Brian-1c

Ben, You might be a bit late if you wait that long, Bachmann's last newsletter said : "The two models that have arrived depict Nos. 10000 and 10001 in their original condition. We’ve seen a big demand for these models, with the SOUND FITTED versions already sold out from our warehouse and very low stocks of the standard models, so don’t delay in purchasing yours from one of our stockists"

Trimode, AC/DC/sound - (DCC/DC/DCC sound)

My 59 has arrived, running in now. Very smooth and great sound. A heavy loco, should perform well hauling the 20 JHAs waiting for its first turn of duty, Lighting and horn controls are very neat, F2 controls both single tone and two tone, after a little practice. Front and rear lights are switched independently,

Just some additional info on functions in consists, since I remembered seeing this method used for another project I saw elsewhere. If you are using Advanced Consisting, you can use CV21 and CV22 to tell the decoder to make functions respond to the consist address. E.G. with the Zimo decoders, you can change CV21=2, on each decoder, to make F2 work on all locos in the consist. You can a list of values for CV21 and CV22 online. You'd use CV21=16 to make F5 work on all locos in the consist for the brake on ESU decoders. Here is a link to the Digitrax page for this https://www.digitrax.com/tsd/KB923/cv19-cv21-cv22-advanced-consist-addressfunction-co/

Running multiple locos or MUs as a consist brings a number of issues, which may or may not be important to you. Note that you should check intended pairs (or more) are speed matched, so they move off together and accelerate/decelerate at the same rate. Firstly, running a Midland Pullman, or HST with sound decoders at each end is easier, as you can have the decoders supplied as a matched pair, which you set to the same address. This will start the engines separately, with one decoder having a slight delay on the start up part, so you can hear each one in turn. This will also synchronise the start procedure, with both units increasing revs, then starting to move at the same time. I found that testing each before hand showed them to matched pretty well and not needing any speed matching setup in advance. They will both have the same engine sounds accelerating, cruising and decelerating. The brakes will work on both simultaneously too. The horn will sound on the leading loco only, in either direction and the guards whistle may also move ends. My HST is powered both ends, having installed a powered chassis obtained from DCC Supplies. Next, double heading two locos with different addresses. In this case, before or after consisting them together, each loco has to be started independently. Be careful to start both locos sound on (or off), before moving off, as, with sound on, a loco may go through a short procedure before actually moving away. The loco will move immediately with sound off, if one is on and the other off, they'll fight each other until up to a reasonable speed. With both switched on, they'll go through the procedure together and move off together. Steam locos generally have no start up procedure and move immediately, with or without sound. In all cases, with sound switched on in all locos in the consist, the sound will change with acceleration, cruising and deceleration according to the speed controlled by the lead loco. Braking, with F2 or F5, is only effected on the lead loco in the consist. The same applies to MUs. I do run up to 3 EMUs in a consist and have them configured to be able to switch off running lights at the ends connected to the next unit, whilst the outer cabs have running lights working and auto reversing. In this case, incidentally, I have only one EMU with a sound decoder, but this has no start procedure, so moves off with the others in the consist and works well. With the sound fitted unit running as the middle unit, it sounds fine and means that sound for others is put off until I become rich one day. When running, steam locos in a consist can each be heard running, albeit a bit out of sync, which is just right. Diesels and electrics, on the other hand, sound like a single unit, if of the same class and you may not be able to notice if one gets the sound switched off. Unless you are close to track level and can hear each passing next to you. Also this can vary between double headed and top and tailed. Note that consisting will mean that the horn only sounds on the lead loco, when being controlled and the other units horn can only be sounded by selecting that loco address. Have fun.

The basic speed related sounds are, indeed, managed by the consist. The braking does only work on the lead loco.

Why don't you have control of the individual sounds in each loco ? I have complete control of every individual loco or MU in a consist on my system, regardless of how many in the consist. I regularly run double headed trains, or top and tailed, as well as consisting multiple 4 car EMUs. Only the lead address, in each case, has control over speed and direction, of course, but each individual address can be selected to control every function, lights sound, etc., independently.

Absolutely delighted to see the LMS twins announced. I will certainly have a pair in the green livery, as I saw regularly in the early '60s at Euston. Mind you, if I can squeeze the funds, I'll have all 5 !

Have the retailers all received their stocks now ? I ask, because when I asked my retailer a couple of days ago, they said these sets have been delayed to July/August.

Will these be 00 only, or are there more to come ?

I think the wire handrails, on the left, do look a bit better.

Class 68s in N gauge are in the country, Dapol says and are being sent out now.

Probably next year, based on the information I got from one of the Rapido staff at Warley.

I have a rake of the O&K JHAs and am glad I have. I'm very pleased with them. It was easy to fit thin washers under the bogies and they all run fine. I also fitted the Hunt couplings, the ones specially made for these and they are also worthwhile. I'd like a rake of ARC too.

I have found Revolution to be very quick, helpful and very keen to resolve warranty issues. Simon is a pleasure to deal with.