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    UPS for decoder

    Hi, I found this link on another forum. It shows a capacitor hookup. http://www.members.optusnet.com.au/mainnorth/alive.htm Bill
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    UPS for decoder

    Hi, I, also, know very little about electronics. But, I think it is much more complicated than just adding a capacitor. There has to be a charging system to avoid current inrush. I also understand the Lenz system will not stop the loco on a spot if there is no contact there, i.e. try to find...
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    Trucks roll too freely.

    Thanks to all who replied, Problem solved: As a variation on the spring coil idea, I pulled some insulation off some 18ga wire and cut off a sliver. This made a nice rubber gasket to place in the journal box and cause a little friction. Works very well. Bill
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    Trucks roll too freely.

    Thanks Guys for the replies, I like the paint idea, and I also like the spring coil idea. I'll experiment more. In order to engender, possibility, a little more sympathy; let me explain a little more: I have 11 Kadee Frieght cars with Kadee trucks. Only two of them exhibit this behavior. So...
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    Trucks roll too freely.

    Hi All, I have some HO Kadee Hoppers with trucks that are so free rolling, that at the slightest dip in the trackwork they roll away when being pushed--even my Kadee Box cars do not do this. These dips are nearly imperceptable and would be difficult to correct at this point. Is there an easy...
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    Loksound technical stuff

    Loksound has excellent BEMF which requires, in my experience, no change of the default settings. My only suggestion would be to try setting CV2 = 1 (the default is 3) if you want very slow speed. I think you will be very impressed with the motor control. Bill
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    Kadee for Bachman 2-8-0

    Thanks for the information. I'll go for it. Bill
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    Kadee for Bachman 2-8-0

    Hi All, Has anyone mounted Kadee couplers on the Bachman Spectrum 2-8-0? Is there any problems in doing so? I wonder if the new whisker type will work? I am considering purchasing the 2-8-0 but would like to be assured that I can convert it to Kadee or McHenry. Thanks for any comments. Bill
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    Q - Power routing turnouts & DCC

    Hi Spitfire, For a complete discussion of PECO turnouts, and everything you ever wanted to know about them and DCC, see Loys Toys--bottom of page at this link: http://www.loystoys.com/peco/index.html Bill
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    Quality of turnouts

    See my reply to your post in DCC Forum. I highly suggest you read the info at Loys--link in my other reply. Bill
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    fact or fiction with insulfrogs

    TY, Check out information at Loys Toys for complete discussion: http://www.loystoys.com/peco/index.html I use Peco Insulfrogs on my small switching layout--lots of stop, start, very slow speed over the turnouts--have never had a problem. Most important is quality loco with all wheel pickup...
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    HO shelf/switching layout

    Hi, I have been working on a 8 ft. by 18 in. layout. My only comment, in addition to what others have said, is: Definately consider DCC. It becomes even more important on small layouts. Otherwise there is almost no way to run more than one Loco. I have DCC, with DCC controlled turnouts, and...
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    dissassembling Atlas Locmotives

    Hi, Check the Atlas site, or sheets included with your loco for drawings. They will show where tabs or screws are. I am not familar with the model you have, but many have tabs either at the ends or by the cab, that you push in to lift the shell. I hope someone who has that model can respond...
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    Chooseing a Decoder

    Hi, If you want loco's to creep smoothly at less than 1 smph go Lenz gold or silver. I have three installed and they run much better than others I have tried--well worth the extra cost if you want good slow speed. Bill
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    Why The Big Cost Difference in Decoders

    I have tried both Digitrax and Lenz in HO. If you are looking for good slow speed control Lenz Gold or Silver is the way to go--their BEMF is awesome and far superior to Digitrax. I would think that in N scale this would be most important. They have a micro version for N. Of course cost is an...
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    Soldering flextrack

    Yes, Rosin Core solder for electric work. Bill
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    Soldering flextrack

    Jim, One trick I use is: at joints I remove the last one or two ties, solder the joints, then when the track is down; file the tops of the removed ties and slide them back under the rails. After ballast, etc, everthing looks great; and no worry of melting ties. Good luck. Like everything else...
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    Soldering flextrack

    Jim, You solder where the rail ends and joiner all join at the outside rail edge, just enough for good electric contact, at the bottom of the rail. Try to be quick and careful to not melt ties. http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/4x8/wiring/ See above link for some photos, and how to solder...
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    Soldering flextrack

    Hi Jim, I am sure others will post in more detail, but until then: Rail joiners are used to join sections, then these are soldered, primarily to insure good electrical conductivity. Joiners alone can become loose over time. In order to insure good electric, most recomend positive feed to...
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    Digitrax Zephyer Question

    Hi, I use DT400 with Zephyr on my small shelf layout and am quite happy with that setup. The DT400 justs plugs directly into the Zephyr or into a throttle bus line jack. Bill
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