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With different decoders, I usually set my Soundtrax to the speed I want, then adjust the other unit(s) to run with it. I put in a connecting set of turnouts so I can run continusously back and forth between my 2 reversing loops (which is all I have built so far). I run the 2 units a few feet...

You certainly can. I put Soundtraxx sound decoders in an Athearn Genesis A-B set but am waiting for the Tsumani before additional installs, In the meantime, I split up the set and paired them with non-sound units. The problem (in my case) is how to set up a consist with a B-unit as the lead so I...

I also believe most DCC users either use turnouts with reliable electrical connections or add jumpers so that no mechanical contact is required for electrical purposes. That being said, I wonder how nwdstek wired the spring switch's frog. I'm using NCE SwitchIts to control the Tortoise machines...

I used to run on an N-scale layout whose owner had a removable section of track he could run cars onto, and then put it on shelf brackets on a nearby wall he setup for the purpose. I believe it had plexiglass sides for protection.

I'm sure Shaygetz is right here. You need to do a little research to find out why the differences or just pick what you like.

I bought one of the ProtoPower sets with the zippered bag and boxes and some additional boxes. They came in handy when I needed to take some to my friend's layout or when we changed eras by swapping equipment. I made some similiar ones a little shorter out of a bunch of cardboard boxes cut up...

Just trying out a train on the layout in progress the other day and needed an uncoupling tool. I grabbed a piece of solid wire about 5" long, stripped about an inch off one end, and bent about 1/4" over 90 degrees. Makes a great little tool and with 18 gauge wire is stiff enough but will "give"...

If it's small enough and there is no need for access to the inside (like a brick base to a watertower) I'd just make the mold from a master and pour it solid with hydrocal or other plaster. If larger or hollow is needed, how about an interior plug. Think of an angle food baking pan but with a...

NO! The yard gets wired to one pack and the mainline to the other. The wires from the DPDT go to a section INBETWEEN the yard and main. The other guys are right - this is a very simplistic approach and having regular blocks with DPDTs for each is better but this will get you by for awhile.

Yes! The packs to the outer posts and track to the center.

And the same thing applies to the mainline powerpack wired to the other end of the DPDT. Note in this settup, you must stop the train in the "neutral" section and throw the switch to the other side. It does not have to be a center off switch but you can use one if preferred.

Life Like is real good about customer service. Give their 800 number a call and explain what is wrong. Good chance they'll replace the whole shell. They did for an HO engine for me when it arrived with a broken footboard.

Yes Make sure you insulate both rails on each end of the "neutral zone" (4 gaps). The center contacts of the DPDT go to the rails of that zone and the outer ones to the power packs.

If you plan to use 2 separate power packs, you will have to insulate both rails. The best way to cross over from one to the other is to have a short section between the main and yard and fed thru a DPDT. Run the train into the section, stop it and flip the switch, and you're under control of the...

I guess I'm really lazy. I try to work from as broadside a shot as possible and put it in an layer in CorelDraw. Then I draw some known dimentioned objects in another layer and size the 1st one so they match. Then I just draw over the image (almost like tracing) and all should be pretty close...

It probably came with the appropriate resistor but check to be sure. The current requirements aren't that much to tax the DCC system but consider a separate "accessories" power supply and bus or use "wall warts".

I know it's a little high end (not really more than Digitrax when compared feature for feature) but do consider NCE. They are just in the process of releasing a new ROM chip which should eliminate some problems and extend it's capabilities. I've had mine over a year but just got the layout to...

coil load This is a coiled wire load I made a few years back. It's soft iron wire wound on a former I made to keep them uniform.

You can find quite a few at http://lcweb2.loc.gov/ammem/collections/habs_haer/ Just type in "grain mill" or whatever...

It would be really neat if you could mount it in a dummy locomotive looking out thru the cab window.