I'll have to wait until my niece gets back with her camera - I never invested in one for myself.

I just acquired another Spectrum DDA40X and put my personal touches on it - modifying it to have all-wheel electrical pickup.  Runs great!  Nice and quiet and of course, a terrific puller!

Trying to decide whether to use 3/4" MDF or 3/4" high grade plywood for my layout.  What are the advantages either way?  Sound dampening?  Longest-lasting flat surface?

Thanks!

Here's a question:

When you guys go to fasten down flex track, do you hammer the nails in hard enough to pin the plastic ties to the board or just enough to hold the track somewhat in place?

Thanks!

This is confusing.  There is no decoder in either of my locomotives.  They are Spectrum models, not the newer DCC models.  No decoders and no places for speakers.

I read through the page behind the link (thanks for that), but I still cannot find any traces of a horn.

The advertisement is from a long time ago on the website http://tycotrain.tripod.com/bachmanntrainscollectorsresource/id17.html (no longer exists).  I only have the printed paper that my neighbor gave to me.

There is a horn sound in my #6926 model, but not in my #6900 model.  I think it could be something built into the motor(s) of the #6926.  I don't know.   

I have opened both locomotives.  They are Spectrums, not the newer DCC models.  The PC boards that line the top of the shell are the same - just directional lighting and LED circuits.  There are no speakers and no places for speakers.

Hello, wise and brilliant Sir!  My question is:

The Spectrum DDA40Xs are were advertised as 'with or without' horn sound. I have one of each, but I cannot find where the horn sound is coming from.  Inside and out, they appear identical.  I do see that when the horn sound is active, the locomotive slows and the lights dim a little.  Can you tell me where the sound comes from and how it's generated to operate on a seemingly random basis?

Thank you so much!

Are you talking about a simple clear silicone sealant?

Quote from: Ken G Price on June 05, 2012, 08:21:08 PM
Sasha, I liked the photo of the three UP engines. It shows lots of big diesel power.

... And a little Gas Turbine power!

I got my Athearn DD35 today.  Run great, looks great, but it's really loud.  Pulls almost as hard as my #6900 Spectrum DDA40X.  

I did a little wiring to fortify the electrical paths between the pickups and the motors/lights.  Worked out well.

The roster is almost complete!  

EDIT/UPDATE:  I applied a little gear grease to both gear towers and the DD35 is a bit quieter now.   

Indeed... it will be an all-Union Pacific setup, with the biggest plastic HO U.P. models I can find.   

I have seven transformers, five will be used. I can't wait to get it started.  I think I'll join two 4'x8' pieces of 3/4" MDF.

Yes, I manually turned the flywheel, over and over.  The gears and wheels turned freely when I turned the flywheel.  I tried to get it to run for about 30 minutes before boxing it back up.

I took a picture of my newest DDA40X along with my original model and the Veranda Turbine... then I wisked them away to a flowery valley via Photoshop (my skills are dubious at best).  I hope it's alright to post pictures for no other reason than to show the trains to interested parties.  If it's alright, I will post the picture "inline" instead of just a link.

http://s92251487.onlinehome.us/images/upthree.jpg

The first thing I did was check the motor directly.  If I applied power, then manually turned the flywheel, it would vibrate a little and make a humming sound, but that was it. I tried a lot of different positions on the throttle as well.

Still waiting to hear from the seller about the return...