Hello, i was wondering some things and before i continue this thread i would like a person with EXTREMELY good knowledge to help me on my way
Thanks,
UP
I have a lot of extremely good knowledge but probably not what yo are looking for. But ask an actual question and the great and knowledgeable folks will help you.
The model railroading community is extremely knowledgeable, but there's a lot to know. I know more about wiring and DCC systems than most, and I have built lots of kits, but don't ask me about airbrushes because I know nothing about them.
So, ask your questions freely. The right person will show up.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Welcome in. There is no Yoda or Obi-Wan here. There is however a generous deep well of collective knowledge so ask away grasshopper.
UPSD40-2_3612 Hello, i was wondering some things and before i continue this thread i would like a person with EXTREMELY good knowledge to help me on my way Thanks, UP
Rich
Alton Junction
FlattenedQuarterThere is no Yoda or Obi-Wan here.
Oh I think there is, but the OP is going to have to wade through the rest of us schlubs.
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
There is a lot of Forum members with more combined knowledge than you will ever need but you will never know until you ask your questions. Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
richhotrainThat would be me.
Seems like the beginning of a great relationship.
Mike.
EDIT: Of course, has hasn't met everybody yet.
My You Tube
UPSD40-2_3612 Hello, i was wondering some things and before i continue this thread i would like a person with EXTREMELY good knowledge to help me on my way ok, so we're waiting on the edges of our seats. So what is ur question(s)? Thanks, UP
ok, so we're waiting on the edges of our seats. So what is ur question(s)?
Wow, this is amazing!
So, im starting out as a model railroader, and i dont have any space for a railroad (yet) and im starting out as a club member for caldwell model railroad club. I recently bought dc F7 unit, and i was wondering, do you guys have any budget sound and light dcc decoder that i could have?
also do any of you have expirience with a SDH166D decoder? i wanna know if its good to use or not
sorry for the long and strung-out post,
UPSD40-2_3612do any of you have expirience with a SDH166D decoder? i wanna know if its good to use or not
I have installed 2-3 SDH166D decoders. For my purposes, they are fine. I'm not concerned with matching the correct diesel engine sound to the locomotive. These decoders do not get very loud - which may be good depending on individual circumstances. Overall, I'm happy with the SDH166D. For me, it is a good trade off of low cost, decent operation, etc.
If you want a significant better sound for about $5 more, the SDXH series has 16 bit sound and more simultaneous sounds. There's an X version for most of the Digitrax sound decoders. While still not nearly as good as the top of the line ESU, SOundtraxx, and TCS decoders, most dealers sell the X series for little more than the non-X 8 bit ones.
But if you want the best sound and motor control, or want to look into using things like the Proto Throttle to run trains, you'll need the higher tier sound decoders because you'll need features none of the low cost ones provide.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Thank you for that info, but the club and railroad im modeling is digitrax and I just got some advice from anoher club member saying "that decoder is good for price and quality" and as i was turning over a simple and vintage bachmann f7 there are holes for the sound, so i just need a good sounding speaker.
is this correct, or just a guy that thinks he knows what he's doing
also where can i get a proto throttle? (if it can run digitrax) My club has a few 300$ engines that run and sound AMAZING
also i took that advice and am going to get the SDXH166D decoder
Here's a link to the Proto Throttle:
https://www.iascaled.com/store/ProtoThrottle
First off dose it run well on DC? Yes Digitrax makes great cheap decoders with sound. If you want advanced sound you may want to look elsewhere but most modern decoders play well together. Each operating system has it good and not so good points.
UPSD40-2_3612also i took that advice and am going to get the SDXH166D decoder
Well, I have an update! Im sooner or later (probably when my grandpa moves to idaho) gonna build the nampa to ogden or salt lake city.
But i am planning on first making a 4x8 dcc layout of a fictonal 1950s era with industy and a small town off of a highway. im going to use the zepher from digitrax, and that'll be the basic, but ill learn the work it takes to build a full layout.
Anyways im just making sure this is logical to yall.
Also anyone know where i can have the union pacific passenger cars (one obsevation, one diner, two coaches, two vista domes, and possibly a post office?)for cheap? if anything a obsevaton car and some coaches may be godd for now.
Thanks!
Overmod UPSD40-2_3612 also i took that advice and am going to get the SDXH166D decoder Note that he's listening, to the right kind of expert here, in the right way, instead of his best accessible maven. That shows he 'gets it' right.
UPSD40-2_3612 also i took that advice and am going to get the SDXH166D decoder
Note that he's listening, to the right kind of expert here, in the right way, instead of his best accessible maven. That shows he 'gets it' right.
thanks!
UPSD40-2_3612 Well, I have an update! Im sooner or later (probably when my grandpa moves to idaho) gonna build the nampa to ogden or salt lake city. But i am planning on first making a 4x8 dcc layout of a fictonal 1950s era with industy and a small town off of a highway. im going to use the zepher from digitrax, and that'll be the basic, but ill learn the work it takes to build a full layout. Anyways im just making sure this is logical to yall. Also anyone know where i can have the union pacific passenger cars (one obsevation, one diner, two coaches, two vista domes, and possibly a post office?)for cheap? if anything a obsevaton car and some coaches may be godd for now. Thanks! UP
If you are getting into heavyweight passenger equipment, I would recommend a track plan that has 22" radius minimum. That's tight on a 4X8...
Simon
UPSD40-2_3612But i am planning on first making a 4x8 dcc layout of a fictonal 1950s era with industy and a small town off of a highway. im going to use the zepher from digitrax, and that'll be the basic, but ill learn the work it takes to build a full layout.
A Simon said, a 4 by 8 is a great way to get your feet wet, especially if you want just one train running at once.
It sound like you have everything going good here. Build a simple layout, learn a lot, and find out what you want from the next layout.
You should have a lot of fun... enjoy!
UPSD40-2_3612Also anyone know where i can have the union pacific passenger cars (one obsevation, one diner, two coaches, two vista domes, and possibly a post office?)for cheap? if anything a obsevaton car and some coaches may be godd for now.
For cheap, and OK for runners, I would look for IHC cars on eBay. However, passenger cars look bad on 4 by 8 layouts. Maybe the shorter passenger cars made by Athearn would be a better choice.
Example of IHC passenger car:
-Kevin
Living the dream.
Kevin, I know that at least some IHC heavyweight passenger cars were in fact manufactured by Rivarossi. But did they offer some from other manufacturers?
In all cases, I would go for 60' cars for a 4X8, like older era Harriman and Pullman stuff, but I realize that this is not what the OP is looking for.
snjroyKevin, I know that at least some IHC heavyweight passenger cars were in fact manufactured by Rivarossi. But did they offer some from other manufacturers?
I do not know. The only IHC passenger cars I own are undecorated smooth sides, and they do not have a Rivarossi mark on them that I have seen. My Rivarossi heavyweights came in Rivarossi boxes.
snjroy I would to for 60' cars for a 4X8, like older era Harriman and Pullman stuff, but I realize that this is not what the OP is looking for.
Actually, the 60 foot harriman cars could be the best choice for the OP. They are available in UNION PACIFIC colors, and would look OK on a 4 by 8.
OP - The Zephyr system is very robust, and will well handle the 4X8 you are planning.
(My first DCC system was the original Zephyr syestem, way back when.)
Please note: The Zephyr does not require all decoders to be Digitrax. (You may already know that, but I didn't see anyone mention it.) So you can (when ready too) advance to the "higher end" decoders. (I still have a few locomotives with Digitrax decoders, even non-sound editions.)
For the passenger cars, on a 4X8, you will want the shorter Harriman cars. (From experience, my last 4X10 with 22"R curves didn't like the full length passenger cars.) LHS used sections, eBay, etc... are all good areas to look for these.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Well, ive took in all of you advice and thought about it so here is the list i made up for each of y'all.
I could fit in a 9x5, but the problem is, its im my bedroom, my family does not have space in the basement sadly, but ill look into it! (it may need a whole new planning, but i may be able to fit it in!)
I looked for IHC and rivarossi cars on ebay, most of them are not what im looking for. I'm still checking it out though, but i may take advice and look around for those types of cars!
I am open to used stuff, and thats how i got the f7 no. 1400 off ebay!
i looked for harriman ho scale, and there is a set for 154$ that is painted in union pacific glory.
So, yes i am getting a zepher, but sooner or later upgrade my layout (or next layout) to the full dcc for multiple trains
Sounds like you have a large bedroom! 5X9 is definitely better for passenger trains. Keep in mind that it will be difficult to reach some items if you place your layout against a wall...
The Zephyr is actually an excellent system that does allow for expansion. I've had mine for about 8 years, and it's quite robust and sufficient for my around-the-wall 11 X 7 layout. I can run three locos at the same time no problem with it.
snjroy Sounds like you have a large bedroom! 5X9 is definitely better for passenger trains. Keep in mind that it will be difficult to reach some items if you place your layout against a wall...
yes i do have a large bedroom!
if anything, ill raise the rear of the layout so i can get to it easier.
UPSD40-2_3612Yes i do have a large bedroom!
I have been there. My first HO scale STRATTON AND GILLETTE was about 2 by 8 and built above the dresser in my master bedroom. This worked very well, and I copied the plan for a switching layout from Model Railroader magazine.
When we moved to this house in 1999, I added 4 feet to the layout, but this did not add any operational fun, but more scenery.
Then I built a layout in a small bedroom. I changed the layout twice, but never had anything I really enjoyed. Everything was a compromise, and nothing was ever right.
That is my experience I can share. I hope you have success.
Union Pacific observation cars, It depends on timeline in the 1950s. The UP got rid of them in 1956/57 for easy mid train lounges without end of the line rotation.
They started a little over a year after purchasing new Astra Dome coaches for their City and Challenger passenger trains in 1954.
Amtrak America, 1971-Present.
angelob6660 Union Pacific observation cars, It depends on timeline in the 1950s. The UP got rid of them in 1956/57 for easy mid train lounges without end of the line rotation. They started a little over a year after purchasing new Astra Dome coaches for their City and Challenger passenger trains in 1954.
perfect! im modelling late 1955!
Update!
i finally got my decoder installed. But when I got it on the track, the wheels were sooty.
so i tried cleaning it off with isopropyl alcohol, but it barely came off. It is front truck drive, with rear pickups, so, does anyone have a good cleaner?
(it has little flanges to pickup from the wheel to the wires. Its an old Life-Like loco)