TravisM

Not sure if this has been asked before, so I apologise in advance but I bought a number of non DCC, DRS liveried TSO’s and a single BSO Mk2F’s as they were being sold off at a good price. I was wondering if they can be upgraded to DCC easily or is a non starter?

Was yours like that from day one or did it develop the problem? Mine has just suddenly developed it.

Thank you for that but as I said, I’m a DCC newbie and unsure how to change or check CV’s. As I use a NCE Powercab, would be grateful for a idiot guide on how to check the CV

No obvious damage and it’s been sitting in its box since it’s last run. As I’m a DCC dummy, how do you do a decoder reset? I just don’t want to compound the problem, even though I think it’s a simple fix.

Went to test run my DCC & sound fitted 37423, and to my surprise, the sound functions and lights worked but it wouldn’t move. It worked perfectly a few weeks ago and now somewhat surprised that it’s decided to play dead. Does anyone have any ideas as to why it’s decided to throw a wobbly?

Went to the NEC to attend Key Publishing's 'Model World Live 2024' show, mainly to get new ideas for the layout. Spoke to Colin from Rainbow Railways about my next purchase from them, a Realtrack Northern Class 156 respray into the RAF 100 year anniversary livery. Had a look at the Heljan stand and very tempted by their O Gauge Highland Class 24's, to then build a small version of the Far North Line to compete against @class26 OO scale layout. Then over to Accurascale's stand and meet up with Richard Watson @Accurascale, to show him the Modelu 3D print that was done of him, and painted by Dan Evason of Tunnel Lane Model Railways. @Accurascale Fran thought it was hilarious and I now have two 'mini me's' to go on my layout (Richard and myself). I also took pictures of my next two Accurascale purchases, 37116 in Colas and 37422 in DRS plain blue. I would like to point out that these are decorated samples, not the real deal.

Hi Mark, To be honest, I'm struggling a bit with the idea as my friend also suggested that I build the layout from the bottom up, rather than start at the top and work down. He said it would be easier to build the fiddle yard, and the helix first as it would be a level and secure starting point for the layout, then the scenic section attached to the helix and then mounted to the wall. If I started with the scenic section and worked down, everything would be harder to make sure everything matches up. I hope that makes sense? I just thought about using what I have, will jumpstart the layout build as I feel I need to get the helix sorted first.

A friend of mine suggested that I move the original 8’6”x30” baseboard to the lower level (hidden sidings) as I would have more room to put in extra staging tracks, or just sidings to hold spare stock. He also suggested that the station baseboard is built on a curve, so there’s less wasted space. It sounds very intriguing and I’d like to hear what others think?

I was hoping there would be announcement regarding a third batch, I know @class26 and others are climbing the walls awaiting for a Accurascale announcement for Inverness based Class 37’s, especially 37114 Dunrobin Castle, with it’s unique top of the bonnet headlight. Personally I’m hoping for DRS 37069 or 37218 and 37716 in later compass livery, plus 37401 in large logo. Just asking 😜

I have considered that but as I’m trying to follow the KISS (Keep it simple stupid) principle and keep the two hidden sidings separate operationally, but once the baseboards are built, I can play around with the hidden sidings plan, including a middle road that can serve both sets of sidings.

Following this thread with interest and getting lots of useful information from @MAP66 regarding the use of a helix. Looking forward to seeing how this layout progresses.

Wonderful, I’ll have to think about getting one for my Cumbrian Coast layout. Totally out of my time period but hard to say no to.

They should be a ‘polished steel’ rather than silver because of the friction of the brake pads, but certainly not white.

Isn't this the same picture that @steve1 posted at the start of this thread?

The D&H off loaded it's C628's, U30C's as well (I think) their PA-4's to Mexico in 1978 but happy to be proved wrong. Fortunately the four PA's still survive, though non operational.