zr2498

You are correct. Kit on Triang chassis. It was in the description. I hope the buyers have scrolled down the page! It is not KR models - timing is spot on.

? ??

It could have been offered to a lower bidder if the highest pulls out, but then they might have read this thread as well. Patience needed and the second run will have the replacement bogies and buffer.

Further to the lighting function tests yesterday, had another go at getting the F20 function button to do what I reckon was intended. Ignore the CV changes above. I first, returned my settings to the original values. The following CV change keeps the lighting as per the original as supplied (directional with lights going out in reverse), but now when pressing F20 the lights will maintain forward white and tail lights on irrespective of direction. In other words it disables the directional aspect. All I have done is added front and rear lights as a physical output when F20 is ON. CV changes: First CV31 = 16, CV32 = 9 ---------------------- CV337 = 3 (from 0) Return CV32 to 0 when done A simple change without the need for a programmer David

Tried a few experiments with the lights today via ESU Lokprogrammer. First attempt was to get front and tail lights independently switchable via function buttons. No change. I suspect (without getting inside and examining the PCB) that they are wired into one circuit from the decoder outputs. Next a simple change so that when the loco goes into reverse (which would only be when uncoupled), the lights (front and tail) stay on. This has worked OK. After downloading the decoder settings with the Lokprogrammer, I then was able to use the software alone on the PC to change the setting in the function mapping screen and then pressed the screen 'Tools' / 'Show changed CVs' so I could manually change the CVs at the ESU ECoS rather than risking a download (far too scary). To do this: Indexing CV's 31=16, 32=3 Change CV 257 from 20 to 16 Change CV 273 from 24 to 16 Return indexing CV's to original F20 does exactly the same as F0 so not sure why it was needed? It's all reversable and I have probably gone non protypical? If the GT3 was uncoupled (in a yard) and moving forward and reverse what would be the lighting? When coupled, the facility to have tail lights OFF (which seems to be a available on most new locos) would be beneficial so perhaps a wiring modification will be needed. David

Sound on the way - Locoman sounds website And Mike Wild will probably be doing the install with no doubt upgraded speakers in the June issue of Hornby magazine Posted on Locoman sounds RMWeb page

I have done the testing again following your reply, and still get the faster slowing down. Set speed step to 63 + make sure up to speed. First time reduce speed to zero on leaving the double track bridge. See where it stops. Next time same speed and reduce to zero + quickly press F5 and see where it stops. It is always about half the distance covered. I do not understand this and although I am very new to looking at the decoder settings via the Lokprogrammer I do not see any logical function associated with F5 (only sound as Michael said). This is rather spooky and it really needs some explanation so I don't go crazy. There is a brake 1 setting as follows: But as I say there is no logical connection to this. Perhaps there is another explanation. If I get the chance I will look at another loco with active brake function and see how that decoder software is configured. Dave (confused.com)

Oh dear. What have I started.

They are going out in alphabetical order (Christian names) David with a D

Clearly for those who can't wait 'til the next run

Following on from previous post. The front steps modification completed the best I can. Small stuff and not easy to fit. Ended up with 1mm diameter tube (Albion Alloys) and cut sections 0.6mm long to act a sockets on platforms. Holes filled and painted Now I can see there is some touching up of the green discs to do (as John already pointed out)

Hope you let us know how you go about these modifications. Would like to do the same but the thought of remapping the decoder (if required) makes me a little nervous. David

Thanks SGP - very useful. It looks as though there are independent supplies to each of the lighting groups. Perhaps these are all seperately programmable for DCC fitted if a V5 decoder is being used (rather than extra switches). I am still not sure what F20 on the sound fitted models was intended to do.

Function F5 does work as long as it is combined with a reduction in the speed setting as well. If speed is reduced to zero it will come to a halt more quickly (combined with brake actuation sound). If not reduced to zero it will slow more quickly than without F5 and then resume the new lower speed setting. David

On the sound fitted version F19 controls the cab light. Not sure if that is a standard function for your decoder or it might need new mapping? An expert might be able to give us an idea of how to switch the marker lights off. Perhaps this will need a wiring change as well as new function. I have mentioned to Mike that the F20 disable directional lights just does the same as F0 (lights on/off) rather than disabling the auto directional change. That would leave lights the same forwards and and reverse. Preferably there would also be a function to switch the tail lights off when coupled up.

Fitted Using:

I have taken some time to look at the alignment of the front steps and buffer beam. What I have done was for my delivered GT3. Perhaps this is a possible method for models with a similar problem, or was just needed for my particular model? The holes on the buffer platforms that should have the handrails fitting straight down into them were a little outside the desired position if the handrails are to remain straight and not be splayed outwards. As they do not sit in the holes they were pushing down on the platforms a little which preventing them from moving upwards (to be level). Initially, I trimmed the ends of the handrails off (a little too much though), to provide clearance. This helped. In order to do this the buffer beam sub-assembly was removed. This is easily done by removing the 2 cross-head screws underneath. On refitting the buffer beam I noticed that as the screws were tightened the whole buffer assembly rotated and was still some way out. The solution has been to fit a couple of 0.3mm shims (fret) underneath the buffer assembly as shown below. As can be seen the steps and buffers / beam are now in good alignment. In retrospect, I could have drilled new holes for the handrails and I have certainly taken a little too much off. The plan is to fit small pieces of tubing over each end, 0.8mm OD X 0.6mm ID which will give the apperance of a socket which looks to be the case on the prototype. The redundant holes will be filled and painted. Now that I have done this, I have removed that minor defect (to my eyes anyway). I would like to add though that this was minor and I am even more pleased with this superb model. David

Had another look at the lights. As you say the front white lights on all of the time and not directional. The function F20 does exactly the same as F0 which I cannot understand the reason why. If F20 would turn the tail lights off for when coupled up then it would make sense. As you say the red cab light looks wrong (surely this should be white).There should be enough functionality on the decoder to enable this. Possibly needs a rewire , decoder reconfigure and possibly LED colour changes. How to find out what the prototype had.

Are you running with DC or DCC? DCC chip will probably have a function to turn cab lights off as well as turning tail lights off. This works fine with the DCC sound decoder. Front marker lights are a different matter.

Thanks guys. I will have another look tomorrow as moving the handrails to the holes would mean the handrails have to splay out at the bottom. I will send photo to explain. The exploded diagram of the parts is great. Was wondering about maintenance instructions. Lubrication and access to DCC chip etc. I'm particularly interested in the lubrication for the tender wheels as the electrical pick up is through the axles and wheel hubs (not wipers as per the loco). So would conductive lubricant need to be used. David PS The GT3 is really a marvellous achievement. More EOI's to go in!

Everything on the model looks fine except perhaps the alignment of the steps and front buffer beam. The holes that are shown on your photo are on both sides and in wider positions than the handrails. Same on mine, so perhaps this is common. The steps are also sloping backwards and this seems to be owing to the buffer beam not sitting square. The buffers and buffer platforms are pointing downwards. I assume this can be rectified but could do with some advice / permission from Keith and Mike before attempting this.

OORail did a vid on the connector. Not sure if that is the 'official' method?

Arrived and looks / sounds terrific. Thanks Keith and Michael for enabling us to get this iconic loco onto our layouts. David

To fill the time in while we await delivery

Four. Did you mean candles?