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Reader Has Problem With His Hornby Elite 8216 Accessory Points Decoder
Brian has a question relating to his Control Unit – Hornby Elite Hornby 8216 Accessory Points decoder.
Brian says ” I have followed the instructions to program using prog track into my Hornby Elite. I am unable to get it to control points but the machine shows it has been addressed. I then pressed control ‘1’ three times to reprogram it. I then repeated this many times as advised and followed the instruction to no avail.I tried leads into Elite to charge capacitors. I tested for power in decoder while connected, power there. Once disconnected I had no power in the decoder and no working points. Have any of your OO readers with a Hornby Elite Hornby 8216 has similar experiences? Can they help me?”
If you have a Hornby Elite 8216 Decoder and would like to share your experiences, simply click on the green comments link below to add your thoughts to this blog posting.
Note: The Hornby Point Accessory Decoder can be programmed to take four point motors or solenoid operated accessories like semaphore signals or electric uncoupling ramps. Connection of the points or accessories to the Hornby Accessory Point Decoder uses three wires from the solenoid (point motor).
The next solenoid is connected to the second three terminals, with the following two solenoids being connected in the same way. Once the solenoids are connected two wires are then plugged into the track using the Hornby R602 Power Connecting Clip, the location of which can be anywhere within reason that is convenient. Allocating addresses to the four points is then just as simple as pressing up to 4 buttons.
All Hornby points are self isolating. To obtain the best from the Hornby Digital system it is recommended that all points arc made live by attaching 2 x R8232 DCC Electro Point Clips to each point.
When Two Locomotives Go In Reverse Only
Ken is having problems with his HO layout and wants to hear from others with the same problem:
“My train layout was shut down for about a month due to building a mountain which three trains and a trolley run through or over it. I cleaned the track, but on one line I can’t get the loco to run at all and on another line the loco goes in reverse only. I tried two different locos and both would only run in reverse on this line, but would run normal on a different set of track. Have your readers experienced this type of problem? Do they have any ideas on what the problem might be?”
Wiring Problems On HO Layout
Ken needs help with HO wiring:
“When I run my engine on the mainline it works fine running forward, however when I go to switch to another line, it will not cross the points unless I have the second line set at reverse. Can anyone explain the problem?”
If you have experienced similar problems you can tell Ken by clicking on the comments tag below.
Circuit Diagrams Hard To Find
Pierre is looking for circuit diagrams for his HO layout. Can anyone help him?
“I am looking for a circuit diagram (with parts list) for a device to automatically reverse a locomotive on DC analog HO track. It should preferably have an adjustable delay time. Up to now I could not find such a diagram in the printed media or on the internet. Can one of your readers point me in the right direction please?”
Peter has a DCC question for you:
“I have a locos with 2 motors. Do I need 1 or 2 decoders to convert it to DCC?”
To comment on these two problems click on the comments tag and add your thoughts.
Programming DCC Locos
Ron has a question for those experienced with programming DCC locomotives:
“When trying to re-program one of my DCC Locos I keep getting message “d nA” which I understand to be an indication of an open circuit on Programming Track. I am using a 3 foot strip of track made up with E-Z Track and have dismantled and re-made it up 2 or 3 times but get the same error message. Is this a problem with the decoder in the Loco, or is it the E-Z Track? Should I use a 3 ft strip of ordinary Peco or Atlas track?”
To comment on Ron’s problem click on the green comments link below this posting.
484 Railking Headlight Not Working
Rufus has a question for readers about a railking headlight:
“I have a new railking 4 8 4 passenger car train. Everything is just fine except the headlight is not working. I need help from your readers please.”
Use the comments link to answer.
DCC Locomotives, Signal Lights and Track Problems
Leon asks you for comments on track problems:
“I am running DCC. Several of my engines run rough, (stop go) and I cannot find the problem. Do your readers have any suggestions?”
Don asks:
“How can I get my DCC Diesel locomotive to ‘see’ a signal and activate it when it approaches? Also vice versa, after the train passes turn the signal off?”
Gordon has a DCC question too:
“What should one look for when buying DCC for the first time? My N layout needs 5 Controllers and 84 turnouts and is to be expanded very soon. With that in mind is DCC likely to be expensive?”
To comment on any of these questions simply click on the comments link below.
Bachmann – Split Chassis DCC
Hugh wants to hear your thoughts on Bachmann DCC systems:
“Over the years, I have spent a lot of money building a collection of Bachmann locos. Recently, I moved to a Bachmann DCC system, and seem to have had nothing but trouble.
Firstly, the Bachmann stock which I have all have split chassis. Every retailer I spoke to says that they are not worth converting, because it becomes very expensive due to the man hours involved, and also, there is no guarantee of success, even to the point of wrecking the loco completely.
Secondly, the Dynamis system which I run continually loses the signal to the hand held controller, making ‘run-a-ways’ a frequent event. If I was standing miles from the receiver, I could understand, but under four feet away seems a little silly.
Is the equipment ‘fit for purpose’? Comments from your readers and any help on these issues would be appreciated.”
N Gauge Fishplates
Colin asks you this question:
“What is the best and easiest way of making a good joint on N gauge flexi track and set track. I have noticed if you undo a joint the fishplates spread to much to rejoin and make a good contact.”
Comment on Colin’s posting using the green comments link below.
Hornby A3s Loco Finish Question For Readers
Tom has an OO layout and needs your help with Horby loco paintwork:
“I am renaming and renumbering some hornby OO A3s, from super detail onwards. Does anybody know the best brand, best mix etc of satin varnish to use to best match the manufactured finish?”
Comment on Tom’s posting using the comments link.
Not Enough Smoke With O 27 Marx smokers (666)
Bob is having a problem with engine smoke:
“Does anyone know of tricks or things to look for in making this beast smoke? My loco does smoke, but only with a lot of throttle and then not as much as others I’ve seen on youtube. Not enough current?…smoke unit resistence too high?… wrong type smoke fluid? Please help.”
Bachmann Warranty Query
Thomas wants to hear of your experiences with Bachmann warranties:
“I have many Bachmann HO trains in my collectiuon, many in need of motor repair. How long will Bachmann service these engines and what is the procedure to get them repaired?”
DCC or DC – That is the Question
Andre is thinking about changing from DC to DCC and would like reader feedback:
“I have a DC layout an I want to know if I should change to DCC? I have 8 DC engines. Whats is so good with the DCC? In what ways are DCC and DC similar? Are some things better with DCC? What is the best system to use DC or DCC? I have a reverse loop so should I change to DCC because of that?”
A quick note to Andre – You need to get the Model Train Help Ebook as it answers your questions and compares the advantages and disadvantages of DCC and DC systems.
Signal Systems Information Sought
Dennis has an HO layout and asks this question:
“I Would like information on ‘easy but low cost’ to medium difficulty systems to give lighted block signalling on a small size RR. A lot of what I have seen lately is on computer and/or expensive commercial electronic packages to do this. I am instead looking for a simple way to do this.”
Jon wants your help or comments on signals too:
“I have built a layout and would like to place correct signals (home,distant,shunting etc), but find the few books that I have looked at rather complicated! Is there a clear reference book or similar suitable for even dummies like me! Various kinds of junctions/sidings/stations/loops shown in a clear and concise way. My layout is loosely based on British Southern Railway 1930/40’s.”
Comment on this blog posting below.
5 Quick Questions To Stump Model Railroaders
1. Bob has a question on DCC ready steam and diesel engines:
“Does anyone manufacture a DCC ready HO Steam and/or diesel for the B&M with a paint scheme prior to 1957?”
2. Jim’s model railway question is:
“I am building a large O layout, and have 2 train sets. Can I run them both on the same track and then switch them over to run seperately then run on the same again?”
3. Carlo asks KATO decoder question:
“Is there a tutorial on how to instal a Digitrax SDH104K1A for Kato AC4400; 1 Amp w/28mm Speaker? Where can I find it?”
4. John has 0 gauge and asks:
“Hi, I am looking for a pic of 2021 saddle tank g,w,r can your readers help?”
5. Jack has a question on OO (similar to HO) wiring:
“Have your blog readers got any tips on wiring DCC points and signals? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Regards Jack.”
If you think you can answer any of these questions – click on the green comments link below. Easy!
How Many Cars Per Engine On HO Layout?
John has a couple of questions for readers:
“I have several locomotives and I want to know how many cars should I run per engine. I have three analog engines and four DCC engines (two are Atlas locos.) and at least 60 cars.
I know quality is an issue and you get what you pay for, but I would say most of my locos are towards the cheap end except for the Atlas Locos. Also, what’s the easiest way to clean your tracks?”
To answer John’s questions or comment on his posting, click on the green comments link below.
Wiring Signals, Electrical Accessories, DCC Setup and DCC Operation
Wiring Block Signals On Train Signal System
Jerald has an HO layout and asks readers this question:
“How do I wire block siginals or what do I use from Radio Shack with ‘do it yourself’ hardware?”
Wire Accessories
Sam has an O scale layout and asks for your help with this:
“I want to wire some MTH operating accessories and houses which light up to an electrical source. What do I wire it to? How without DCS and TMCC? How do I make the operating accessories (without the iTAD) operate automatically? Can one of your readers please help?”
DCC Setup and DCC Operation
John has several questions on DCC setup and operation:
“I would like to know what I would need for DCC ie. what do I need to purchase, how difficult to fit , can I run two or more engines on same track, what amps would I need to run say seven engines?”
If you would like to comment on any of these questions, simply click on the green comments link below.
Note: My Model Train Help Ebook includes a comprehensive section of DCC operation and what is required.
Do Model RR Club Members Try Hard To Help Beginners?
I had an interesting email from a reader who wanted to remain anonymous (I’ll call him Jim). He said he was a beginner to model railroading and found a lot of the terms and words used in the hobby were unnecessarily complicated. He wondered if veterans in the hobby liked to keep it that way to stop too many newbies coming into the hobby. Jim admitted to me he was only speculating on this, but he found many simple things were explained in highly technical ways using long-winded explanations.
Jim also mentioned he had joined a local model RR club. Jim found 3 members were really helpful and two were really secretive and didn’t want to share many ideas.
I suggested to Jim that most people I had met in model RR clubs were more than helpful and that maybe some of it comes down to individual personalities. What do you think?
Without mentioning names or clubs, do you think model RR club members are generally helpful to each other… particularly to newbies?
Do you think some model railroading terms are unnecessarily complicated? Can you give readers some examples?
This blog is for you. Have your say and comment using the green comments link below.
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