digger62

Many thanks for that Iain. You're absolutely right about getting a good decoder. Many years ago when I was buying my first Hi-Fi (over 40 years ago) I was told to never skimp on one component (in this case the speaker cables) as the product would only be as good as it's weakest component. Zimo decoder appears to be out of stock, but will look for Bachmann one. Regards Mark

I am starting out in OO9 and have Bachmann Baldwin Tank Glyn Valley Tramway. I am looking to convert it to DCC and was about to purchase a Lais 18 pin decoder with stay alive wires just in case it was necessary. When I looked at the description of the decoder (Laisdcc 870015) it says it is not compatible with a coreless motor. I am on a budget and this was what attracted me to this decoder. Can anyone recommend a suitable decoder that will work with this locomotive as I do not wish to damage it? Also if I wanted to fit a stay alive I was going to route the wires through the body and into the cab. However I cannot see how to remove the cab. There are two brass coloured screws and two smaller black ones, but easing these do not appear to loosen the cab. As always many thanks in advance for any help you can offer.

Many thanks for that 4firstimes. I'll go with that.

Hi I need to wire a Peco N Gauge short crossing as mentioned in the title. As I understand I have two options, one being to use DPDT switch, the other DCC80 Gaugemaster Autofrog. There are four wires coming from the crossing so if I went for the DCC80 option does that mean I would need four of them (I already have one sitting in a box) or can I use two by somehow piggybacking a pair of wires. As for the DPDT I have looked at the instructions that come with the crossing and the Peco 'Shows You How' Wiring the layout (No21), but both only show two wires coming out as opposed to the four on the one I have. I may well be missing something here. Any help would be gratefully appreciated.

Thanks very much. I think I'll go with the N Gauge crossing option.

Many thanks for your responses. If I went for the N Gauge do you know if the rail height would be the same?

I am looking to do a small OO9 layout and was considering using a diamond crossing to save space in one area. I have tried to find one, but only seem to come up with a dual gauge one. I was aiming to use the Peco range of track, but if anyone knows of something that would be compatible with that I would be grateful. Many thanks.

Thanks guys really appreciate that. I tried Wheatley's suggestion first purely as seemed the mildest route and seems to have worked a treat so many thanks for that. Mark

Hi I have just purchased a second hand Hornby Q1 and when I have got it out of the box there is some lubricating oil on the body. As the body has a dull matt finish does anyone know of a safe way to remove the marks? As always many thanks in advance. Mark.

I have been going for a number of years now and went on the Saturday and had a thoroughly enjoyable time. From my point of view I like to browse the trade stands to start with and then spend time looking at the various layouts. My particular favourite was the snow scene with locos going over the viaduct. I am so sorry, but I can't remember the name, but if you saw it you would know which one I mean. Speaking to a couple of the Warley members on the information stand it suddenly became apparent of the massive effort put into the show by ordinary members. There is no external professional help for it. When I mentioned dates for next years show there were worries expressed about massive cost increases, but also (with all due respect) the fact that these guys aren't getting any younger. It would appear that the show is always on the last weekend of November so I will be pencilling in the 23rd and 24th November, but it would be a great shame if this marvellous show were to disappear from the calendar. A big thank you to all who made it possible.

Just come across a flyer for Advance tickets for the Warley show through The Ticket Factory. In previous years I've been able to preorder the catalogue so that it's delivered prior to the show and I can have a good look and plan my day, but I can't see that option. I guess it must be a real pain to send them out, but does anyone know if you can get them before the show? Many thanks.

Hi does anyone know if the dongle will be compatible with the Signatrak Ace? Many thanks Mark

Thanks for that. Do you know if any Elite or Select would be compatible or do they need to be a newer version?

Thanks for that. Shame as I had thought about converting quite a few of my locos, but if it's not compatible. I'll have to think again.

Does anyone know if the dongle will work with the NCE Powercab? Many thanks