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Thanks Steve for the response and some good ideas. I think I want as you suggest: sidings: most dirt, some ballast and more used track: most ballast some dirt. I like your idea of some contrast identifying the (supposed) through line. My thought with dirt was that it would turn to mud when...

Hi, I'm ready to ballast track on my HO shelf layout, and would appreciate help with some questions. I'm hoping to get an unkept industrial site look. 1. Is Woodland Senics ballast stone or foam? 2. Will Woodland Scenic ballast mix well with their foam earth and soil turf for an earth...

Hi, What features are you looking for, that you do not have? Do you run sound equipped? How many trains at once? How many operators at once? etc. Bill

Bob, The simplest way is to use CV5 and CV6 (max and mid speed) to adjust each loco: 1. Take one loco and adjust CV5 and CV6 to get it running at the speeds you like at half and full throttle. 2. Set values the same for a second loco. This will be approximation, since locos run...

Hi Richard, I tested the electro-magnets and decided to scrap them: 1. The delayed feature did not work correctly--did not separate the couplers enough. 2. They got really hot after only a few seconds--I couldn't trust them. 3. They are tedius to assemble and install. 4. They look...

Hi, Does anyone know the length in feet of an EMD MP 15? Thanks Bill

Nick, I have Zephyr with DT400. And it supports 12 functions. 12 functions become significant when you have sound equipped Locos, such as QSI, which uses all 12 function keys. The answer to your question is, you will have 12 functions when using UT4. Bill

Hi, I suggest you read the write-up on PECO turnouts at LoysToys.com. He expresses some general points to consider when evaluating a turnout. I found it very useful. Bill

Charles, Thanks for the reply. Actually I emailed Kadee and they suggested as you. Raise the pins or lower the magnet. I have tested and decided to go with the electro magnets -- I have a small shelf layout and only need 4 or 5, so cost is not a major issue. I, of course, dislike the...

Hi, I am using the Kadee under the track magnet #308 with mostly Kadee box cars with scale #58 couplers (HO). The problem is the trip pins pull the couplers too far off center so that when trying to push using the delayed feature the couplers totally miss each other. What is the solution...

Hi, Hoping someone can help I have a problem with at least two of my HO locomotives (Atlas GP7 and P2K S3). After rounding a curve and coming onto straight track, often, the entire frame gets skewed -- sits off center at an angle. With these loco's they are skewed enough that the couplers...

Luzhin, I am planing to use Digitrax DS52's. With Digitrax DT400 you maintain control of locomotive while in switch control mode. My shelf layout is small -- 9 turnouts. One advantage is no need for a control panel. Bill

I agree -- what would be different from the current "DCC Forum." It can get to where there are too many places to keep track of/look at. But, I did vote for it. I agree that my experience with this forum is better than with some of the others -- people seem friendlier, etc.

Thanks for the advice/comments. What I will do is make sure each rail is feed from beyond the frog. That should be sufficient. Thanks Bill

Hi, Some advice, please. I'm getting ready to lay track on my shelf layout -- HO, DCC. I'm using PECO Insul Frog turnouts. I am trying to decide if it is necessary/desirable to solder flexible feeders to the bottom of the point rails. In the past -- 10 yrs ago -- my experience with Atlas...

Hi, Most decoder makers offer accessory decoders referred to as staionary decoders versus mobile decoders for locomotives. I am planning to use digitrax DS52 to operate PECO machines. I know TCS and others make similar units. Usually they can control slow motion as well as 2 or 3 wire coil...

I am using a newly acquired Zephyr and DT400 -- its great. The DT400 gives the ability to operate two trains from the same hand held, just switch from left to right knob and back to easily control both. I find this to be very useful. I'm not sure I would like the Zephyr alone -- I never...

Has anyone figured out how to easily convert their BLI NW2 to Kadee couplers? Mine has a short round draft gear box, not a drop in for Kadee #5 or #58. Have others converted? Bill

Hi, Depends on the decoder -- some convert automatically --what decoder do you have? Bill

Thanks Bob, I'll look for that. And leave it alone for now. Appreciate the help! Bill