Gray69

It is quoted as Winter 2024/2025 on their website, so the project doesn't seem to be going well,

If you use a Z21, if you press ALT-CTRL-Z when you are on the decoder update screen in Z21 Maintenance then this sometimes updates the firmware. But even doing the above on a Z21, I can't update a MX623R decoder. I have been in contact with Zimo who have advised me that I needed to use a MXULFA connected to PC with Zimo Firmware Flasher. As I don't have a MXULFA and have no Zimo retailers close by, I trying to find a club close to me with one that I can use.

CV 115 bits 0-3 seem to control the tail light brightness, but even at the max 15, it is still very dim. If you want a flashing tail lamp at max brightness I used CV115 47 and CV112 28

Worked a treat, thanks 👍

After reading numerous threads that say that I can use a normal decoder to act as a function decoder, I tried this with a Zimo MX600R and a LAIS 860021 to control a tail light. I wired everything up and I can not get the Z21 to even acknowledge the existence of the decoder. There is power to the decoder, the light works if the decoder is bypassed and the decoders work fine. Please What am I doing wrong

There is absolutely no traction motor sounds on this sound file, and that appears to be the issue with all the current files. There is a great TrainSim file for the CEP with some fantastic sounds. Once you have listened to the unit accelerating, you will realise how poor the DCC files are. https://www.armstrongpowerhouse.com/rolling_stock/emu_rs/class_411_412_electric_multiple_unit_pack

I wondered if this would be the case. I have modified the lights on some Bachmann locos, but any changes I have made can be easily be reversed. Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be separate wires for the lights on the EMU's, it is all part of the PCB. I assume that it would be possible, but it would mean doing physical damage to the PCB.

I have a number of Zimo fitted Bachmann CEP, EPB, HAP, MLV and 2H models that I would like to be able to have the headcode/tail lights on at just one end. Currently when you run units in multiple, you can't turn off the headcode/tail lights on the intermediate cabs. I have seen the great explanation of Swiss Mapping for Zimo chips by Nigelcliffe in the Dapol 59 thread, but despite much experimentation, I have been unable to get it to work on any of my units. Does anybody know how to do this. Cheers

@richard w In the latest video, you mention the lack of photographs of large billboards. I have attached I picture of a rather apt hoarding taken in Ashford during February 1990 that I hope you might find useful.

I use an Asus Chromebook Flip with my Z21 app and it works very nicely, with the added bonus that I get the layout and locomotive control on the same screen.

The later Z21 app is only available on devices running versions of Android 5 and above. How old is the device you are trying to install it on.

The traction motor sounds don't sound anything like the real thing. Digital sound files are obviously available as the sounds of the traction motors are spot on in this Train Simulator version of a CEP. Go to about 9 minutes in to hear the motors https://m.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=578&v=-S-4uu9F3fY&feature=emb_title

Most of the Southern Region EMU sound files I have heard have been very disappointing. Nobody seems to be able to get the motor sounds correct. It will be interesting to see what the sound fitted Bachmann MLV will be like.

The Android version 1.4.4 has dropped, and the settings page is working again 😀

I can confirm that using a OnePlus 9 running Android 12 there is issues with the latest Android version 1.4.3. I can still operate the layout and locos, and also do programming, but I cannot access any of the settings pages.

Yes, the decoder has to be fitted upsidedown compared with all Bachmann 21pin locos I have. The instructions actually say that the orientation of the decoder might be unfamiliar to some modellers. But I think it is ok because the key-pin location on my loco matches the photos in the instructions.

The instructions don't mention removing any dc suppression when you fit a a 21pin DCC decoder, would it still have any DC suppression fitted. I did have a quick look, and without dismantling the thing, I could not see any. It is the 4D-006-000 model so it is one of the original batch. I thought that the issue with the DCC socket was that the locos lighting illuminated in the wrong direction.

I recently purchased a LokSound V5 to fit to my Dapol 73. After the decoder was fitted, as soon as the loco was placed on the track, the decoder made a loud buzzing/humming noise. In all other respects the loco and the sound file worked fine. I also tried the decoder in other locos and it also made the loud buzzing noise. A CV8 reset was done without rectifying the problem. I got a replacement decoder sent out, and after I fitted it to the 73 this did exactly the same. I am now wary of fitting any other decoder to the 73 to test it incase there is an issue with the loco that is damaging the decoder. No other LokSound or Zimo decoder I have makes a noise anything close to as loud.

Heljan have got the liveries wrong on so many of their class 33. The Dutch livery seems to be different on each 33 model they do. Some of the models in RfC and Engineering Grey are wrong. If they are going to get a livery colour wrong, at least they could make it consistent across the range so that you don't get double headed trains with locos in the same livery, but different colours.

Did Heljan have a bit of a laugh at the modeller with the class 33. Did they try to get each model livery wrong in some way. After my issue with different versions of the Dutch livery, I have added 33116 in Grey and 33033 in RfC to my fleet. The grey on 33116 looks far to dark. The upper grey band on 33033 looks also far too dark. Looking at pictures of other Rf liveried 33's, the upper grey band looks lighter on most of them, but knowing Heljan, the are all probably different shades

I will tell you in a couple of days. If this was a model costing a couple of quid, I wouldn't mind. But I will have given Heljan suppliers the not inconsiderable sum of £250 for these locos. All the pictures I have of these magnificent machines from the 90's show that they all seem to be in the same livery. The wrong livery stands out like a sore thumb with these locos. There should be a look of uniformity about them, which is completely ruined by them been different colours. When people complain that the roof detail isn't quite right, the fuel tank is wrong, the grills are too big, these are things that you need to examine the loco closely for, but the wrong livery is very visible from across a layout. For the money, I do not expect that every time I see the 2 locos working together to feel a pang of disappointment that it doesn't look right. I have neither the time, the expertise or the willingness to possibly ruin an expensive purchase to rectify what is a basic error. I am sorry if this is a bit harsh, but isn't a realistic layout what most of us strive for. The model was ordered with other items, so the seller hasn't lost out on sending the item. As there is nothing else wrong with the model, I expect to see it for sale as new soon after it is returned. Thanks for the info. It looks like a double headed Dutch combo might be out of the question for now

Of all the issues raised with the model, I would have thought that inconsistent liveries should not be one of them. I have just got 3439 33009 in Dutch to go with my 3452 33026 Seafire model, and the yellow band is a different shade (it is not as obvious in the attached picture as it is in real life) I know that all manufactures seem to struggle with what colours were used on the Dutch livery, I have a Dapol 73, the Heljan 33, some Hornby and Lima Seacows, Hornby Rudd and Dapol Turbots and Grampus, and they all have different shades of grey and yellow on them. But the same loco from the same manufacture having different paint colours is poor in my book. 33009 will have to be returned, but does anybody know if 3433 33002 or 3436 33047 has the same shade of yellow as the 33026 model.

Thanks for the recommendation, but unfortunately they don't have one.

Thanks for the recommendation, but unfortunately they don't have one.

I am looking for the following item. Bachmann 44-083 Carriage Shed. If anybody has one in a good condition for sale, or knows where I can purchase this item I would be very grateful. Thanks