John K

The build is looking good Ken. But I'm not impressed by the front motion bracket being white-metal. John K

I'd stick with Lenz. It isn't the flashiest system, but it has one unassailable advantage over the competition; It always works. If I were starting from scratch I might consider Digikeijs, but probably not for too long. For the limited degree of automation I want I use JMRI. I also use WiThrottle (and Engine Driver) so anybody with a smartphone can have a handset. But there are lots of ways of skinning cats. John K

The decoder is not the problem here. John K

I use Zimo decoders almost exclusively. I am also a Lenz user of almost as many years as it has been available. There is no inherent conflict between the systems. Fisrt do your other engines run as expoeted? If yes I'd check that you haven't inadvertently adjusted the Max and Mid Volts settings while doing something else. The default setting should be CV5 = 1 and CV6 =1... ...or if you prefer, do a CV8 = 8 reset which will set the decoder back to address 03 and everything else back to factory settings. Then test the engine on address 3 before you reprogramme the address to your chosen number. Best, John K

Hi Gary, Anything is theoretically possible and loads of decoders still have a DC mode. IMHO if you run a sound decoder on DC you will always be disappointed by the result. Some people may regard the following as facetious or a bit extreme, but I have learnt by experience. My simple rules for avoiding foul ups of many sorts (mainly blue smoke, an acrid smell, and an out of pocket experience) are: 1. Do not mix DC and DCC in any form. 2. When tempted run DC on DCC or DCC on DC, remember Rule 1. 3. When tempted to fit some sort of clever switch to allow you to move from DC to DCC or vice-versa, remember Rule 1. 4. You ignore Rule 1 at your own risk. John K

From the old Comet site. There are options... John K

Lovely Rob, A level of racism equivalent to the Duke of Edinburgh's "wired by an Indian" but he has the excuse of being 96 years old and a bit odd. John K

Nigel has it. The default setting of NCE is latching for functions greater than 2, so you will get the effect you want. I have no knowledge of the workings of Signatrak but search the manual for latching or toggling functions. John K

Do you mean that they come on but turn off when you release the function button, or do you mean that you can't turn them on at all? If the former then you need to make that function latching rather than non-latching. If you give us a bit more data like which Zimo 08 sound project you have (there are several) and which DCC system you are using, that will help too. Best, John K

It is definitely a Bachmann box; and they did produce a Class 24. It will be packed in cream yellow sponge foam. John K

Butanone every time. John

Your attitude is laudable Andy, but I still have a problem with a man who needs you to explain his business plans for him because every time he posts on his own more potential customers are alienated. I would very politely suggest that you could be getting too involved with this venture. If people invest money; and it goes bad after you appear to support it, your position may be quite uncomfortable. Best, John K

Let us hope that in the future Mr Lynch finds one name to be adequate. Or if he must indulge in silly charades, he does not use somebody else's name in such as way as to risk the reputation and livelihood of an honest businessman in a nearby town. John K

While I have some sympathy with your view, I think the thread still has legs, so long as people post sensibly. If nothing else the content of this thread stands as a shining beacon of "How not to do it" John K

Looks interesting, but why so shy? Who are you? What have you done before? John K

Hi Guy I like the idea; and I think it might work well in the 7mm scales in particular. Where and how are you going to progress the idea. John k

Zimo 644/645 with Digitrains Sound would be my preference every time. http://www.digitrains.co.uk/ecommerce/dcc-sound/digitrainsound/ I'm just a happy customer. John K

Man in pub can't tell if they are dead. I'll still take interrogating the chips electronically over "They look the same"

Go on Simon, share how you fixed it, or was it a simple easing of a coupling rod 'ole? John

That has as much value as a man in the pub saying 'I reckon'. Connect it up and read the CVs John K

Hi Simon It's looking rather good. I'm not averse to using few drops of Brasso here and there to help ease tight spots on rods and crankpins. As long as you get it all off afterwards it does not seem to have any deleterious effect. John

Sadly, one of the things that JLTRT was famous for was having almost no quality control over what went in the box. John K

Looks really good Ken, but it didn't actually challenge you did it? I look forward the DJH Clan (mini Brit) - I looked it up. I hadn't realised how expensive the kit is. I'm sure it won't trouble you much, but it should keep you busy for more than 3 days! Best, John

No - The cylinders are double acting and 3 x 2 = 6 John K

It's a nice kit Ken, typical of Gladiator. I built one 10-12 years ago. John K