LTechG

hi, Wondered if there is any way of creating power districts using the prodigy controller. Want to protect against possible shorts shutting the whole layout down rather than the bit of the layout involved. Digitrax has a system using "power districts" using a hardware device. Is there a way of doing this with prodigy? Thanks in anticipation, Stephen

Hadn't considered that, I have a spare class 45 bogie assembly that I thought to rob at need. Although the bogie side frame detail is different to the class 46, I suspect the driven wheels might be interchangeable. Problem is, I don't know how to split the chassis to extract/change the driven axle. Barry

I have a rather old class 46 Bachmann diesel locomotive that has a distinct "thump" as it is driven in one direction. It seems to be ok in reverse. I have isolated the problem to one of the driven wheels on one of the bogies although after close inspection, can see no obvious reason, but the "thump" seems to be in time with the rotation of the wheels. Can someone advise the way to open the bogie assembly so I can further check the wheels and possibly replace them? I can see no way of separating the bogie frame. No screws or obvious plastic clips! Regards, Barry

Recently purchased a ESU 53900 Decoder Tester but problem when connected to my DCC controller, a Gaugemaster Prodigy Express. Have connected the tester to the programming track output as per the instructions, but can only programme decoder number. Track leds flicker for a few seconds and then extinguish. Unable to test any other aspect: lights, motor, direction etc. When using the DCC controller normally (connected to the programming track/layout, can only programme the decoder number on the programming track - to operate direction, lights, acceleration etc, have to place loco on main layout). Can I connect ESU Decoder tester to the main layout output of the Prodigy Express controller for testing other functions? Thought I might ask the more experienced, before risking damaging the tester. Many thanks, Stephen

Many thanks for that, probably saved me hours of research LTechG

Hi, Can anyone help with identifying a suitable paint make/colour for the light grey of the Hornby/Lima Class 59 in ARC livery. I have just bought a new pair of bogies to upgrade the Lima model to DCC ready with all wheel pick-ups and NEM coupling pockets but unfortunately they came in black. The model itself has a light grey colour. There must be a suitable candidate amongst the Railmatch/Precision Paints/Humbrol/Tamiya/Others? Regards LTechG

Need to get the body off and have a look I think. Concensus seems to be that earlier models didn't have rear lights. Many thanks for all the replies. Barry

Recently bought a Bachmann class 37 "Tre Pol and Pen" Testing it and found that when the lights were switched on, only the front lights worked. When the direction was reversed, same thing happened. I believe the loco is fitted with an 8 pin decoder socket though can't be sure. Don't know what decoder either. Is there an easy solution to this problem before I get my screwdrivers out to remove the body and start checking wiring? Any help gratefully received. Barry

Having finally got the bodyshell off, am presented with a circuit board with socket connections to pick-ups and lights at both ends. However, the sockets in use are different for each end which has surprised me as I thought the wiring to each end would have been the same. The sockets for each end pick-ups are the same on each end of the board, but the sockets for the lights are different (See attached photos) Also the single pair of wires which leaves the relevant lighting plug, then splits into 2 pairs to feed 2 lights at each end. Does anyone else have a photo of their Class 58 circuit board and wiring? I think the comparison might help. Regards LTechG Heljan Class 58 -Circuit board & wiring.docx

Just purchased a Heljan Class 58 and the rear lights don't illuminate. Fronts are OK in both directions. I've been informed it has a DCC chip installed, and I also would like to investigate the possibility of upgrading to a sound decoder. Had a good look around the model but can see no way to get the body shell off to allow me access to the wiring. Can anyone with this valuable information please respond? I would not like my lack of knowledge or impatience contributing to damaging an otherwise nice looking model. LTechG

Already tried Peter's Spares, but they have no stock. I was hoping one of the RMWeb's intrepid modellers might have a spare. LTechG

Desperate to source a Hornby Class 87 chassis underframe. This is the version with the skew-wound motor prt no X6118. I have a superb Class 87 body shell and have managed to acquire all of the parts to make both drive unit bogie, and the non drive unit bogie. Just need the chassis underframe to complete. If I had a plan of the underframe I would scratch-build one, but no plan available. Sadly the Hornby Class 86 underframe is different, and the Hornby ex-Lima versions accommodate the old Ringfield motor only. Can anyone help? Tried the usual spares outlets like Peter's Spares and Lendons but to no avail.