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In the end it was exactly that issue that moved me off the MRC system... I could have done w/o ability to run DC trains myself, but too much "visiting" motive power would have been ruled out.

I have a Thomas with the decoder. Works fine (runs better than it did under DC actually). It's a Lenz encoder - LE0511 - very small N/Z decoder. Pretty easy install, there's a void space in front of the cab/behind the motor where this decoder fit nicely. I'll concur with MasonJar, though --...

One more thought on the DCC question: I most often see the "simpler" wiring put forth as the main reason to use DCC. While DCC wiring generally is simpler than DC, I don't agree that's the best/primary reason to use it. If it were, I'd be less of an advocate. Instead, the thing to take into...

Interesting... I've managed to add 3/4 oz. by the simple expedient of gluing weights underneath between the drivers. This had a modest improvement on pulling, but nothing to write home about (e.g. the loco can now pull 2 rather than 1 Rivarossi passenger cars up my 2% grade). For comparison's...

I bought one of the ones on sale (if you mean from Trainworld) and it's proved to be reliable, smooth and nice-running so far. Not the best puller in the lineup, but adequate. I will say that I feel it varies in quality notably from my Rivarossi Heisler. The Heisler is much heavier, more...

My 2cents: I can think of many good reasons not to convert an existing layout to DCC. I can think of few (okay, none) to NOT do a currently-being-built layout as DCC. I'm not sure what your pal's reasoning is, but I absolutely disagree. Stick to your guns.

Interesting history here! For the general discussion, I will admit to being a billboard reefer "ho"... I model PRR 1940-1949, but absolutely run billboard reefers. Yes, I know, not prototypical. This is one on which I'm giving the big ho-hum to prototypical... Anyhow, I'm in the process of...

HoosierDaddy- We're fighting nearly the identical issue. I too have an L-shaped space similar to yours (10x14 usable). I've got a current setup that grew out of a 4x8 original, and is proving very inadequate, so it's time to tear down and restart, fully utilizing the available space. I too...

Thanks, all. Several ideas here I'll try and report back... (But don't hold your breath, probably a few weeks before I can get to it)

Interesting article in this month's MR where a guy used N-gauge roadbed for a lower (but still raised) profile. Had to add a strip down the center to get the right width, so struck me as more trouble than it's worth, but... For my own part, I use "liquid nails" adhesive in caulk-style tubes to...

Okay, I've been an advocate of Spectrum as a good mid-priced brand. But now I find myself confronted with the reality that the Spectrum K4's don't 'zactly pull worth a hoot (okay, maybe I got spoiled by my BLI K4...). So how to add traction. Bachmann doesn't offer traction tires for it (that I...

I bet the screen would make a good chain-link-look fence if you cut it in strips so that the strands ran diagonally.

Every decoder I've encountered (many, but by no means all) has a CV that can be set to allow operation on DC or not.

Let us know how it goes. I had a helluva time getting it off even using that method -- found it impossible to do w/o some of the windows breaking off and needing reglued.

Let us know how it goes. I had a helluva time getting it off even using that method -- found it impossible to do w/o some of the windows breaking off and needing reglued.

Let us know how it goes. I had a helluva time getting it off even using that method -- found it impossible to do w/o some of the windows breaking off and needing reglued.

I use the auto-reverse module from tonystrains and it works fine with alternate-side pickups on my older locos (dcc converted, of course).

Hawk - If you go to Atlas' web site (atlasrr.com I believe), they have a free layout-design tool for download. Not as detailed/flexible as the multi-hundred dollar commercial programs, but I found it met my needs fine. It does force you to "design" in snap-section track or fiddle with the...

I think Jetrock meant the photo of the locos sitting right on the carpet... In any case, it hasn't been that many years since I had the same negotiation with my parents (at 35 I'm rather on the "young" side of model railroading -- a sad comment). Keep your negotiating position open by keeping...

I use JMRI. I find it only slightly more cantankerous to use than the commercial stuff, for several hundred dollars less (i.e. free).