MarkNewZealand

Hi All

A quick update on the original question. Well the short answer was there wasn't a chip on board. I'd been lead a bum-steer by the person I purchased it off. But the fun and games came when I couldn't undo the screws holding the body on. They were so bl**dy tight they wouldn't budge.

It looks as though this is a common Bachmann problem and has been covered on here in the forums. A note to Bachmann got a less than useful response saying yes they are and if you can't get them out send it back. 

Anyway, the guys at my local club couldn't shift them either, so it was out with the Dremel and a very steady hand to drill the screw heads out. The upshot was that they came out with some persuasion and with only a little collateral damage to the bogies (melting).

The chip went in and thankfully no damage...phew.

Thanks to everyone for their input on the original question.

Cheers

Mark

No, flashing lights can mean anything.  Without a decoder they mean "power on, power off, power on, power off" which is exactly what a programming pulse looks like. 

 

You can determine whether there is a decoder fitted by READING a CV back, such as the address, or the decoder's maker (CV8).   If it doesn't read, then there is either no decoder, or the decoder is faulty, or (in a very few cases) its a crap antique decoder design which can't do read-back.   

Thanks for your input Nigel. I will try that out tomorrow.

Cheers

Mark

H

Humming is normally associated with a DC model sitting on a DCC track, as the motor protests about being hit with a pseudo AC voltage, so maybe your DCC Fitted is actually DCC Ready (i.e. Ready to be fitted).

 

 

If you can read back the new address then you know your loco is decoder equipped and that the previous programming worked. Edit: if your reset worked then the loco should respond to address 3 if not the new address.

 

 

Else the frying you fear could be the motor not the decoder if one is not installed.

​Rob

Hi Rob, I did think that, but the box has the 21 pin logo on it. Usually the "ready ones" have it written on the box. When it was writing the address the lights were going on and off and then went off after the writing had finished, so would that suggest that a decoder is fitted?

Cheers

Mark

Hi Everyone

I'm still new to the DCC decoder setup, so when things don't go right i'm left scratching my head.

I recently purchased a Bachmann Class 66 loco with DCC fitted. I put the loco on the programming track and changed the decoder address (Running a Hornby Elite unit). All seemed normal in the setup.

When i put the loco on the track all of the lights come on and there is a humming sound. The loco will not respond to the controller. I did try and reset the decoder (CV8 to 8, which i read online). Went through the process again with the same outcome.

Not sure where to go from here, which is why I've turned to the forum. Can anyone provide some suggestions on what to do, or is the decoder fried?

Thanks 

Mark

As it's only on the one end the directional lights have stopped working, (and the cab light still works)  it's most likely poor contact between the springy contacts on the nose and the chassis contacts. Try adjusting the spring brass contacts so they make better contact on the chassis pads. If you removed the bodies to fit DCC decoders, ensure the two screws at each end are fully tightened and the BB's are seated properly in the body. Also worth checking that you have not snagged the wires at the chassis ends with said screws. 

Sorry, my original post was a bit misleading. I meant that both were DCC Fitted. One loco has both directional lights working ok and the second loco lights have stopped. I will open her up and have a check that nothing has come loose etc.

Thanks for the help provided. I will open her up and have a check that nothing has come loose etc.

Cheers

Mark

Hi All

Question number two for the evening (NZ)/ morning (UK)

I'm trying to change the address on a Bachmann 37 loco which is fitted with a Bachmann decoder. However after numerous attempts I can't change it from the default 0003. 

The other 37 (Same configuration) worked fine. 

Could it be a dodgy decoder? It runs well and the cab lighting works so not sure what it could be?

Any help or suggestions would be most appreciated either on the decoder, the Elite or both. I'm pretty sure it's not operator error as I've managed to change the other one, but I could be wrong!

Cheers

Mark

Hi All

Newby to DDC loco with directional lighting and need some help please.

I've laid a small test board, made up of track from my old layout. It was pretty dirty so was given a thorough clean prior to use. I was using it to test my two new Bachmann Class 37's.

The cab lighting and directional lighting were all good. Then all of a sudden the directional lights on one gave up the ghost but the cab lights still work.

Is it dirt from the track? If so, would that not stop the cab ones from working as well? Do i need to give the wheels a good clean?

Any thoughts or suggestions would be most appreciated.

Thanks 

Mark

Great work on the pits, the light units really add great realism. Will be good to see some pics once the lights are operational.

Keep up the great work.

Cheers

Mark

I'm really looking forward to following the progress on this.

The new depot area looks great and is taking shape nicely, look forward to seeing some night shots.

Loving your weathering on the locos and oil tankers.

Hi Alex

Great progress and you can start to see the atmosphere building in the depot.

Keep up the great work.

Cheers

Mark

Hi Alex

The cranes really set the shed off, they look awesome. Great build quality.

Keep up the great work

Cheers

Mark

Hi There

I really like the tanks. Are they scratch built or a kit?

Cheers

Mark

 

On Saturday I managed to finish off the overhead cranes and yesterday made a start on the hoists.

 

Here you can see the overhead cranes before the addition of the hoists;

 

 

The hoist production line;

 

 

 

The overhead cranes with the hoists attached;

 

 

Some photos showing one of the overhead cranes on the running rail;

 

 

 

 

 

As yet I have not decided what to do about the cables and hooks for the hoists....I may well leave that until nearer the time. As locos will be driven in and out it is difficult to know what to do, I think it is probably prudent to have the hook high up otherwise there could be damage!

 

Now to get them painted!

Loving your work, I'm scratchbuilding a traction engine shed myself but nowhere near as ambitious as yours. I've been enjoying the progress and look forward to seeing more.

Cheers

Mark