Seeing pictures like those inspired me to make a diorama that I shall dedicate to Chaz's mom. I wish I could dedicate an area on my layout, and I might still, but I haven't started building my new one.

I will be keeping Chaz's mother in my prayers.

~Justin

Quote from: Railwaypark on March 24, 2008, 08:58:15 PM
I do. & I would like Flying scotsman,Rosie & arthur from bachmann & as long as I don't build them from scracth (unlike everyone else) the chances of them being done by bachmann will not slow down.

How many times have we gone over this? It's not that hard to understand! I highly doubt that you are working for Bachmann, so basically, unless you buy their company, you cannot influence anything they do most likely. I'm not trying to be mean, but I've noticed that things like this have been getting on people's nerves.

To everyone: thanks for commenting on how well I spell!  Also, thank you for the replies to my question, and to SteamGene--the spelling error is forgiven. Anyway, you are a steam specialist, and I was talking about a diesel...
Anyway, thanks again for the comments, and I really am 13. =)

Edit: Heh, I remember at the Springfield show this year all the 'illegal drink' stands, my friend David pointed them out to me. How convenient! Hehehe...
Ok, back on topic: Will installing a decoder cause a locomotive not to work on DC? Will it make it stall or run bad? I might install some decoders before I get the system so I can just go right in and run it, but I don't want to do it if it won't run on DC also.

~Justin

Quote from: Jim Banner on March 23, 2008, 03:29:10 PM
(1) The Zephyr controller does not have sound built into it but it can control DCC sound decoders that are installed in locomotives.

(2) Not instantly.  You normally have to either touch the throttle or wait for the next speed command to be sent from the Zephyr.  Best bet is to to release the first locomotive (<loco> <exit>) then turn the throttle to zero then acquire the second locomotive (<loco> number <loco>.)  That way, the second locomotive will not take off like a scalded cat.  You also have the option of connecting one or two conventional dc power packs to the Zephyr to give you two or three throttles total if you want to run multiple trains.  If you are handy with a soldering iron, you can even make your own hand held throttle(s) using just a battery, a pot, a switch and a box to mount them in. 

(3) The permanent magnets used to uncouple Kadees will work with any dc or DCC system.  The Kadee electromagnetic uncouplers will NOT work directly with the Zephyr as it has no accessory power outputs to power them.  You would need a second power source, either ac or dc, around 12 to 16 volts to operate Kadee electromagnetics.  This could be a conventional power pack or a wall wart type supply.  I do not know of any DCC command station that has auxiliary power outputs for accessories.

Note that Kadee does not make DCC uncouplers but it should be possible to operate their electromagnetic uncouplers via a stationary decoder.  The Zephyr can certainly operate stationary decoders.

I am not familiar with your GP-30 locomotive - it is too modern for my layout.  But I can make a few general comments.  First, I assume you have been to the Kadee website and checked out what lengths they make.  If there are none short enough, then you might want to consider moving the mounting point farther back or forward, depending on whether it is a front or rear coupler.

With your concern about couplers, I suspect you do a lot of switching.  The Zephyr is great for this as you can either use the throttle or you can leave the throttle set and just use the brake/direction control.  the Zephyr is also able to program and operate all the fancy controls built into many new decoders - speed tables, back EMF control, and switch speed options.  Digitrax's newest, the DZ125, has all the above and a lot more for a street price around $20.  It is also compatible with Digitrax's new add-on sound system, the SoundBug.  

First, thank you for all the information. Second, I am only 13, so I'm most likely not handy with a soldering gun... My dad doesn't even let me use a drill! Third, I haven't built the layout I'm going to use the GP-30 and the Zephry control on yet, but I will begin soon. I am a fan of switching, though, so I'm definately going to want uncoupling magnets.

Quote from: SteamGene on March 23, 2008, 08:21:06 AM
The bell icon, like the whistle icon, is to tell you which button to push WHEN you have sound installed.  You need a sound decoder for the system to work. 
Why would you want a locomotive to go from 0 to 30 in less than a second?  IWhich throttle are you using.  If you have one with two controls, the one you surrender continues at its speed and you then aquire the other at zero. 
I don't use DCC uncouplers, though you can find comments about them here.  However, I believe the answer is "yes."
My advice on the DC-30 is to trade it in on a C&O K4.  Much nicer loco and it already has the proper size couplers installed.
Gene

Thank you also for your information. Also, it's GP-30, and, ironically enough, I am modeling the Chessie System, and that includes the B&O and the C&O, but I don't want to trade my GP-30 in. I've already started to paint it, and even though I love steam engines, I want to try a diesel-only layout.

~Justin

Ok. I have a few questions about things dealing with a Digitrax DCC Zephyr System that I'm going to be getting in the near future, then one with a Spectrum GP-30 that I bought.


1) Does the Zephyr controller have sound? I think I saw a bell button on one.
2) When you turn the throttle on one engine, then switch to another engine, if you leave the throttle at the same spot, will the new loco go that speed instantly?
3) Will Kadee uncoupling magnets work with the Zephyr?


1) What kind of Kadee couplers should I put on it to make it look like the coupler isn't a billion feet long? I put a #156 and it looked like it was sticking out too far.

Thanks in advance! 

~Justin

Heh, I have the station that you posted a link to but it's really old, Anthony P.

~Justin

Dude... That's so terrible to hear, both Chaz and Shawmunt Line. I hope for the best for both of your mothers and I shall keep them in my prayers.

~Justin

A while ago I started replacing the horn-hook couplers on my dad's rolling stock that he found at his parent's house with knuckle couplers. I first started replacing them with McHenry's, then I got some kits that had Bachmann E-Z Mate's, and I recently got Kadee #5's to go on a Chessie hopper kit. If I want to place uncoupling magnets on my layout, will having all these different couplers work with it if it's a Kadee magnet? Would it help in general if I put all Kadee couplers on them?

Thanks in advance!   

~Justin

Quote from: Darkangel on March 06, 2008, 04:23:24 PM
Hi I'm new. Does anybody know why Edward is taking so long? It seems like everytime it gets close to when he is supposed to come out they delay him again. Are they having trouble making him?

Well, I dunno the answer to your other question (and I don't mind that it takes so long, they produce excellent models!), but...


~Justin

Whoa, when I looked at that fast, I thought it was real! Nice job! Wish I could weather like you (or weather at all...) .

~Justin

They haven't been out for 8 years yet...

~Justin

Wait so it's all 22" radius on the outside track on the bottom level everywhere?

~Justin

Quote from: Railwaypark on February 10, 2008, 08:37:54 AM
I thought bachmann was gonna start producing diesel,duck &rosie this year..DAMN IT!!!

First, don't swear. Like GG said, the world isn't ending.

Second, why would they make Rosie? She's quite new, so I think they see know reason to make her until she has a bigger role.

~Styntwin409 (formerly Justin)

Quote from: Boomer Fan on February 09, 2008, 10:15:25 PM
Well I REALLY want a Bachmann Duck, Oliver, Toad, Donald, Douglas, Isabel (Oliver's Autocoach, unlikely to be made since she isn't in the T.V. series) Diesel, Diesel 10, Lady, Bill & Ben 2 - Pack, Splatter & Dodge 2 - Pack (Most unlikely since they only appeared in Thomas & The Magic Railroad before they were turned into Arry and Bert), Arry & Bert 2 - Pack, Boco, Daisy, Derek, Hector The Horrid, Old Slow Coach, new buffers from the Thomas Episode Happy Ever After, Freight Vans (the small box cars), Happy Ever After Set (Includes E-Z Oval track, Happy Ever After Decorated Thomas, Happy Ever After Decorated Percy, Happy Ever After Decorated Old Slow Coach, Happy Ever After Decorated Borrowed flatbed w/ new buffers, Church Building, Old Engine Shed, Bride and Groom mini figures, and track transformer (Track Controller)), and a Brendam Docks Set (includes Cranky, ships, boats, troublesome trucks, Freight Vans, Salty, Diesel, and Thomas.)

Did Splatter and Dodge really get turned into Iron 'Arry and Iron Bert? I never knew that, but I guess it makes since because they're the same shape and everything...

Also, the  buffers would be a good idea, but how about they had the ability to be stuck on the end of tracks so they're the Thomas & Friends kind of buffers instead of the regular ones? That's just my idea. =)

~Styntwin409 (formerly Justin)

(P.S. Hehe, I forgot Daisy in my wishlist...)

Hmm... I dunno, they are kind of Mavis-sized, and Mavis costs like $40, so the 2-pack would cost about $80... but that's just my input. What do you think about it?

~Styntwin409 (formerly Justin)