Ref44

Ah, so it isn't just my laptop that is playing up; same issue started yesterday.

To close the matter; Peco sent some spares and the loco is running again.

Well at least I willhave some extra pennies for the energy price hikes. I received my invitation to apply for my state pension today. Quess I'm getting old, but the online application was quick and easy. Hopefully they will pay on time in November!

Ian,, thanks for the info, hopefully a letter will appear in a few days.

I tried the magnet trick without any joy, I suspect the pin was launched into orbit by the moving rods. Hopefully Peco will respond quickly.

Obtained one of these a week ago. Has been fiited with a DCC decoder. Having got some track laid, the loco was slowly lapping the circuit on a 14ft x 3ft board. Did 4 laps then stalled. On examination the rear n/s crankpin has fallen out. Needless to say given the small size, it can't be found. Hs this happenefd to anyone else? Peco have been contanted re spares, but its not great given how little use the loco has had. I've still got a Princess to chip.

In relation to the "2 wires" claim, I have a vague recollection, possibly mistaken , that the claim back in Hornby Zero 1 days was that you could control all your locos, turnouts and signals by just 2 wires from the controller. This can be true; is it a case of the oft repeated message being corrupted? My locos are DCC but turnouts are operated by servos from a conventional switch panel. I tried DCC control, but found the traditional method simpler to use.

Wasn't it also at one time sold as Thawpit for use as a form of Home Dry Cleaning. You always knew when it was being used.

Another day has passed without exchanging contracts for our move. Our buyers solicitor hasn't checked the source of our buyers deposit! Given the money laundering forms are some of the first paperwork you get from the EA and solicitor, it is inexcusable that it hasn't been checked earlier. The EA stated they did the checks for their purposes and there were no issues. Hopefully we can exchange tomorrow.

Another option: http://www.cliffbarker.me.uk/ No connection beyond satisfied customer.

Some positive news for a change; it looks like we will be moving on the 3rd. Going to a bungalow will make life a lot easier for SWMBO who is currently stuck living in the lounge. Exchange of contracts should be early next week.

Apologies for not responding earlier, but have been dealing with various medical appointments. A massive thankyou to all who have expressed symphathy and good wishes over SWMBO's diagnosis. It does act as a safety valve when things get a bit much. I must also belatedly extend my condolences to WB, sorry to hear of your loss. Task for the day will be chasing the solicitor to see if our buyer has decided on the proposed moving date. I can see it being missed as the removal slot will probably disappear before they decide.

Have just done the same thing with my AA renewal and the RAC came out best at just over £200. It looks as if our move should progress soon; we are waiting on the solicitors agreeing a date. We need to move for SWMBO, she was diagnosed with Vascular Dementia last week.

The NHS aren't very popular in this house at the moment. SWMBO went for her 3 yearly breast screening at Broomfield hospital on Thursday. She is disabled and can't stand unaided. Despite the efforts of two nurses, they only managed to take 1 of the 4 photos that are normally done. Given the history of cancer in her family (numerous deaths), she is rather distressed. I can't believe the NHS can't cope with a disabled patient. A phone call will be made to the regional office on Monday to try and find out what is going on. The lady I spoke to at MacMillan couldn't believe it either.

My experience in SM32 using Slaters locos is that 32mm gauge is too wide for the BtB setting if you want to keep the flangway gap at the crossing to near scale I think I closed the gauge to 31.3mm.

We are back from our house hunting trip. This was successful; an offer has been accepted on a suitable bungalow. The morning has been spent emailing copies of various documents to estate agents. Travelling into Hull on Wednesday was "interesting" as it coincided with the torrential rain. We nearly got taken out as someone decided to charge up the outside lane of the A63 ignoring the very large puddles resulting in a wall of water being thrown up. It scared the driver; he crawled long afterwards. Some invective was aimed in his direction. Just happy to have avoided any problems.

The moving saga is progressing. A trip away for a couple of days will allow for a number of viewings of potential homes. It will also allow me to see my sister who I haven't seen for a couple of years. She is also my source of local info for the areas we are looking at. A session yesterday saw the final bits removed from the loft and either boxed for moving or bin bagged for a trip to the tip. This morning saw half the garage emptied; the patio is now covered with items for the tip. It does help with feeling that things are progressing. First task tomorrow is chasing the pharmacy to ensure that SWMBO will have a supply of her tablets whist we are away.

A hectic day yesterday resulted in our accepting an offer on the house. Now busy looking online for bungalows before ringing agents to sort out some viewings. Looking to spend a few days "oop north"to see if we can find something that will work for the wife and taht we like.

As the present owner, I think the confusion has arisen as the loco was in the wrong box. The model is No.749; the box is for No.744 (Quantum Sound) which presumably why it was thought to be sound fiited. The box even includes the magnetic wand for resetting the system. I bought it on the basis that the sound wasn't working; now explained by the fact that it was never fitted! I'm in the same boat re Auto racks; they will be too big. Mike

Layout plans are on hold; we need to move re the wifes disabilities. There is a stock of bits from Jay Creswell ready for when I can make a start. I'm hoping I will be good for 25 years or so before needing to think about getting rid of excess stock. I'll bear your kind offer in mind for when I can make a start. Till then, my 7ft long Chicago Fork will have to suffice.

Jason, Many thanks for the info. It is a lovely model; I'm hoping to get several years of use out of it before I get to the stoge of having to let stuff go. Please pass my thanks to the gentleman. Mike

Jason, Yes I did; the loco runs very smoothly; I just need a circuit diagram for the decoder. I don't suppose you recognise it by any chance? Cheers Mike

The fuel tank is empty; the wiring of the lights is a mess, the marker lights are on F0 and one headlight is on F4. It has obviously been modified by a previous owner. As stated previously I'm hoping to find a wiring diagram; with 20 connections it would be nice if 2 were for a speaker. The loco runs on DCC so fitting speaker wouldn't be an issue. If all else fails I'll rip it all out and fit my usual Loksound XL.

Oop's it is O scale.

I have an Atlas GP35 with the pictured DCC decoder. JMRI via Sprog throws up a variety of Zimo possibilities. The loco is supposed to be sound fitted albeit there is no speaker. The large 4 pin connector is obviously track feed plus motor connections. It looks as if it should be some form of Atlas factory fitted decoder given the size of the heatsinks. If so, does anyone have a wiring diagram for the 16 pin connector which is curently wired to the headlights and class lights. I'm wondering if two of the pins are for a speaker feed. Any help would be much appreciated.