loco

Just acquired a new Minitrains. A 5042 Stainz. Being my first one from this company, what if any running in would you recommend. cheers

My first venture into Narrow gauge went really well, Initially very pleased. It ran perfectly on a new 3 metre length of track for several days. Using a Bachmann/zimo decoder. And stunning to look at. I then purchased 3 pairs of Peco large radius electrofrog points, Coaches and wagons. It was my turn, the troubles began. Derailing, and shorting on the points, nearly every time. Rear bogies jumping off, In addition the loco started stopping when going slowly, needing a gentle push till it gained momentum. All very frustrating. Tried putting up with it, but after a few days, it was returned to a very sympathetic dealer. After these disappointments i will not be replacing until I'm satisfied the obvious problems have been resolved, and future models will run normally, as is to be expected for a not cheap RTR loco.

Only having a short plank for my DCC layout, I have been doing likewise for many years, and in nearly all cases, noticed a improvement in running qualities. It started as a simple circle, but developed into a oval. I would not be without it. Indeed having picked up some points and straights. I often set it up on the kitchen work tops,as a portable test bed, when setting up/playing with settings, in particular sound.

Hi.charlie My last couple of sound chips from you had a pleasant surprise........the directional lights faded gradually, when changing direction. A very nice touch. Is it possible for me to add this feature using a CV change, or is a reblow necessary ? cheers

Picked 68002 up today. My first Dapol, so quiet cautious. Very pleased indeed, only run on Dc, but very smooth out of the box, and stunning to look at.

Hi Total length.....29mm Centre gap.....9mm Hopefully one of the forum members has both units, and has tried it. cheers

Very useful to know. Would you happen to know if this would work on the Bachmann Class 150.

I have had 3 Heljan 47. They were fitted with Bachmann 3 function decoders a couple of years ago. Total cost £27. All work fine for me. Never tried Hornby chips, maybe one day.

Just been bidding on Bachmann Intermodal, normally going for £19 to £28 ish. Ive just lost out to a £51 bid, amazing.

Hi Julian............a good idea. I will do likewise next time i remove the body. Cheers Alan

SUCCESS its OFF. What a frustrating/wasted day yesterday. Never mind, thanks for all your help and tips, we got there in the end. Fingers sore with all the shaking and pulling, not to mention a broken nail The good news, no body damage, and better still, chassis perfect. I think on reflection, i had added to the tightness when i fitted a Express lighting kit. The lighting boards for the leds reduced the space. In addition found a soldered joint had come apart, causing the marker lights to fail. All is back together,and im enjoying a "play" and cappachinno. Thanks again.

Thanks all for your continuing help/suggestions. Spent most of the afternoon trying, and still wont budge. Just removed the buffer beam assembly, and will have another go this evening. I have followed the "chassis issue" over the last year, but mine looks fine. Fingers crossed. I need it off as the lights on one end have stopped working, otherwise i would leave well alone. Thanks all.

Thanks for your suggestions. Found the 4 clips/lugs near the cab door, and as you suggested inserted some thin card. Tried everything and no movement, except for the fuel tanks coming away. They are being glued back on, as i type. This is my only Heljan, and i remember when fitting the decoder and lights last year, having real problems seperating the body. Meanwhile i will keep on trying, easing/rocking, and resist the temptation to try levering.

Just having a mental block. Can someone remind me how to remove the body from a class 47. Any tips? Cheers

Took the plunge, cut the blue and green decoder wires and connected them to the two Dapol light bar wires, and bingo i have instant coach lighting controlled on F1. Fine tuned the limited range of CVs,and my new wessex unit runs, and looks great. Now need some interesting passengers.

Today went to Hattons and came away with The wessex 153, a Bachmann decoder 36-553, and two Dapol coach lighting strips. Fitted decoders before, but not additional lighting. Any tips/advice. Basically im looking to connect the lights to the blue function common positive,and green F1. on the decoder

Just noticed the cheapest Hornby 153, is a DCC fitted one at Hattons for ??49. R2758x Having had no experience of their decoders, how does this model run, does it perform similar to one fitted with a Bachmann chip. Anyone running one care to comment.

I have 3 Hornby 153, one has a howes esu decoder, and runs and sounds a treat. The other two i fitted with Bachmann decoders, and to confirm what has been said, they ran terribly until i adjusted CV53/54. Never experienced a Hornby ready chipped diesel. If i cannot afford a top end chip, i have always used the Bachmann ones, and they are adequate for my needs.