Sayajirao

Just idly looking at various online sources, this J11 doesn't appear to have a coupling rod knuckle joint unless it is lost in the low resolution?

with respect to valve gears (and everything else to do with steam locos), its all in the BTC publication "Handbook for Railway Steam Locomotive Enginemen" published in 1957. Good quality copies usually available on eBay; I've got a digital copy but it exceeds the maximum permitted file size. Extracted are some of the relevant pages, as always, what is required is good photos with the crank of the loco set at the same position, ie bottom quarter. Pages.pdf

@McC could you let me have a comprehensive CV listing for the Lokpilot as I have had no success with the decoders I have. Have located a supply, assuming that this is the correct type - LOKPILOT 5 BASIC DCC 21PIN (4 + 8 Logic Functions).

I have just received a D6702 with the intention of using one of my spare decoders - I have several types which should be suitable, but non ESU. However there are no instructions with this model (other than dip switch positions for ESU or Non ESU decoders). This has not been powered up yet but I need to know what lighting should be available and how many functions are required to support them. I would rather be armed with this information before I start programming with some degree of certainty of what I should end up with. Regards, John Stather

Turned out to be a poor contact in the end, worked fine in DC mode but not DCC.

Loco works on DC and lighting switches 2 and 3 seem to work as intended. Fitted with an Imperian 21 pin decoder. Decoder set up using JMRI Decoder Pro with the correct decoder definition via an ESU board and Function CVs set as per the supplied Dapol instructions, all CVs can be written too and then read back using the compare function. When fitted to the loco, all can be read back with the exception of CV33, this shows no loco detected although the motor responds as per all other CV reads. The loco moves and the accell/decell functions have been set up although I’m not a fan of the TCS type settings. Lights - one end shows a red and the other end a white, these cannot be reversed and only one cab light works. Resetting the function outputs I can identify which outputs drive the three operational lights but nothing seem to work the others. I am thinking that this is a lighting board problem? Has anyone else successfully set one of these up? If so, have they had similar problems, so far three hours wasted. Otherwise this is being returned where it was purchased from. Thanks, John S

Not obvious in the CV listings, does this decoder support braking on say F2 as do some Zimo decoders. Nothing apparent either in decoder pro programming panes. If so, what CVS/info please? regards, John S

A number of contributors appear to utilise sheds of various sizes, the value of the contents probably very significant. Are there any insurers out there that can accommodate this at realistic rates? My stuff is in the house but my wife's crafting equipment is in a large wood construction shed with secure door and window - all modern plastic, but proves very difficult to insure. To be fair, they are not keen on the value of the models either. Any thoughts please?

I’ve followed this thread for a number of years but never contributed as my modelling activities are stalled for various reasons - mainly classic bike restorations and heritage railway activities. Here is Triggers broom 56 years later residing at Bishops Lydeard for the summer season of South West LSL main line excursions. Tongue in cheek, the Sir Nigel/he/she conundrum fits in well with the current PC debate, maybe male named locos should now be Them?

I have several Prodigy handsets and a number have been returned and have been repaired by Gaugemaster over fifteen years or so, the speed control device being the offending component failure. What is the correct term for the device as it is not a pot in the conventional sense, but some sort of multi turn device? And more importantly does anyone know of a replacement item/part number/source of (ie Radio Spares) etc of a more reliable nature? ie significantly better MTBFs. The Prodigy system suits my purpose but needs to be more reliable in this respect. Not related, but my Vaillant boiler control pad has a similar item which has also failed. Due to its circuit board design/construction there is little chance of removing and replacing it - if I could identify what it is, where as at least the Prodigy looks doable.

MODELMASTER AYR - I ordered (and paid for) three sets of 55XX plates (two pairs black background, one pair RED background - which the invoice reflects) last June. The plates were received six weeks later, supplied ALL BLACK background. I immediately responded by email to ask for this to be resolved, this and several others went unanswered over the next four weeks or so. I then noticed the "don't email us" on his website as he has eye sight problems and 'phone only between 1300-1500. This I did and he answered on one occasion and told me to return the offending items for repainting. That was two months ago, I did get through once more and he acknowledged receipt but had been shut for TWO weeks at or around the death/funeral of the Queen and agreed to resolve. Now his website is down again so I think the moral of this is very carefully consider before ordering from him - I shan't.

Although out with the title of my topic, I have an Accurascale "Accurathrash Class 55 'Deltic' DCC Sound Decoder" on order and the latest update for non-delivery was stuck in customs; I'm beginning to to think that may me a euphemism for its not in existence yet? Based on the above.

apologies but must have dozed off for a few weeks. I need chips such as MX638D or MX600 and none seem to be available on any websites. Is this a temporary supply chain issue/Covid/Ukraine/Post Brexit or something more deep routed? and will it resolve soon? Does anyone know, or are there suppliers that have stocks, I have tried the normal ones such as YouChoos, Coastal, Digitrains, Wickness etc. Regards, John

I would like to modify a Hornby O1 2-8-0 to represent one of the O1’s fitted with air pumps for use on the Tyne Dock - Consett ore trains. Unless I am able to (which is highly unlikely) locate a Dave Alexander kit, I will have to source or make the necessary components. I believe the air pumps are 10” finned Westinghouse which are available. Can anyone supply dimensions for the two air receiver tanks and diameters of the steam supply pipes to pumps and air pipework diameters. I have a copy of the BRM Aug 2013 article which will assist in siting the major bits and pipe layouts. Likewise, are there any scale drawings available for these locos? I have scoured numerous websites and forums and nothing seems to supply the necessary details. Any help greatly appreciated.