Quote from: cmsluss on August 09, 2013, 08:54:39 AM
I purchased some IHC (Mehano) covered hoppers to make a grain train.  I've noticed this train strains even my best locomotives.  It even feels "heavy" to push/pull by hand.  The are no visible defects to the trucks or wheels.  Why would the "drag" on these cars be greater than on any other 50" foot HO car?

Any advice is greatly appreciated!

Thanks much!

i have some old AHM grain hoppers that i replaced the trucks with Athearn's and used metal wheels.  these cars are getting long in tooth (1973) but roll as well as my new ones Phil

I think they had E7B's.  But no 8's or 9's  phil

Quote from: Sunshine Express on May 19, 2013, 05:54:31 AM
I bought a second hand Bachmann Union Pacific DD 40 AX Diesel Loco at a Buy&Sell today,and it has no handrails. It runs very well,and all lights work as new. Has the Forum got any clues on buying a set of handrails to suit ?,or will I have to make  them up ?.  Also what is the recommended decoder for this loco  ?. I believe it has two motors ?.  Thanks for any help here,I love the big brute.

I used Athearn stanchions and brass wire on mine.  Phil. 

Quote from: Morgun 30 on March 04, 2013, 11:35:25 AM
Well, I got a table up (yes, it will need some fine tuning) and set up my track to see how it worked. Not too bad for a first attempt.

I'm building a yard and was wondering about the best way to get the most storage out of the least amount of space. I was playing around on anyrail, and it appears that using series of #4 turnouts works best. Is there a better way.

Balrog21, I looked at your update and your yard looks pretty tight. How did you construct it?
Thanks, Morgun 30

Doneldon is right.  took me 5 tries to get my yard to operate to my satisfaction.  i would use a #5 as the smallest turnout.   especially if you have a "s" curve coming off the 4 turnout.  also you might look at some of the special space saving turnout.  a lot of modelers shy away from 3 way and curved turnouts.  but if installed carefully they are great.

Quote from: union pacific 844 on March 02, 2013, 09:16:05 PM
how long are bachmann
DD40AX?

very close to scale which would be 98'5"

Quote from: union pacific 844 on February 20, 2013, 01:07:39 AM
how do you set up a wye to turn engines around like 4-8-4s

do you access to a library?  it would be a little easier than trying  to explain.  wyes can b formed by 2 regular turnouts and one wye turnout (easiest) or 3 wyes ( also easy).  Wyes take up space

Quote from: rogertra on February 17, 2013, 09:47:02 PM
Has anyone else experienced problems with the Spectrum light 4-8-2 binding as it goes through the frogs of Atlas code 83 Number 6 switches?

I have no problems with other steam locos, 2-6-0s and 2-8-0s.  I've just installed DCC sound into one of my Spectrum Heavy 4-8-2 and it binds going through the No. 6 frogs.

I've check back to back on the drivers and they're fine.  I've have found that I need to run a 2 inch piece of hacksaw blade through the frog and then give the frogs a gentle filing with a triangular jeweler's file and that seems to solve the problem.

But I do find it strange that of my other Spectrum engines I have in service, only the Heavy 4-8-2 has this problem.

I never had these problems on my now dismantled GER with hand laid No. 6 switches.  All engine ran just fine though all frogs.

check your drivers to see if they are in gauge with a nmra wheel/track gauge

Quote from: sd24b on February 13, 2013, 03:27:43 AM

Quote from: union pacific 844 on February 12, 2013, 04:32:32 PM
my only controller just went up in smoke i can't run any trains now until i make some money  to get a new one

who makes the power pack?   have you checked out the terminals with a meter to be sure it is the pack.  also, do you have a volt/amp meter connected to your power supply?

probably not going to win brownie points from bachmann but i would not waste time or money on their pack for repair or replacement.  suggest a mrc tech IV's are very nice and durable.  I have 2 mrc packs that are 25 and 32 y/o and still going strong.

Quote from: union pacific 844 on February 13, 2013, 12:40:17 AM
what does it cost to have a dc controller replaced ?

depends on what you are looking for.  replaced or repair?

Quote from: union pacific 844 on February 12, 2013, 04:32:32 PM
my only controller just went up in smoke i can't run any trains now until i make some money  to get a new one

who makes the power pack?   have you checked out the terminals with a meter to be sure it is the pack.  also, do you have a volt/amp meter connected to your power supply?

Quote from: union pacific 844 on February 10, 2013, 12:52:54 PM
when i do send my new GE DASH 8-40C in for repaired and if  they replace it would be with a GE DASH 8-40CW?

you need to talk to bachmann concerning that.

Quote from: union pacific 844 on February 10, 2013, 01:08:07 PM
what ground cover is the best for a temporary layout ? is there some thing better then a green sheet that is a dust magnet 

obtain kalmbach's scenery book.  also a current walther's catalog would be advisable.  There is no best for anything in this hobby.  what works for me may not work for you.  experiment. 

Quote from: union pacific 844 on February 07, 2013, 05:57:49 PM
what dcc sound decoder will fit? where can i get sunny white leds that will fit?

there isn't much room in the top for a decoder.  a small one should fit.  however, you need to mill the frame for a speaker.  will not be a very easy conversion due to the way it was made.  unit has split frame with the motor contacting the frame halves.  the trucks do the same.  suggest using a Atlas 8-40 which would be much less work. 

Quote from: DylTrain on February 03, 2013, 12:18:14 PM
Where can one purchase under track magnets for E-Z track HO scale

kadee makes them.  not sure if you can get them under your track

Quote from: union pacific 844 on February 02, 2013, 12:53:06 AM
i can't solder with out burning the house down

well, this is a great time to learn.  15/30 watt soldering iron is safe unless you don't grab the handle.  get some rosin core solder tip cleaner, and flux.  practice on scrap pieces of wire.  don't think there has been anyone born who knew how to solder.