Shropshire Lad

After running an hour each way mine runs really well. I hadn't noticed it being slow as I rarely run my engines at full throttle.I don't think it's particularly slow, apart from being a Class 40 obviously!

[q8uote name=Kev48" post="2932532" timestamp="1511295860]A well known Sheffield retailer have emailed that 40159 is “due in the coming days” whatever that means. No news of factory sound fitted one though That's interesting because on the Bachmann site the blue ones are both listed as not available to order!

On the bank a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks Andy. No mention of the blue class 40 scheduled for October. I wonder if that means it's almost upon us or if it's not ready yet

It's also worth remembering the problem with split ticketing (off topic I know) If you split your journey A-B, B-C, C-D it is your responsibility to arrive at C before the last train leaves. you are fine if the train is cancelled and you were there to catch it as you have a valid ticket but a late running train earlier in your journey is no different than say a missed bus or road traffic incident causing your late arrival at the station in this instance. Your first two contracts have been fulfilled but you will have defaulted on the third one. You will be able to claim for the delayed train from the affected TOC if your train was late enough but they won't have a responsibilty to get you to your final destination.

Oooh goody! As the first blue 40 was on the incoming list as well hopefully it won't be too much longer.

Railcom works perfectly well without any additional equipment. ZIMOs HLU braking system does require an occupancy or control board but ABC braking is available on Zimo decoders. I'm using home made ABC 'STOP' units and a LENZ BM2 unit for slow approach with my ZIMO decoders and an MX10 without problems. I also use accessory decoders from a mixture of manufacturers and also a Massoth reverse loop unit without any issues. I've used control handsets from Lenz,Roco and Massoth with my MX10 via the XNET socket again without any issues.

It is expensive but you have to ask if you will get good use from it. I've got an MX10/MX32FU set up and love it! Previously I had a Lenz system which was very good but a bit limiting for my needs. With the ZIMO system I can change the direction and speed of engines within a consist ( so I can speed match engines running smokebox to smokebox) and also pick which engine(s) in a consist to control the functions on. Whistle codes between engines when banking is a real crowd pleaser. I also use the ability to hand consists from one controller to another. I have a garden railway in addition to some of the smaller stuff and the ability of the system to connect visitors' Massoth Navigators is another plus. The built in LAN capability means that I can use Z21 software to run 'signal boxes' using tablets and also allows visitors to use mobile phones to control trains. There are whistles and bells too but amongst the biggest is the fact that the unit is compact and nicely styled, the power supply is mounted under the shelf the MX10 sits on, and as it's main features are built in and not add ons it is unobtrusive. A big bonus with the domestic authorities! It is pricey but to get 20A from the Lenz system requires a further spend of £150 per 5A and the LAN interface at around £145. If you are going to use it's capabilities it's pricey but not outrageously so. It's a well made piece of kit but I wouldn't have bought one without its combination of features which work well for me.

I've had this before. Have a look at the 'Read me' file in the update and put just the update for the decoder you want to update on the USB stick. I found that it works every time doing this.

It's a lovely piece of kit. Easy to program on the main and lots of servo control options. They aren't cheap but they do have 16 outputs on the dull versikn which you can use for signals, frog polarisation or as on/off light outputs. I've used cheap servos without issue on one of these.

You can either read CV1, the value read being the decoder address or program a number of your choice into CV1 which will be the new address.

Thanks for your quick reply Mark

Hope fully a straightforward question! What does the yellow logo above the number signify on this loco? Thanks Colin

I thought it was worth a try as I've had decoders which will only update when there is only one file on the USB stick. Good to hear it's straightforward, I've changed the sounds on some of my large scale Euro outline engines but haven't had much success using the SUSI connection.

An MX622 needs a different update file to the one for sound decoders. You need to use the file from the download with FA at the end of its name. If you are unsure check the readme file and all will become clear! I'm glad that updating sounds from Paul is straightforward, I'm awaiting instructions from him re updated one of my sound decoders.

I've got an MX10 and an MX32FU which I've been using since November. They are still having there software added to but I'm really happy with them. I'm using the system at 20 Amp output which is the same unit with a different power supply, an extra £170 on the 12 Amp power supply. Using an ECoS with ESU boosters to 20 Amps is actually more expensive! The Zimo handhelds are expensive but are easy to use one handed and well balanced. The radio in the unit has a good range which is important to me when using the system outside. I'm planning to use the new Stein Modules to allow a degree of automation without a PC. I'm going to connect a wifi router to my MX10 which means visitors can use Rocos Z21 app in addition to my MX32 to control trains. As I said it's still awaiting some features but there does seem to be a steady stream of updates. Colin

Thanks for that Suzie, I'll get some diodes ordered and have a play.

Thanks for the link. It isn't much use to me unfortunately as Zimo decoders require less of a voltage drop and as it's a copy of the Lenz unit it won't cope with the higher current my trains pull. Nigel that's spot on sir, I'll order some components and get soldering!

Afternoon all! I need to make an ABC board to stop my locos diving off a lifting bridge. They mainly have MX69x decoders fitted and can pull up to 2.5 Amps each. As I occasionally double head them I need a 5 Amp unit. The manual says 3 diodes and a Schotky diode is required the question being which diodes would do the job? Thanks Colin

I went to the East Lancs today for a look and to take some pics. It looked and sounded good however the people who commented that they thought it looked better in blue with the sloping front end like it was when they saw it at the NRM does highlight the irrelevance of its colour/condition to the general public!

The Sutton Loco Works class 24 actually uses some of it's sound function keys twice, ie you press a function key 'on' to hear a sound and when you press it 'off' you get an associated sound. So pressing a key lets you hear the driver checking the train formation with the guard and when you press it again you hear the guard confirming the formation.

Nice one Paul,thanks. My LGB track cleaner now has warning beacons that light when the engine is cleaning and can also be switched independently. The manual makes doing this look a lot more complicated than it actually is!