<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://resources.bachmanntrains.com/ihobby2014/html5/index.html?page=1">http://resources.bachmanntrains.com/iho ... tml?page=1</a><!-- m -->


It looks like DCC on a Smartphone, but its actually even more revolutionary. Its an APP, just a set of drivers.

This drastically reduces the cost of DCC to just the Chip. JUST the Chip. Because your $300-500 DCC device is now FREE. Ist Still a $300-600 device, but you didn't buy it for a decoder, you bought it as a multifunction miniature computer, not a throttle. You already have it (or you can get it free with a phone plan that you're already using). so that is 'Free'. Bachmann is GIVING away the app in trainsets. Its FREE. Its just the cost of the chip in the locomotive. So the device is free and the app is free, and the trains also work as DC without any changes if the bluetooth is not active.

Looks like if you aren't invested in DCC, this will be something to look into.

The Antenna may be too large for N-scale unless some other tricks happen, but even if this new level 4, 100 meter range bluetooth isn't viable for N, the Class 3, 30-meter range is probably good enough for most usage.

thoughts anyone?

The CP Christmas train has a very broad schedule with many stops in the US including Minnesota (Ralph) and Steamtown as well as Hamilton, Windsor and Toronto.
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.cpr.ca/en/community/holiday-train">http://www.cpr.ca/en/community/holiday-train</a><!-- m -->
Charlie

Hi,

This is my first contribution to the Big Blue Train forum.

I normally model Belgian prototype however, a couple of months back, I started this minimal space layout as a side project to be able to run my 2 Santa Fe zebra stripe locomotives (my all time favorite US livery) in a suitable environment. Inspiration came from a series of articles on PFE operations published many years ago in Railroad Model Craftsman and from this interesting website on fruit packing sheds in California <!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.coastdaylight.com">http://www.coastdaylight.com</a><!-- m -->. The overall size of the module is 50” x 20”. A detachable fiddle yard with 5 track traverser (22” x 20”) is still to be built.

The main theme is fruit traffic in Central California in the early 60ies. The ice house with platform following a (standard?) PFE design forms the center piece. I used MDF covered with filler for the concrete walls; the platform is made of balsa.



No ice house without a fruit packing shed. This one, still work in process, is a highly compressed version of Youngstown Grape Distributor in Reedley, CA (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://coastdaylight.com/esl/vid/cncph_vid_reedly.html">http://coastdaylight.com/esl/vid/cncph_vid_reedly.html</a><!-- m -->). The building hides the transition between layout and fiddle yard and features a covered loading platform, which provides for some interesting openness on the front side. I may leave part of the roof carpentry visible.



Wileman Bros. & Elliott is a backdrop building, non railway served and based on the former fruit packing plant in Cutler, CA (<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://coastdaylight.com/esl/vid/cncph_vid_cutler.html">http://coastdaylight.com/esl/vid/cncph_vid_cutler.html</a><!-- m -->). This concrete and brick construction was converted into a grain storage facility in later years, hence the addition of the bucket elevator. I re-positioned the elevator due to a lack of space in front of the building but also to cover the vertical seam between building and backdrop. The small tank on the left side of the building (thought to be holding fuel for grain drying) serves the same purpose.



Finally, the fuel and sand facility is the excuse for a guest locomotive to make an appearance (an F-unit with cat whiskers is on my wish list). This is more or less a copy of the one Bob Smaus built for his layout. I added an impression of a fuel pump and filter next to the small shed.



Operations are obviously rather limited and include pre-icing a couple of reefers, loading them at the fruit packing house and then returning them to the ice platform for additional icing. Furthermore the packing house occasionally receives a box car with new fruit crates and the tank car at the fuel facility needs to be switched from time to time. All in all, around 25 movements.

Finally, here is a view of the total layout (a roof will be needed to avoid the shadows on the backdrop).



Looking forward to the comments of the forum experts.

Gino

Went to the Open House of the PA Live Steamers featuring G Gauge, 1/8 Scale and 1-1/2 Gauge

Attached Files

Image(s)
           

Athearn has a PC board that it had included in some of the newer, non-ex-bluebox RTR locos. This has become available as part 90616, and it makes installing DCC in bluebox or RTR GP38-2s and GP40-2s a lot easier -- there are positive solder points, both an 8-pin and 9-pin socket, and the option of adding 1.5 v bulbs. The most recent run of GP38-2s has this board as stock, which makes these as easy to convert to DCC as any other Athearn RTR.

Here is a board installed, as yet without decoder, in an older RTR GP38-2 chassis:

   

As is, this makes a DCC conversion a little easier, because it allows you to install the 90616 board and do the rewiring needed, but then test that install under DC, so you eliminate any debugging issues during the install where a wiring error might be the problem, rather than the decoder.

Here is a GP38-2 chassis with 90616 with a Digitrax DH126:

   

However, I found that when you add an older RTR GP38-2 body, the 90616 doesn't quite fit. I had to hog out a rebate in the shell roof weight retainer to clear the 8-pin socket:

   

For some reason, this isn't a problem in the latest-run GP38-2s with the 90616 installed. I also discovered that you have to be careful how you install the shell with a larger decoder like the DH126. I used Scotch Magic Tape to hold the decoder in a more positive position so it wouldn't catch on the shell:

   

Here's the finished project:

   

If anyone is interested in US Rail Improvement Grants:
<!-- m --><a class="postlink" href="http://www.progressiverailroading.com/federal_legislation_regulation/article/Rail-grabs-share-of-TIGER-VI-grants--42126">http://www.progressiverailroading.com/f ... nts--42126</a><!-- m -->

Thought I'd start this week with a picture from my trip to Cass.
160 Ton Three Truck Shay #6.

Attached Files

Image(s)
   

Anyone have a military presence on their layout or just model it in HO?

I was thinking on getting some roco models and starting up another project.

Is anyone in hneed of, or interested in a couple hundred HO wheels? They're free. All I need is an address to send them to. All are plastic, tho many have metal axles, and all different sizes. I've got a bunch of jun - - -parts for a go-to box.

I've got to do some cleaning out so I can do something. It is down to where I can see the yop of my workbench.Send me a PM if you can use anyhing.

Lynn