br-nse-fan

I have to agree.. that sound takes it to a whole new level! Between Youtube and the occasional show, I've been treaded to both UK and NA sound models in action. Unfortunately, at almost three times the price of a regular loco, sound is going to be a very long time away for me (Bachmann 20 = $115, Bachmann sound 20 = $298). Hats off to those who can afford it! Just make sure you have a bucket to catch the drool from those of us who can't!

Fantastic! I was just about to order some of the standard Kadee magnets from my supplier when I came across this posting. I just found some similar on eBay from Hong Kong that deliver for free. Was about the same price for 100, and seem to be similar in size. I'll give them a try (when the arrive) and will post my findings!

Very impressive setup! I am looking forward to seeing this progress! You've definitely caught my eye! I really like the Rocco route controller, and am wondering if anything like that still exists by another company? Hmm... time to go visit google I think...

Hi Peter Many thanks for your help on this. I recognize that the Bachmann's are not the same quality as the Kadee's, but when I can get three dozen pairs for about $30 as opposed to $5 for two pairs of Kadee's, I'm willing to go with the cheaper ones for now. With some of the models, I'll have no choice but to use Kadee's as they have the 'correct' height NEM pockets. So far, it's only the Bachmann models that seem to have the pockets too low. I can not really tell from the picture, but is all movement inhibited on the one axel, or is it just restricted? Have you tried restricting the movement, or just stopping it all together? Thanks again! Derek

Hi Peter Been running a couple test wagons, and have found that the Bachmann NEM clone couplers are the perfect fit, as the knuckle is situated higher than the Kadee's are. I've found them to be perfect on the various Bachmann coaching stock and a number of freight stock. One question I have, is have you fixed the axels on the Bachmann long wheel based wagons (VAA, OCA, ect) so that they no longer swivel slightly? I've found they don't always line back up properly, thus being difficult to couple again. I know they pivot to allow moving through tight radius curves, but other than a pair of setrack curves (ST-244/5) being 2nd radius, everything else is streamlined point work and no crazy curves elsewhere. Would it be a horrible idea to glue them in place so that they no longer pivot? How do yours run? Thoughts?

Hey there... hope nobody gets offended with ressurecting an old thread, but I was wondering if you might be able to post a couple pics relating to your Kadee installations? Thanks again!

Pardon my ignorance, but why the modification? What does replacing the Peco links accomplish over leaving them as bought?

Tempting, very very tempting!

Granted, yes.. but call me picky.. want them to blend in.. a back alley, surrounding a TARDIS... if I feel the need, can always make a Doctor figure by modifying a 'OO' figure

I think they are a little large, as the typical Dalek is shorter than the 'average' man... the Games Workshop ones are a little closer, but still too large. I've currently watching / bidding on these : 190447669453 & 310253994253 Thanks for the heads up however!

Fantastic! It's a great feeling being able to replicate the real thing at the drop of a hat! Would love to see this layout in real life, but alas, a trip across the pond is not in the cards!

Just found some on a certain auction site... think I'll grab a couple... then all I'll need is a figure w/ a trench coat, hat and really long scarf!

I have to agree with the sentiments already posted in this fine thread! The layout is a sight to behold! Not my modelling region, but it oozes with atmosphere and have really enjoyed seeing the progression in the short time that I've been a member here. Really like the ferry, not something I think I've ever seen on another model railway! Keep up the great work!

They look great, and yes.. they are a little big.. but hidden off in a corner, chasing the Doctor.. who cares!? Now to convince my wife that they are 'needed' for the layout..

So, we have the TARDIS... has anyone come across 'OO' scale (or close to it) Daleks? I saw a while ago, someone had made a small Stargate model and hidden it away in a forested corner. Looked good, and adds a neat touch to the layout. Hoping to accomplish something similar. Anyone have any thoughts or suggestions?

Hi Peter Finally got my baseboards in place, and will be starting on laying track in the next little while. I have one of the Kadee couple guages, and I don't doubt that it will be getting a lot of use. I'll certainly be contacting you if I have any other questions! Derek

Love the layout! I notice that you are using KaDee couplers, and was wondering what information you can provide in terms of best options for various models. I've got a sample of different sizes to play with my stock to see what I'll need and I've noticed that not all of the NEM pockets are at the same heights. My stock looks like it'll be similar to what you are running and was wondering if you'd be able to share any tricks or secrets with the more difficult models. Some, such as the Heljans (and surprisingly most of my Hornby models) all line up perfectly with the Kadee height guage, it seems to be the Bachmann models that don't. Thanks again!

I've got three more loco's fitted with decoders... Hornby 28xx Mainline Pannier Bachmann Pannier I have to say, the mainline split chassis are far easier than I thought they would be. they are a pain due to the fact that they have to be pretty much totally dismantled in order to fit a decoder, but they are not at all difficult in the least. In fact, I've figured out a way to wire them up without a drop of solder!

OK.. so.. will post some pictures later tonight, but I've got the following chipped: Bachmann 0-8-0 G2A 'Super D' Bachmann Cl 24 Bachmann 2-6-2t small prarie Hornby Cl 121 bubble car Hornby Cl 29 sad eyes Mainline 0-6-2t (split chassis) 'taffy tank' I have to say, the split was not as difficult as it seemed at first, other than having to effectivly dismantle the entire loco. I was able to connect the decoder without any solder! I used existing screws on both the motor and the chassis to connect the leads, and I have to say, she runs better (thanks to the BackEMF) than she did on DC! Even thought I don't want to take it apart again, I would be more than willing to do so if anyone is interested in seeing how I did this! Anyone have any practical suggestions on how to get the bodies off the Bachmann 411? I've been fighting with it for days, and all I've managed to accomplish is snapping a part off the under carriage! Thankfully, it can be easily gluedback on!

Been a while... lack of time on the PC at home being the main reason. However, I've finally got around to being able to work on some of my Dad's extensive loco fleet. I have a total of 19 decoders to install. Some of them will be straight forward DCC ready plug 'n play installs, but I also have a couple split chassis to tackle as well. Seeing as I've never worked on a split before, it'll be a learning experience to say the least! The 19 decoders: The Loco fleet I have to start with. Ones that are not pictured: Bachmann G2A, 411 (x2) and a Hornby 121. I've taken over the dining room table (thanks goes to my lovely wife!) for now as I don't have a dedicated work space at the moment.

Thanks for the info on the transfers. I'll have to do some hunting to see if I can source some for myself.

The coach with the NSE logo... what/where/how? I'm assuming it's a decal of some sort? Since I model BR '85 -'90, these would be ideal for coaches that have not been repainted yet. I have an old Lima 47 'Scepter' that has the NSE flashing on the front and sides, but still painted in BR Blue. Would be nice to add some additional 'transition' items. Thanks in advance! BTW.. love the layout.. very jealous of the space you have!

Coming soon...

My new layout is going to be a fictional branch line, located somewhere on the border of the Southern and Western Regions of BR in the mid-to-late 1980’s. For those of you familiar with the Swanage preservation line, I plan to have it modeled very loosely on that station, however it is subject to change. It’ll be a 9.5’ x 10’ shelf layout, between 12â€& 18†in width. This layout will be built modularly, so that I can take it apart for shows (hopefully) and moving. I’m tired of having to start over all the time. It will have 3-4 storage lines, depending on space, and a single platform station w/ a short bay. The main platform will be long enough to take a 4-car EMU (such as the 411) or 3 coaches and a loco. The bay platform will be long enough to take a 2 car DMU. I’m also hoping to get a single road engine shed, or at the very least, a siding to hold a loco w/ fueling facilities. Space permitting, I’ll also be including a run ‘round loop for the loco’s to get around the coaches, and a couple short sidings and a loading platform for goods trains. Maybe even a permanent way siding? Not sure on that yet. Passenger service will be serviced primarily by EMU & DMU classes 108, 121, 159, 411 & 423 (when they come out!). There will also be 3-coach trains made up of MK1 coaches in BR Blue/Grey, NSE & various parcel/mail coaches & vans of the era. Freight service will be primarily in the Railfreight Red/Grey livery, with some ‘older stock’ making an appearance. Engineering trains will also show up once in a while. There will not be any tanker or hopper traffic, such as TTA, TEA, HEA, HBA, as there will be no facilities for them, with the exception of a weekly tanker for the stations refueling facility.. Because this is a branch line, it will have restrictions on the locomotives that can run on it. Outside of the class 08 station pilot, motive power will primarily be classes 20, 24, 25, 33 and 73 in various BR & NSE liveries of the era. Classes 31 & 37 would be the largest locomotives to come onto the branch. There will not be any class 47, 50 or 58 as they are too large (and would look terribly silly pulling only 3 coaches or 4-5 goods wagons!) I may even have the occasional steamer run by the local preservation line. Hope this has perked your interest!