drewn

David, Thanks for the info. My crossings have been in place for 20 years plus, so I guess I have the original (and poorer) type Drew

In reply to Kevinlms's point, I know the difference between an open circuit ( ie dead bit of track) and a short circuit (where the whole system temporarily shuts down) Also, there is NOT an associated point with this crossing. I intend to take Tony's advice and apply some nail varnish - by the way I assume this goes on the top surface of the plastic V

Guys, I am running a Bo-Bo loco over an oo gauge Peco crossing but I am encountering short circuits, I have read previous threads regarding this problem but many people are talking about points as well as crossings - I AM CONFUSED!! Facts :- DCC operation at speed loco stutters but carries on at slow speed, loco stops completely and the controller (NCE Powercab) clearly indicates a short circuit! with sound fitted, you can clearly hear the problem as the sound cuts out momentarily I have read that nail varnish on the insul frog works, but exactly where? Drew

I model the blue diesel period of the early 80's and I find that most if not all of the Bachmann locos have crew members which suit me fine. I find it strange that Bachmann doesn't sell such figures separately. I think it's a shame that lower half amputations of perfectly good figures seems necessary!

Guys, I think I've overcome this particular problem and it's very much along the lines of Phatbob's suggestion. I've merely superglued a #19 coupler to the underside of the NEM box. I haven't even popped a screw in, It overcomes the Bachmann NEM height problem, the fouling of the end beam and facilitates good uncoupling . I may be back to eat humble pie later, but in the meantime, thanks for all the info and advice. No doubt speak soon Drew

Yeah, That's right Paul Basically I will have a Kadee on the end coach only - connected to the loco's Kadee Drew

Hi guys, I've just bought some more Kadee couplings because I think they give me greater lexibility in when and where I can uncouple wagons and coaches. However, I've come across a problem with Bachmann Mk 1 coaches. The Kadee coupler itself, when fitted into the NEM socket, tends to foul the bottom of the coach's buffer beam, thus stopping it from deflecting when over the magnet. The options open to me seem to be :- 1. Use a longer Kadee eg go from a #19 to a #20 2. Introduce a stepped coupler which would not only clear the buffer beam but also bring the coach and loco couplings into line vertically ( there's a good video on YouTube on how to do this) Has anyone else had this problem and how did you overcome it? Drew

Hi guys, Ive just converted to dcc and am currently chipping my locos. Most locos are Bachmann and seem straight forward enough (I propose to use Hornby Sapphire 21 pin chips) but the guy in my local shop says that Heljan locos do not like the standard Hornby 8 pin chip and might need something beefier, such as Bachmann. Has anyone come across this? Your views please