with considerable pressure and lock...
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    Converting old Mantua to DCC

    Kris: I've done a few decoder installations myself on old Mantua (Tyco) 10 wheelers. I highly recommend repowering with Helix Humper can motor kits. They instantly solve any isolation problems, they have flywheels, are a "bolt in" replacement for the old open frame motor and they draw about 1/3...
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