I'm with Gene on getting the boxes labeled with minimum radius info.

We get asked all the time at the LHS where my repair shop is located, "Will this loco go around the 18in curves that came with my set?" So we have to set up a temporary test track to find out, because there's nothing on or in the box to tell us one way or the other.

Len

If that's a Life-Like diesel with a 35xx cab number you may be able to get a replacement motor from Life-Like through Walthers. Contact their Customer Service folks at 1-800-487-2467 to check availability. Probably run you $12 - $15 plus S&H if they have them.

Len

FYI for those who prefer metal couplers when doing conversions, the KD #47 is the metal equivelant of the plastic KD #27.

Len

Also, if you go with the free Atlas RTS8.0 use the 'True-Track' library.

This will avoid the problem Joe mentions, since the 1/3-18in radius section with the switches is locked into an outward curve the same as on EZ-Track.

Len

You mean after all this time Bachmann still doesn't include instructions for converting these things for straight DC power in the box? Sheesh!

Len

Didn't say there weren't Roundhouse kits out there, just the new production under Horizon is all RTR. As someone else mentioned, some Roundhouse tooling is now used on Athearn 'blue boxes' kits now.

Len

Why not just use the 10ft extensions available for both?

PN: 44498 for the 10ft Red Power Extension

PN: 44598 for the 10ft Green Switch Extension

Len

Since Roundhouse was taken over by Horizon, there are no more kits. All Roundhouse cars are RTR now.

Len

Actually, I think Gene meant to say was rail height in 1000th's of an inch. It's easier to say code 83 rail than 83 thousandths high rail.

Short of rail heights:

Code55 = 0.055in
Code65 = 0.065in
Code70 = 0.070in
Code83 = 0.083in
Code100 = 0.100in

Len

Jim,

I went and looked in one of he AF locos I converted a while back, and your correct about the diode. I did them long enough ago I forgot about it. Thanks for the reminder.

Len

Then like I said, there should be room for a low control voltage solid state or micro-sized relay rated to control 12VDC to handle the track power to the smoke unit. Then you can use the decoder function output to trigger the control side of the relay.

I've done this with some old American Flyer locos that I converted to DC can motors and DCC control. The decoder only has to supply a volt or two to trigger the relay. The main relay contacts actually handle the track voltage to the smoke unit.

Len

Atlas makes 24in radius sectional track in their Code 83 and True-Track lines.

Len

You don't say whose smoke generator your using, and some of them can pull a hefty current load, regardless of operating voltage.

You might want to consider using the function output of the decoder to trigger a relay on/off that actually controls the power to the smoke unit, rather that connecting it directly to the decoder.

Len

I use RR-Track http://www.rrtrack.com/ at the store to help folks figure out if their plan drawn on a napkin will really work. They are pretty good about keeping the track libraries updated with new items, and updates are free.

Len

Life-Like has a new knuckle coupler that's a direct replacement for the horn-hooks with a small mounting hole.

You can see a pic at: http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/433-1436

Unfortunately, they're sold out until early March. Life-Like under estimated the demand, and the first production run sold out in two months.

Len