Troubleshooting
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Fitting DCC Decoders to a Twin Motor All-Wheel Drive DCC Not Ready Locomotive
Poorna asks:
“I intend to buy some DC HO scale twin motor drive DCC not ready large locomotives and fix them with DCC decoders. My choices are Athearn Genesis DDA 40X Union Pacific centennials, EMD DD 35 B (Alco or Overland) with the objective of gaining the skill of fixing the locos with DCC decodes. As I’ve heard those double motor-driven locomotives need two DCC decodes. All I need to know is:
1. Is it true that such locomotives need two decoders instead of one?
2. If two decoders are fixed, how are the cables of them connected to the motors and circuitry of the locomotive?
3. Which one of those two decoders will be the primary?
and
4. How can I assign an address to such a locomotive after DCC decoders are fixed?”
Post (and view) answers below.
Reversing Loop for a DC Atlas Code 100 Track
Terry sent in this question:
“I am trying to figure out how to do reversing loops for a DC Atlas code 100 track and train that I got for Christmas in 1961. It has an Atlas code 100 brass track. The stamp on the underside of the engine says The Lionel Corporation New York NY and it is a Santa Fa 0594 blue and yellow engine.
I believe I need 4 reversing loops, number 5-8 on my diagram. The switches are labeled 1-4 on my diagram.
All I can find on the internet is products and information on DCC systems, I have a DC system. Any information on where to purchase, what I need, and how and where to do it would be greatly appreciated.
I should also add, the attached layout is what I would like to have. 1-4 would be switched and I assume 5-8 is where I need reverse loops?”
Add your comments below if you can assist Terry.
Digitrax Zephyr DCS50 – Spectrum 4-6-0
Dan asks:
“I use a Digitrax Zephyr DCS50 and was given a second-hand Spectrum 4-6-0 DCC sound-equipped loco. I tried to ascertain the decoder address by setting it up on my programming track, but it keeps showing a DND error message? Any ideas gratefully accepted.”
Misaligned Track Joins
Gerrard posted this question:
“With the same idea as Wayne, I unpacked my train stuff from the cupboard. Great minds think alike HA! HA! A couple of tracks pieces are out of alignment and some of the brass (I think that’s what it is) gunk came off the ends. Similar question to Wayne’s, can I fix it, or should I toss the worst pieces in the garbage? Like to know thanks.”
Add your answer below.
Track Connector Corrosion
Wayne sent in this question:
“I recently retired and I got out my trains after about 4 years boxed up. I notice a control box has some corrosion as do the track connectors. Can I safely clean them…how…or should I replace them”
Using Real Timber Ties
Buzza writes:
“I am not a fan of plastic and thought about using real treated timber cross ties. Has anyone done this? Are there any issues? Where can I get them in HO? Would love some feedback.”
Add your comments below.
Turnout or Loco Problem?
Caleb who is new to the hobby posted this question:
“What brand manufacturer and type of turnout is best to stop shorting out when my train passes over? I have a Walthers code 83 turnout. Can I do something to the turnout or train to fix this?”
Add your comment below if you would like to assist Caleb.
Locomotive Address and Lights Default Setup Factory Reset
Peter models HO and asks:
“I recently did a factory reset (CV8 to 8). All the features I want, lights, etc. work great. The question is if I change my loco address to the cab number of the loco will that change my light’s default setup? I am presently using address 03.”
Add your answer or comment below.
Occupancy Detection DCC++ and JMRI
Kane posted this question:
“I surprised myself by getting DCC++ and JMRI working on my layout. Will current draw detection responding across the whole block be needed? I obviously want trains to pass into adjacent blocks, so would like to know the options I have. Thank you in advance.”
The Little Engine That Could – I think I can. I think I can. I think I can. I know I can.
In the spirit of Watty Piper, author of “The Little Engine That Could”, Ron submitted this question:
“I have a charming little engine that I’m sure I can hear puffing out ‘I think I can, I know I can’. I get the feeling it wants to grow into a DCC engine, and I would like that too! My little switcher is an 040 by Model Power. It was cheap to buy (no offense little engine), so I am uncertain if it can ever become DCC? Can someone say yes or explain how I am to break the bad news to my little engine if it can’t ever become DCC? Please help!!!”
Engine Direction DCC
Malcolm writes:
“I just spotted Peter’s question about lights with his dcs52 control. I also have a dcs52 but my new Bachmann engine is running opposite to how the throttle is set. Why would this be the case? Thank you.”
If you can advise Malcolm, please use the comments link.
Don’t forget to post your own questions using the Ask A Question link.
Using Digitrax DCS52 Controller
Peter asks:
“Can someone please tell me what is the cv to turn train head lights on using a Digitrax dcs52 controller?”
Problems With Genesis Big Boy Locomotive
Douglas asks readers for help:
“I’ve been a model railroader for over 65 years. However, I’ve run into a problem that I cant solve. My Genesis Big Boy will not reprogram. Are you aware of how or where I can program an NCE powercab for this loco?”
HOn3 Comparison With HO
Rick asks:
“Can HO rolling stock trucks be switched out to N scale trucks to accommodate HOn3 style modeling on narrow gauge track? Does a HOn3 engine look proportional with HO rolling stock? If HO rolling stock trucks can be switched to accommodate HOn3 for narrow gauge track would the rolling stock be too long for the smaller radius turns? Is there a special size truck that can be used for this application?”
You can add your comments below.
Locos Traction Wheels
Ricardo from Buenos Aires, Argentina writes:
“Dear folks my first train set has been Marklin and eventually came over to DC. Don’t know why but since the year dot Marklin added 2 rubber bands to locos traction wheels to improve adherence. Well, if they were stripped of the rubber bands, how would the ride? How many cars could they move?”
Solving Point Problem When Running Switcher Locos
Hugh asks readers:
“I have a Peco electrofrog point and run my 3 large locos ok. The problem is when I run my 2 small switcher engines that pass over the point (frog end) they briefly stall before moving on. It only happens in one direction so I’m a bit baffled. Help please.”
Use the COMMENTS link under this post to add your suggestion(s) and view the answers. Use the ASK A QUESTION link to submit your own question for publication.
Solving and Avoiding Stripped Screw Threads In Plastics
Allen J writes:
“Does anyone know how to fix stripped screw threads in plastics? I have been disassembling then re-assembling things and some screws are not gripping the plastic. I thought I was being careful re-inserting the screws into existing holes, but obviously not. I can’t be the only one with this problem?”
Turning Off LED Coach Lights When Train is Sitting at a Siding or Station – How?
Russell posted this question:
“I figured how to instal an LED strip light in a passenger coach and power it from the rails on my DCC layout without using a decoder, but I can’t figure how to turn the lights off without taking the coach off the rails or using an isolated track section. I thought this would be a handy detail when the coaches are stationed at a platform or on a siding waiting to be put into use, but am not sure how to achieve this. Have you done this? How?”
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