zr2498

February 4

13 minutes ago, Going2theDogs said:

Hi All,

Without getting to far ahead of ourselves, looking at the success of these loco’s I would of thought a second run would be inevitable.

Agree on ‘Wheatley’ 56,001 in Construction sub-sector livery plus a Dutch variant, a Transrail TG variant & a Transrail in Dutch livery too.

Fingers crossed…..

With little upgrades, such as resized speaker socket because of naughty ESU 🙂

February 4

2 hours ago, farren said:

Well the 56 023, has had surgery the sound decorder has had the tank speaker removed by wiggling the wires and the twin speaker was soldered to the main board. The sound is much better more fuller. Not saying the speaker provided with the decoder was bad but there’s a noticeable improvement in sound quality. All back together now and I have to say when the 56 is ticking over next to the Accurascale 37 (sound lowered due to start failure problem) umm well the 37 is somewhat drowned out! I don’t want to say one model is better than the other because I love them both and have 2 more 37s on order.

It goes to show how each of the different diesel engines and ancillary sounds are best represented by tailored decoder sound files / speaker set ups. It is not a case of one size fits all. Clearly the new ESU passive radiator speaker suits the 56, whereas when watching a video sound comparison of Accurascale 37s by Richard of R & R, the EM1 / Accurathrash came out better than the new ESU speaker. I am still debating the need to remove the sugar cube on the ACC 37 as I needed to reduce volume anyway to best match my room size.

Speaker technology has really come on in recent years, and now with ESU facility for treble and base tuning we are getting HiFi on wheels.

February 3

12 minutes ago, RBE said:

Apparently ESU have changed the plug size on the commercial release of the speaker for some reason (without mentioning it to us) so is too big for the 56 socket now. You may need to source a different plug to solder in it's place or solder the wires to the speaker pads on the board for the new speaker.

Just a heads up.

'Plug and play' - with solder - no problemo.

February 3

2 hours ago, ColinB said:

I mailed Road and Rails to see if their sound decoder supported all the functions. They have two options, one is the original Cavalex sound file or the Legomanbiffo which has been modified to drive the fans and the lights.

Thanks for info. Ordered the Cavalex sound files decoder from R & R. Having already one factory fitted sound 56, I knew what I would be getting 🙂

Had to go elswhere for the speaker as in big demand I guess.

February 3

If I am correct, my understanding is that a sound decoder with factory sound files will become available at some stage. I am sure that those who were not quick enough with the models already sound fitted will be welcoming this.

Roads and rails are offering this already, however the ESU passive radiator speaker may be out of stock (for now).

There is an alternative offering from DC Kits, which has been developed specifically for the Cavalex 56. This appears to have covered most of the existing functionality of the factory sound project, in particular the lighting options, but with differences leaning towards their usual format.

Has anyone gone down the DC Kits route? I would be intersted to know how the sound project compares.

February 3

1 hour ago, rob D2 said:

Not an option for many . Cavalex retailers seem to follow a lay line - nothing much west or south of london .

Theres a couple of geographical holes there I’m surprised kernow and or derails didn’t fill but I’m not party to the commercial agreements

I don't see any retailers in Romania!?

February 2

2 hours ago, Ultimate Model Railways said:

*we're going to call last orders at midnight, so anything ordered tonight will get to DPD tomorrow.

Oh dear - just placed second order with you guys. Hopefully the sound decoders won't be too long.

February 2

On 02/02/2024 at 20:53, dj_crisp said:

Deleted

February 2

17 minutes ago, Ultimate Model Railways said:

We have all DCC ready numbers in stock currently (and there are plans for sound chips, so that might be a good route to the sold out sound ones!)

That's great to hear as I have waited too long to order a second sound version. Can I assume that the ESU speaker will also be available at the same time?

February 2

On 02/02/2024 at 12:04, 37081LochLong said:

Deleted

February 2

On 02/02/2024 at 11:21, dj_crisp said:

Deleted

February 1

7 hours ago, charliepetty said:

The All New Cavalex sound files are finished and shipping out today, we also have Standard ESU Decoders available too !!!

These are fully functioning decoders to suit this 'Superb' model, well done Cavalex.

The lighting switches need setting up in a special way to get the most from your model.

At the Non fan end of the model, please remove the separate roof hatch to fit this decoder & amended the lighting switches: (PLEASE IGNORE WHAT THE CAVALEX BOOKLET SAYS)

There are two blocks of switches, a Block of 5 and a block of four.

1/ Block of 5: Switch ON 1, 2 & 3. Then Switch OFF 4 & 5.

2/ Block of 4: Switch ON 2 & 4. Then Switch OFF 1 & 3

Both of the Switch Boards are clearly marked ON ---------KE (at the top) the OFF position, has the switch numbers printed on the bottom. So the top in ON and the bottom is OFF.

Function Key Layout for ESU Sound Decoders.

We suggest printing off the function list, as you will need it later.

F0 Light Engine Mode (Selects directional lights). .

F1 Engine Sound on/off.       CV259=144, CV419=80

F2 Playable Horn . .          CV435=128

F3 Playable Horn          CV443=128

F4 Buffering Up (When Moving),Coupling Hook (When Stationery). CV283=110

F5 Manuel Brake (When Moving),Brake Dump (When Stationery).   CV291=128

F6 Drivers Door.        CV299=120

F7 Compressor.         CV307=160

F8 Drive Lock (Drive Hold).

F9 Automatic Variable speed flange squeel.     CV323=160

F10 Guards/Despatch Whistle.       CV331=90

F11 Drivers Safety Device (DSD) .     CV339=30

F12 Cooler group fan.        CV363=64, CV371=64

F13 Sanders.         CV355=160

F14 Cab Light On/Off (inc Auto Fade).      CV427=60 F15 Spirax Valves.          CV315=144

F16 Disposal Air Dump.         CV379=160 F17 Windscreen Wash/Wipe.       CV387=144

F18 Speed dependant detonators. CV395=128

F19 Disable Red Tailights.

F20 Parking Mode (Red Light On)

F21 Variable speed flange squeel.     CV323=160

F22 Yard Mode (Headlight Disabled).

F23/F24/F25/F26/F27/F28 Not in Use.

F29 AWS Bell.        CV483=100

F30 AWS Horn.    CV491=70

Any chance of a sound demo on U Tube?

February 1

Received 56070 today via Ultimate MR. Very well packaged, fast delivery time, and just on test (running in), before adding the HAAs.

I have to say this model has superb quality and detail. It's clear that Cavalex have really gone to town on the research and design to give us a model setting very high standards. The sound project is excellent, and this time I did not need to look for the brake function as the response enables sufficient control without it. The new ESU speaker really suits this sound project with a wide ranging frequency response.

I might have to get another, even though it is stretching my modelling era.

February 1

15 minutes ago, farren said:

Well this one would need a little plastic taking off the plug otherwise it’s going to split the socket open or break something on the bored. I’ll get into with the supplier of the speaker to double check it’s the right one received. I suppose I could solder it into the pads on the board. But I rather not risk that.

Sorry if this sounds obvious but those plugs will only fit one way round. I am sure you have it correct but just in case?

January 31

A chance for a little Class 56 indulgence.

I requested permission from Lineside Video Productions, to put a link to their U-tube video of this programme.

For those that have not ordered yet, perhaps this, along with the pictures and sounds of the model, will wet the appetite.

January 30

1 hour ago, IOW O2 said:

Is it me or should the bogies be more forward, the steps on the real ones are more under the door, and the front wheel axle centre should be in front of the door hinge side not behind.

Here is a tech drawing of the 56. The centre of the front wheel axle looks to be slightly behind the door hinge but in front of the hand rail. The steps are certainly set back from the door.

I have tried to compare with the model - the best I can. Lots of assumptions (re drawing reproduction and angles of photo taken) but if there is a difference it is very small.

January 30

10 hours ago, RAF96 said:

I did much the same putting just the speaker in the tender when fitting TTS to an A4. However I simplified the powered drawbar and installed the standard Hornby 4-pin plug/socket arrangement to cater for tender pickups and speaker.
Details here http://www.halton96th.org.uk/article7.html

Thanks for this info. Another idea for future upgrades.

January 30

Not my era, BUT, having seen, and especially heard the beast I could not resist. So I've ordered a BR blue from Ultimate.

I guess this will better serve the HOP ABs (which were not quick to get TOPS coding) I already have, and now also about to add some early HCA's from ACC and some HAAs from KMS Railtech.

Well done Cavalex!

Dave

January 28

On 28/01/2024 at 12:05, Phil Bullock said:

Deleted

January 27

Now to the locomotive. On body removal, the DCC ready socket can be seen attached to a small weighted sub-assembly.

After my experience of difficulty getting the A3 back together, I decided to make a little more room for the stay alive.

The motor capacitor and blanking plug were removed.

DCC socket disconnected. There is one screw, and an alignment pin holding the weight.

The top part of the weight was removed to give more headroom for the stay alive kit.

Refitted.

Stay alive capacitor and interface chip attached using black tack.

To the decoder. For the ESU V5 stay alive, a 3 wire Zen stay alive was used. First soldering the 3 wires to the decoder.

Preparation for the firebox flicker.

The blue (common +ve) and green (AUX1) wires were cut off at the 8 pin plug for direct connection. Note that the full length of harness wire is needed to reach to the firebox LED. The LED assembly is prepared, with the 1K ohm resistor in the +ve leg.

The wires were connected for the firebox flicker LED, and the brown speaker wires attached to the 2 pin micro connector.

The LED was fixed (using black tack), into the 3mm hole which had been drilled through the firebox, any exposed connections insulated, and the remaining wires secured.

Reassembled, and all tested OK.

Firebox flicker.

Not forgetting the CV changes to commission the stay alive.

A tremendous sound from Locoman. I would not say that there was much difference in sound between this EM2 speaker and the Rail Exclusive 'Chunky Boom Box'. That is, for these sound files.

January 27

Last of my A4s for sound installation. This model has the 'old' style tender coupling, and the DCC socket in the locomotive.

It will also include a stay alive and firebox flicker. This version of the model provides a better opportunity for an even bigger, EM2 speaker. The only new wiring to the tender is for the speaker.

This is the kit used:

First to the tender. The weight and coal load are removed.

The coal pan will be cut out. On this occasion, I will explain the method I have arrived at which seems to be optimal (to me anyway).

First, I use a razor saw running down the seams between the base and the sides of the chute. The small saw attachment is shaped at the end so it behaves like an Olfa cutter. So strokes will slowly remove material. When there is a 'break through' the rest of the seam can be cut using the saw action.

Turn over and continue the saw cuts into the horizontal section.

A cross cut is made using a scalpel. First at the top.

And then at the base, so the first piece can be removed.

There is now easy access to clip out the side walls of the chute as required.

Finally a clean up of edges with a scalpel and abrasive stick.

The lugs for the weight are cut down, and a couple of styrene strips added to barrier off the route to the tender pick ups. This will prevent glue running through!

Lead shot is added and fixed with Cyano (hot). Four pads are added to ensure no contact between tender wheels and the speaker.

An EM2 speaker is used. First the mounting lugs are removed.

A 2mm hole is drilled into the tender chassis to accept the 2 pin micro connector wires. The speaker is fixed with black tack.

Speaker wires connected, and insulated with heat shrink.

A 10g weight fixed into the tender body.

Tender body fitted using the original clip and screw fixing.

The original coal load has been fitted, but this might be replaced by a false floor and real coal.

Next to the locomotive.

January 24

On 24/01/2024 at 19:45, aureol40012 said:

Deleted

January 24

5 hours ago, Module00 said:

😃 thank you very much, it’s a good idea. And thank you for your translation, realy kind. 👍

Hi. Perhaps I can help.

If all you have done is incorrect weathering, then perhaps it could easily be removed.

I can recommend the stuff as shown below. I also note that Tim Shackleton refers to it in Jan 24 Hornby magazine article 'Cleaning up / dirtying down. Hope you have success.