OK guys I told you I'd show you the good the bad and the ugly. Well, here's how I installed the Digitrax SDXH167D sound decoder and ESU 50321 LokSound Sugar Cube Speaker with Sound Chamber in my 20-year-old PROTO 2000 SD-9 that I pulled out of the Bachmann Spectrum N&W J that I could not get the sound file to load correctly.

This was a simple, quick and satisfying install that really make this engine pretty damn nice.




What do you guys think.

Here we go and install a decoder in new in the box 20-year-old Bachmann Spectrum SD-45. This one had to be hard wired in and Leds where added.

So, I needed to replace a 20yr old decoder MRC because it was no longer supported, and I use a Decoder Buddy and a Digitrax decoder.

Well Hello!
Hey guys, I have a YouTube channel and I upload videos about twice a week too. I've been doing this for a little over a year, so there's a lot of content to catch up on. I'll post links to my previous builds below, and I'll start with the new build that's coming up.
Feel free to ask me any questions about why or how I did something, or if you have a trick that works for you on doing it.

HO Hotraks module build
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNYyj...gkF_KXx3QD

Long Island Ntraks module build.
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNYyj...BWc0vWZMy5-

I have searched the now useless google for help with MTH terminology to no avail.

I just got an SD70ACe in HO scale and it is DCC/sound equipped with their system. It runs and works well but programming is a little bit different. 

I am trying to set the ACC and DCC rate  to zero as I do all my locomotives.  Can anyone tell me what PWM mode is on these machines? I think it has something to do with the motor control but I don't like to guess. 

Charlie

This is the beginning of my new layout. Warehouse Row is being designed to, loosely, represent lower downtown Denver in the late 50s, early 60s. I say generically because this is the test layout to try different techniques. This will be the lead in to the Wynkoop Street layout which will be a much more accurate representation of the area. That space, however, is not available yet, so Warehouse Row will be the start.

My approach for this is to build a model of the layout which allows me to tweak things before actually building it full size. This is where things started:

This is the track plan that I started with. Its based on a Jack Trollope plan called Ness Street Yard. The "box" above the track plan is my initial attempt to represent the benchwork. My intention was just to draw directly on this, but the PVC sheet I used was a bit soft and difficult to draw on and then correct mistakes.
   

This shows some of the small buildings I built up from PVC sheet and doors/windows etc glued on. These came from the DPM template package and reduced to the proper size (or close enough at this point). These are only representations at this point to get an idea of heights and spacing.
   

And since it is a model of a model railroad then it also needs locomotives and freight cars to run on it.
   

I've decided to add a second layout to my to-do list even though the first one is still very much in progress however,  I need a break from big power, conspicuity stripes and graffiti. 

The Kensington Subdivision is set on Prince Edward island in eastern Canada in the 77-85 era when CN actually served Canada from coast to coast. Traffic traveled to and from the island by car ferry. The section I am modelling is from Traveler's Rest to Summerside. Power will be MLW RSC-14's (There were 38 on CN from 1977 - 1996 and used on light rail trackage. They have A1A trucks to distribute the weight of the loco over poor track. They started out as  standard Montreal Locomotive Works (MLW) B-B RS-18's) Caboose (vans) and transfer vans will be used.

I attached a working draft of the track plan. I'll update it as changes take place. 

   
   

   

I was recently given this to paint:

   

   

I discussed the paint job with the owner. He wants the car painted like Canadian National's 1954- 1962 scheme.

   

I have both the paint and the decals for the project but I've never painted a brass car before. From the looks of it it has a clear coat from the factory since there is no sign of tarnish or oxidization. I suppose I can just paint directly over the current finish, possible scuffing it slightly to give the paint a bit of 'tooth'?

Let's take a ride on the Kiski Junction Railroad.     
Charlie

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