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bertiedog

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Posts posted by bertiedog

  1. Just got in Hummy in weathered finish, and very impressed with performance and finish of Peggy etc. All run in now, several hours running light, then with coaches etc.

     

    They run very cool, cheched with optical thermometer at a few degrees above ambient room temperature, with very light current drain running light, and not much increase on loading or inclines.

     

    No driver or fireman figures fiitted yet to Hummy, or Ashover coaches bar one kit version, roll on the Bachmann versions coming.

     

    Haulage is good at four coaches from Peco or equivalent assorted O09 four wheeled stock. The speed remains pretty constant on a feedback controller, but it also works fine on a plain Hornsby unit, with good slow speed as well. All D.C. not DCC, with under board sound system, run from my computer.

     

    Certainly the best 009 made so far, and more to come with the 040 locos promised.

     

    Stephen

    • Like 3
  2. Last bits of track in now plus some points from the L& B layout.  A short Y point has been sourced, a GF live frog unit.

     

    Board cut out in MDF with MDF bracing screwed and glued to the edges to keep it braced flat. The glue used is titebond, much stronger than PVA glue.

     

    The layout has only two folding legs as the back will be supported by a desk or wall mounted.

     

    To fix down the track before ballast is applied with glue, later on, holes are drilled alongside each set track and screws with a large washer are added.

     

    The washer holds the track but can be slackened off to adjust alinement, and you can slip paper etc under the tracks to get vertical alinement without relying on the fishplates.

     

    When all laid and tested, the track is edge flooded with dilute glue, and the screws removed. Once the ballast is added with further glue, the track will stay in place.

     

    Got to work out suitable sections to wire, basically simple as it is nearly all loop line.

    .

    • Like 3
  3. More assorted set track has arrived via eBay, proving much cheaper than flexible at new price. A bit of an assortment but join nicely.

    Got to check the radius of each as they do not match so called numbered radius range. There will be flexitrack used to tidy up the layout design

    Electric breaks will be added later on. The points will have wire in tube operation from a lever frame. Not sure yet whether to leave the fiddle area fixed or fit cassettes or moving tracks. As it is not for public exhibition use it really does not matter.

    Stephen.

  4. post-6750-0-36409200-1533684886.jpg

     

    A revised plan allowing for minimum radius track and live frog points, overall about 4x3, maybe a bit more. The left-hand side is covered, the yard sidings are open top but walled.

    The black hole could be left open or covered with a rock formation.

    Beginning cutting out soon. Some more track to arrive.

    Stephen.

     

    • Like 2
  5. Thanks, it confirms the details, which although in relation to 009 still applies, and like your layout the gathered up track has Peco and Fleischmann code 80.

    I have very long experience of track etc, but did not want to get a surprise when it arrives!  The points are Peco live frog types and the layout will serve as a test track for N gauge as well as 009.

    Stephen.

  6. Can I ask for confirmation that the Atlas Code 55 N gauge track is actually using code 55 rail, not the larger height rail that is used in Peco Code 55, which uses the extra thickness to act as a key into the sleepers, leaving 55 thou exposed?

     

    I am buying some bargain Atlas for use on 009, the sleepers spacing makes no difference as the track is over ballasted, covered, or out of direct view. Joining to other track codes is easy for me to arrange.

     

    My understanding is all modern flanges will run on it, as all NMRA compatible N gauge stock runs fine on Atlas setrack etc.

     

    My 009 is all modern with the same flange sizes as US Stock. I can wait to test it will be alright, but the offer is limited and it might be worth getting more Asap.

     

    Stephen.

  7. Changes to the design, it is being folded into an L shape as I have the space and some more 9mm track available, no longer in length but with a width extension at the right-hand end to accommodate a loop of bigger size.

    I will draw up the new plan. It involves no extra buildings, just a more scenic run.

    Stephen

  8. I have the instructions, plus doxens of PDf's on DCC, it is the incomplete nature of not knowing whats compatible that is frustrating, des[ite Lenz and NMRA standards.

     

    If makers want to make different controllers with extras they can, but a specific chip should respond to all instructions on even the most basic controllers, and they don't..........

     

    My main DCC is on 0n3 Bachman, and were factory fitted and work with the Hornby controller. A couple have sound chips fitted and these cause issues with the controller, with some sounds inaccessible, which actually work on.

    The cure I was told by a leading retailer was to spend a further £330+.........

     

    This is the reason I am building the Merg version, which hopefully will cope with any decoder.

     

    Stephen.

    [edit, complex refers to the compatibility of Cv functions on controllers which should adhere to NMRA standards, but do not, it does not refer to the fitting which is easy..]

  9. It is just too complex and costly, not your fault, but even Zimo try to sell extras after my parting with £99, just to access what should be there in the first place.

    DCC is still a complete and utter minefield, when are the makers going to sort out the mess and offer RTR sound packages.

    No wonder that pickup of what should be a fine system is so slow in the UK.

    Stephen

  10. Further to my previous query on sound, would a sound chip from say Zimo FULLY function with the Hornby DC\C controller or any other basic unit?

    No general Yes replies please .....and then add that some functions do work or need recoding CV's .etc.

    I have the Hornby unit and building a new Merg system.

    It is all and everything to do with cost, I do not want a partially equipped sound loco wasting up to £140 odd pounds ,

    Stephen

  11. Let me make this very clear, this query is not pro or anti DCC.......

    But we need facts and candid advice.

    I understand that all the locos are fitted with a speaker and do have off the shelf DCC versions.

     

    But there appears to be no RTR DCC with sound version in the main suppliers lists.

     

    If it exists who does retail an RTR sound version?

     

    Zimo list sound chips with pin compatibility, but do they match the Bachmann Speaker, as they list specific impedances. ( Other makes are the same )

     

    Also is the sound file generic or specific to the two cylinder small engine?

     

    If you reply on this can you quote the part number etc, not generalisations?

     

    Makers are doing themselves no favours leaving out the sound with DCC, I just want an RTR DCC without fuss and not having to pay £100+ for a DIY or shop fitted effort...

     

    There are several posters mentioning using sound, so please full details.......

     

    Stephen.

  12. In view of the small layout size, I think I may do box section edges in strips of MDF instead of batten in pine. Glued and pinned facia, about 2 inches deep, with bottom cover edge and backing, leaving it hollow. Saves weight and just uses surplus MDF cut up on a bandsaw.

     

    The facia can take controller and point switches, with the wiring mainly hidden in the hollow box edging. Mitred corners with small steel angle repair plate to strengthen it. The MDF I have is 6mm thick.

     

    A few single thickness offcuts strips can be glued between the front and back to stop any sag across the layout, the hollow edges will deal with the length.

     

    The track can be laid on cork or card, with double sided tape until ballasted. Most of the fishplates will be soldered with 145c solder to seal the joint against paint and glue ingress. Some may be removed for sectioning the track.

    Stephen

  13. Trying to keep it simple with buildings I have to hand in resin cast corrugated Hornby items to keep a theme to the line set pre WW2.

    post-6750-0-85244900-1532889988.jpg

     

    Its 009 4mm scale but out of view or well-ballasted track is N gauge, with points and visible track Peco mainline 009 type.

    post-6750-0-96398000-1532890013_thumb.jpg

     

    A look for a line in the Peak district like Ashover. As the Welsh Bachmann locos are to be run it is not Ashover itself, The coaches will be Ashover kit coaches plus Peco. The overall size is small to allow easy storage, and easy use.

    post-6750-0-49495900-1532890026.jpg.

     

    The division between the yard and the layout may be a split up version of the Hornby barracks, in half-relief, plus rock face and shrub trees.

     

    Electrics in switched sections for two engines, DC with Gaugemaster controller.

     

     

     It will need a large number of seafoam bushes and trees, with static grass and leaves by the same method.

     

     Plenty of suitable vehicles for road areas are in store from L&B, closed down till Heljan honour the orders they never delivered, unlike Bachmann. The new Hunsletts are on order......

    • Like 4
  14. A mini rather than micro, an extended 9mmoval with station and loco shed, in a Col Stephens style as at Ashover etc. I will use some setrack, Peco points and flexible track recovered from the Heljan fiasco with the L&B.

    The outline is just that, an outline of a 72x 20-inch board of 6mm MDF, with battens underneath to male a very plain oval a bit more interesting.

    The buildings are resin cast spares, Hornby corrugated style, and a Bachmann pub.

    The green corrugated workshop is altered to an engine shed, and other cottage altered to be used.

    Lots of trees and shrubs to model.

    The rear may be altered to a cassette type drop in unit.

     

    post-6750-0-49909900-1532822414_thumb.jpg

    Rough outline only 

     

     

    • Like 5
  15. Well what has come today in the post from Germany is a very well made N/S setrack of excellent quality. It matches Peco rail section and thickness and is good value as a 9-inch radius circle plus straights to make about a metre by half metre oval.

    post-6750-0-90737700-1532808917_thumb.jpg

    As it has no maker marked, just Made in Italy, and is modern track it may have been made for the US retail trade to sell under an importer's own label.

    At the price, it's worth another pack next week, as it costs less than some points, even with postage.

     

    Stephen

    • Like 1
  16. I fitted two magnets to the underside of the cab behind the buffer beam, and a single disk magnet on to the front wheel pivot pin. They are fitted with PVA glue just so do a test and are removable.

     

    It now tackles about 1 in 8 alone, and 1 in 12 with two coaches, using the Peco track mounted on flexible metal tape.

    It seems well worth fitting more permanently but needs a method that does not cover the body retaining screws.

     

    The pivot pin at the front might need to be changed to metal to be better to glue to.

    Stephen

    • Like 1
  17. No experience with the powerhouse mentioned, but I have a Busch version where I lay the Peco Z gauge track on a flexible metal-plastic composite tape, and the Baldwin could do the same with small neodymium magnets behind the buffer plate. I can't see why points are a problem with powerhouse, just lay the point on a mild steel plate. What causes the issue with Peco points and the powerhouse magnets?

    Smaller magnets are made.

    The tape is not quite as good as solid steel, but it works fine with Busch and should work the same for 009, you may not get it to run vertically like the Busch, but it should overcome stiff gradients.

    I will experiment with the Baldwin and the tape just on gradients, not level where there is ample haulage.

    Stephen

    • Like 1
  18. A test track is needed for 009 locos, in a loop, and a German supplier is selling a basic train set loop for £13.60, but all they specify is Italian and compatible with Minitrix etc.

     

    It resembles Peco in curves and connections, and number of curves in a circle.

     

    But it does not say if it is steel or N/S as Lima made both.

     

    As it is compatible with Trix etc, is the code the same..........It is basically to find out if it could be extended by say Peco settrack or flexible track. If it is N/S then it could be used on a more permanent layout with alternate sleepers removed for 009.

     

    Any details on the Italian made track appreciated,

     

    Stephen.

  19. H'mm just what is going on with the pricing of these locos on eBay... some are way over the makers suggested price, some lower, and direct sales from shops are way lower., often post free. Not quite the feeding frenzy of the Peckett or the fiasco and shambles of the L&B.

    At least it seems a better organised release to a more specialised buyers group. I do hope the Ashover coaches are available this year.

    Stephen.

    • Like 2
  20. Succumbed to the delightful appearance of Peggy, which turned out to be the least expensive version available in non-DCC. last night on the net.

     

    Tests on the black version show it can climb 1in25+ gradients OK.with two bogie coaches or four bogie wagons.

     

    As the other 009 locos are Talyllyn "Thomas" types from Bachmann, I think the lines setting should be post WW1, as a line rather like Ashover, but retaining the tidied up trestle bridge as the main feature,

     

    To ease the gradient required to cross over a line under the bridge, the lower track will be dipped under the bridge, and the depth of the bridge central beam reduced to a minimum. I have some kit Ashover coaches, but see Bachmann has promised RTR versions.

     

    All the bogie WW1 stock from Backman can be used along with Peco items. from the L&B etc,

     

    The Baldwin is the best shot in the arm that 009 has had so far, with assistance from Peco....

     

    Stephen

    • Like 3
  21. post-6750-0-34179900-1532266554_thumb.jpg

     

    This is the picture I have based the WW1 trestle bridge on, and in real life, the transition from the centre span beam to the gradients is very sudden but dealt with by the locos springs and stock wheelbase being short.

    On the model, the change will have to be adjusted on the gradient to allow for the Bachmann's long chassis. As smooth a transition as possible.

    Wood all cut out, yards of it! with a plasticard main beam. building off layout for ease of construction.

    Stephen

     

    • Like 10
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