Spamcanman

I did a visual check on the loco's motion, lubricated it but to no avail. I took the base-plate off and checked the drive gears whcih seemed OK. I should probably dismantle the entire motion and reassemble it after checking.

I have an Econami sound decoder fitted to an On30 Porter conversion, which up to now has run perfectly. When I put it on the track yesterday and opened the (NCE) throttle it dashed forward and ran into the bumper. In reverse it ran smoothly and controllably, but when I again tried to run forwards it would not move. When it did eventually move forwards it was very jerky, but remained smooth in reverse. The sound continued both ways in line with the movements. As an added annoyance the lights will not work either way although the generator sound can be heard. I have tried resetting to manufacturer's settings, but that makes no difference. Any guidance would be much appreciated.

I have fitted a WowSound decoder to one of my steam locos and in particular find the facility to regulate the 'Chuff Rate' on-the-go wonderful.

This is a superb model by Heljan of the Class 07 Ruston & Hornsby diesel shunter, which was originally placed into service at Southampton Docks. As an OO model it is necessarily petite but nevertheless bears many very tiny detail parts. I am in the process of fitting the 6-pin decoder required and am finding several of the very small parts very vulnerable. Some are metal (handrails) but others are plastic and I have so far broken one of the tiny air horns on the cab roof, disloged one of the cab handrails, one of the front handrails and one of the sanding pipes! And I thought I was being careful as advised by the Heljan instruction sheet. Lovely model, but it would be most welcome if Heljan would supply them DCC Fitted.

I see that the wonderful Caboose Hobbies is closing down. Very sad. Found them very helpful in the past. http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/index_brief.php

An 04 would get my money because of a project I am doing, but leaving aside my preference, I should have thought that the different manufacturers would get more of a market share if their product was not in direct competition with another maker.

Must say I am very impressed with the TCS WowSound decoders. I have them installed in my O Scale US diesels and also a Baldwin steam loco. The peak of 2 amps current draw was the vital factor in my initial decision, but since owning and operating them the sound is very good, motor control excellent, instructions sheet clear and on top of all that the decoder tells you which sound it is demonstrating to you (!). The Stay Alive is great for continuity of running and I have not had any problems with day-long running at exhibitions unlike with the MRC decoder, which has since been removed.

Having modelled BR(S) for more years than I care to tell I have recently been lured into the planning of a US O scale end-to-end exhibition layout, which will be 24 feet long and 2 feet wide. It will be themed around transporting ore in the South Western US in the early 50's so that steam and diesel is OK. I am puzzled by my initial searches of manufacturers of US outline locos and stock. Firstly very little seems to be available in the UK but secondly I am amazed that three-rail still seems to predominate. Thirdly, visits to loco makers sites show 'no stock' is available in any of the types suitable for my layout. As a complete newcomer to this side of modelling I would welcome input from those more experienced in American outline O gauge/scale.