Quote from: railtwister on February 04, 2014, 09:59:12 AM
Did you try unplugging the sound module, then doing a reset, and test running the loco before you plug the sound module back in? I seem to recall hearing that before plugging in the sound module, a reset of all the DCC module settings should be done first, and then you should redo any changes (like different loco address) after the sound module is plugged in. Also remember to make any subsequent changes one at a time, and test run after each change.

Bill in FtL

Thanks, Bill. Yes I did. The loco with sound were working perfectly before I did the factory reset. I tried every combination, including removing the sound module, resetting, reinstalling the module, resetting.

I was doing as you advised - after the reset I rant the engine, and the choppiness was the result. I didn't make any changes to the factory reset settings.

After a few days of fidgeting, I gave in and just sent it in to Bachmann. I figure it's worth the shipping charge just to get it reset again! Even if they call and say "all we did was reset it." I did try it on another layout just to be sure and got the same results. Since it ran perfectly before the reset, I'm certain it is nothing mechanical but perhaps software related (i.e. a CV I messed up.)

Much appreciated,
Scott

Hey all,

My heisler was running smooth as silk. I installed the Soundtraxx module - everything was great. Ran well for a while. I wanted to start over with my sound settings so...

I did a factory reset (CV8 to 8 ) and now it runs terribly choppy, especially at low speed. Same choppiness after taking the sound module back out - very rough running - so I've eliminated the module itself as a culprit.

My thinking is there must be a CV in there somewhere that got messed up, but I have no idea which one. I wonder if the factory reset set something amiss.

Any help is appreciated before I send it in.

Thanks,
Scott

I have one Climax that did have a gear issue, but a dab of superglue in just the right spot fixed it and I haven't had an issue in the 6 years since. Look through a magnifying glass and you can spot the gear(s) causing an issue.

I would still get the replacement gears, and the fix is really quite easy.

Welcome to On30. I switched over about 7 years ago from HO and love it.

Scott

I saw them at Trainfest in Milwaukee today and they are significantly larger than I expected them to be. Big, heavy, real nice. The catalog image had me doubting I would acquire one, but after seeing them in person, I think it's a definite yes. Not sure it will fit in with my layout theme, but it was a real nice model.

Unfortunately, when I took out my camera for a photo, my SD card was missing. My wife later apologized for forgetting to replace it. So no Trainfest photos.

I do not recall the exact release date listed, but it was within the next few months.

Scott

Quote from: lvrr325 on November 04, 2013, 04:48:37 PM
The Favorite Spot needs to buy another container load of them.

Not particularly nice or decent guys (read their bad feedback) but you can't argue with $0.01 and no reserve. 

I think about 75% of my On30 stuff is from them, and I've not had a single issue. Highly recommended.

Scott

I believe Nicholas Smith and Wholesale Trains still have them available, but likely not too many. Like everything else, I think they go a little while in between runs.

I've learned in On30 (although I think it applies to all scales now) that when you see it for a good price, buy it. Most things seem to be made in small batches now.

$160? Wow. At that price I'd go back to G scale - those hoppers are gorgeous...

Good luck!
Scott

Quote from: lvrr325 on November 04, 2013, 03:34:41 AM
Is the hopper out of production for some reason?  I don't even see it in the catalog, at least not online.  I got curious because I see someone on eBay looking for $160 for a two-pack of them, what the current list is, given I bought all mine for like $40.

It's looking like they're doing shorter runs and tightening up production on some of this stuff to keep the prices higher.  

After trying it on DC, try to swap decoders. For whatever reason I've found the stock decoders are sometimes good, sometimes bad. Oddly swapping a "buzzing" decoder into a different engine works wonders, and vice versa.

My new forney buzzes as well, and I'll be picking up a new decoder at Trainfest this weekend to swap into it. I'm confident that will solve the issue.

Scott

Only advice I have is to double check all your gear connections, and lubricate them as well. Also, I've found that if the screws on the housings are too tight, the gears won't rotate at all, so check for freedom of movement there as well.

Best of luck to you. Mine ran rough for a while, but I eventually found out the right combination of gears to replace, and all has been well since.

Scott

Disregard. After my 90th-ish attempt, I got the thing together. Not sure how I did it! But I'm afraid to touch it anymore. Runs real nice now!

Scott

Quote from: Biglars on October 18, 2013, 08:06:37 PM
Scotty,
The ON30 group on that site are some of the best out there and many are published. They are a really nice bunch of guys and are willing to help answer a lot of questions. I have seen many modelers join and there skill level increases greatly within a few short months due to the help they get.
I would encourage anyone to give it a try.
Larry

Oh, I absolutely agree. I didn't mean any offense. I've just noticed that a vast majority of posts on the Railroad Line seem to be by the On30 "experts." I have learned plenty in my years of trolling!  And it's the first site I usually visit for my On30 fix. Some great long term sagas going on there!

Another site I'll throw out there : http://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/list.php?1 deals with prototypes, but a lot of good info.

Keep calm and On30 on!
Scott

I agree. I never even liked the old style Yahoo board, and the new one makes it worse.

I'll admit I own an "On30" related domain that I've been trying to figure out what to do with. I wanted to do a blog but never found the time.

If there was enough interest, I could always set it up as an On30 BB. I just always figured everyone is "stuck" at their present boards and wouldn't want to register for a new one.

I like the Railroad Line, but it seems to be limited to "craftsman" only. Or at least I get that feeling.

If there was the interest in a laid back, friendly On30 only board, I could get that set up. It might take an afternoon or so.

Scott

Just looking for help.

I am trying to get the rear truck back on the forney. After a few hours, getting that upper plug beneath the speaker cutout to clasp the lower plug on the truck assembly is proving futile for me.

I understand how all the parts fit together. I just can't figure out how to GET them together.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Scott

I had this issue with the 2-8-0 as well. The stock decoder was not happy at all, so I replaced it and the engine ran just fine.

Strangely, I put the "bad" decoder in my shay where is works just fine to this day.

Makes no sense, but whatever works...

Scott

As far as the new products - I'm mostly looking forward to the freight cars. Stock around the internet is wearing pretty thin, and I still need quite a few "full size" boxcars. I hope they start showing up soon. One thing I've learned in this scale is to stock up when it's available. I've waited a bit too long and have missed out on a few products in the past that I've wanted. Kudos to Bachmann to producing more - I am patiently waiting to see them on the virtual shelves!

As far as getting others involved in this scale - it's tough. Fortunately my 6 and 3 year old love my On30 stuff and have never wavered from the desire to work on our On30 layout. We tour a lot of home layouts but my six-year-old maintains that HO is "too small" and the cool steam engines we own in On30 are more fun to run.

Unfortunately, On30 is near invisible at every train show I go to. Trainfest (a great, great show) is coming up in Milwaukee next month, and Bachmann always has a strong presence, with their full On30 line on display. But that's it. There are little to no On30 products to be found at the floor retailers, no layouts, and really no information at the Bachmann booth as to what On30 exactly "is." (I like the phrase O scale trains at HO prices.)

So newcomers to the hobby really have no idea what On30 is. Heck, most seasoned model railroaders I know have never heard of On30 or can tell you what it is. ("It's on HO track? Well, then it's HO...")

To be honest, it makes me want to work extra hard on completing enough of my layout to be worthy of a layout tour, just for a bit of On30 exposure. Bigger than HO trains in a smaller than HO space! Amazing! It's the cure all for most people's lack of both keen eyesight and layout space!

Enough typing, it's cold and rainy, indicating the beginning of layout construction season. To the basement!

Scott

Yup, I just did my rail bus. Total of three gears needed replacement. Two bevel gears and one axle mounted gear. One needs to look extra close - I thought I was done after the bevel gears, but it still jerked around. Another close inspection revealed the axle gear I missed.

From my email to Bachmann to receiving them in my mailbox was less than a week. Railbus runs well now, and a little break in should make it nice and smooth.

I've had very good luck with Bachmann sending the right parts in the past for my Climax and Shay as well. I'm proud to say I don't have any "shelf queens" at the moment - all nine of my On30 locos are running, and running well.

Scott