21C123

Hi all I was wondering if it is possible / advisable to try using a DCC controller with a chip fitted to its outlet to power a DC layout. I usually model in OO but have a small O gauge layout that I am converting to DCC, using a radio NCE controller. I would like to be able to use the radio controller to also run one of the cabs on the DC layout and thought if I wired a chips track input to the DCC bus and it’s output to the DC cab input the controller would “see” the layout as a loco. Would that work or place any strain on the controller. .? Any thoughts appreciated. Roger

Hi all I have recently bought a secondhand o gauge hymek, but it doesn’t have the instructions or head code sheet with it. Does anyone have a copy of either or both they could scan for me please ? I’m wanting to dismantle the bogies as there is at least one with a split gear, it’s making a thump as it moves along. Thanks Roger

The New Zealand government is planning something similar. Currently any parcel where duty plus GST are under $60 it is let through, over that you get charged duty, GST on the value AND the duty, then GST on the postage. On top of that is a $49.24 service fee. So for a $275 parcel with $20 postage you get charged $60 duty and GST then fee , total $110 For a $274 parcel plus $20 you get charged nothing. I don’t mind paying the GST or the duty, it’s the $49 service fee I object to. Hopefully with the new system this won’t happen as the overseas retailer will do the collection. Of course they may decide to add a fee themselves. I , and I’m sure the NZ government ,will be watching the Australian system to see what happens. Roger

Hi Would you take VAT off for shipping to New Zealand ? Thanks Roger

If that is the container it’s been sent the wrong way from China. It looks like the Wellington NZ police launch retrieving a container blown off the wharf.... Roger

Hi all My 10202 arrived here in NZ last week, runs really well. I decided to change the head code discs to the Bournemouth Belle pattern. Most of the discs came off with a knife blade and gentle twisting. One under a window didn’t, and thenthe disc came off it’s mounting spigot. when I took the body off it was apparent that the window glue had run down the body and glued the disc in place. Pushing for the inside didn’t work and so With the short clear rod for the light removed I used a taper reamer to remove the remains of the mount and cleaned up the square key to fit the disc. I did not notice at first that the discs have different mounts depending on whether they are for the sides or centre. Once I had worked that out they went on easily. Also the black discs are moulded in a grey plastic so when I cut them from the spruce I used a permanent marker to paint the visible grey spot. On putting the body back on the loco wouldn’t move. Body off again and it was okay. I traced that to one of the wires from the bogie to the circuit board, it had become trapped and the insulation cut, probably under the screw mount or between the bogie and chassis, so the wire was touching the chasssis when the screw was tightened. In the end I cut and lengthened the wire and it all fitted in. When reassembling I made sure the wires were away from the screw mounts this time...... So it’s all working, I suspect I may never finish my silver fox kit now. Roger

I like the use of different scales, will definitely fool the eye. I have modelled planes with “spinning” propellers using a circle of slightly opaque plastic. Photo taken on our modular layout when running 1940s trains. Roger

Living in New Zealand I use a NZ post service called YouShop. They provide a UK address which the seller sends to and then I pay the postage from there, which is usually pretty reasonable, compared to eBay's global shipping program. Roger

Hi all We were in Kunming in China last year. They have LOTS of electric scooters, replacing bicycles as the cheap way to get around. Here are a couple of photos of recharging. One the lead comes from the shop being rebuilt, across the footpath then the scooterpath via the puddle .. The other is from a shop across a footpath. So no problems recharging at home.... Roger

Hi Marc and all I think it was this insect mesh, I was able to buy it by the metre. Hope that helps Roger https://www.mitre10.co.nz/shop/cosio-polar-bear-insect-mesh-w-0-9m-l-optional-grey/p/142552

Hi I am using some plastic mesh that I got from a garden supply centre, 6 gaps in 10 mm. I think it will look okay with some brass tube posts. Roger

There's a Dapol o gauge terrier for 25 pounds buy it now, from China, just listed. I have reported it. Roger

I've been watching your topic for a while, lots of recognizable scenes. I am wanting to see how you handle the road traffic, though of course stationary cars, truck, buses, motorbike, mopeds and cyclists will be quite typical, just need a sound track of beeping horns.... Here's a ladder I saw in Kunming, Yunnan last July. I didn't get a photo of the long lengths of timber on another moped..... Roger

Can VAT be taken off for overseas orders ? Thanks Roger

Thanks, I'll chase up the collectors club Roger

Hi all has anyone in NZ or Australia received this wagon yet ? Looking back in this topic it seems they should have been here at the start of August. thank Roger

Thanks for the advice, I've been in touch with the shop and will send it back for replacement, hopefully they will refund the postage. Rogrr

Hi all I've just started to run in my Hornby 0415 and encountered a problem. When running backwards the loco occasionally hesitates with a "brrr" sound, like the gears are slipping. I opened it up and found the gear box cover wasn't all the way down, though I can't see where it is held up. Would this be the source of the problem ? I'm inclined to return it, but the postage is a bit of a pain from here in NZ if there is a simple fix instead. Roger

Well silent number 15 has made it to NZ, and even evaded customs :-) so no extra 15% GST and customs fees and service fees and tea money and...... Took a while to get going, PC2 went with PC1 but not at the end of the train. Eventually traced to a misaligned connector in the centre bogie, though the coach lights all worked power wasn't getting through. Clearance on the layout is okay, just, but the track around two points will need attention, one on the down and one on the up so it hasn't made a full circuit yet. Roger

Hi I received a second hand Merchant Navy today, with "piston faults" when I lifted it from the box the left hand connecting rod wasn't connected to the piston, and when I tried to move the piston it was very stiff. I took the cylinders off and the end of the piston rod was splayed out a bit, then the slide bar connection broke.... it appears that the pistons are made from Mazak, so now I need to source at least one, and preferably two to replace them. Hopefully it wont affect my other Bulleids.... Roger

Well this airfield was built about 15 years ago, depending on era being run it will have a gypsy moth or a rapide, WW2 fighters or a BEA DC3 or Bristol freighter. The Concorde is Airfix, 1/72, APT is Hornby. Roger

Did someone say Concorde ? Roger Blackmoor Vale......

Hi all I've been working on a centre car for my 2H and decided to use a 2EPB which I'd bought to use the motor on another project. I took the close coupling unit off the DMBS and cut a hole in the floor of the DTS to fit. the wiring goes straight through to the existing wiring. To get the lights to work you just need to use the existing connections. The roof was removed and trimmed back, the driving end was cut off the DTS and the sides back to the inside of the door handle of the last compartment, I left the top of the roof in place for strength. The inner end of the DMBS was cut off to fit the DTS and a great deal of filing and checking carried out. Progress so far is below, the joint is on the handle side of the second door from the left. I'll remove the glazing and roof for painting, there are a few other bits to fit like the buffer plate and class 101 connectors, also alter the interior. I'm not sure what to fit on the ends yet but I'm really pleased with the effect so far. Roger

Yes I had the same problem and lack of response, in the end I rang them up. They also took off VAT which wasn't an option on the web site. Roger

Can anyone see number 7 in there ???? Roger