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Test/Programming Track on the Workbench

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  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 119 posts
Test/Programming Track on the Workbench
Posted by JDVass on Saturday, February 10, 2024 4:08 PM

Well, I got a little bored today. Still waiting on a few parts for my steamers, so I can't finish those. So, I started digging around the shelves and found an old MRC Prodigy Express set up that I received from a friend who passed away. My layout is Digitrax now, but MRC was my first DCC system. They work well and are very user friendly. I then had an epiphany.

 

I took some old Kato unitrack, attached a female JST plug to it, and then glued it to a piece of 1x4. Then I attached male plugs to my PR3 programmer and the MRC system. I also attached a female plug to my decoder tester as well so it can plug into the MRC unit to test decoders. It works great. Now I can program, test, and break in locos right on the work bench. It was a good thing my wife didn't have any chores for me today. The locos on the track in the photo is just to hold the track down while the glue dries.

 

Life is too short not to play with trains, so grow old not up my friends.
  • Member since
    September 2014
  • From: 10,430’ (3,179 m)
  • 2,311 posts
Posted by jjdamnit on Saturday, February 10, 2024 4:37 PM

Hello All,

Thank you for sharing!

My pike uses an NCE Power Cab wireless 5 Amp system.

I have a similar setup with a Digitrax PR3 running DecoderPro from my Mac to a standalone programming track.

Recently I purchased the ESU Decoder Tester but hadn't thought about linking it to my test track.

Great suggestion!

My question is...

JDVass
...and break in locos right on the work bench (SIC).

How do you break in the locos on that short track section?

Do you use rollers?

Thank you for your response, and as always...

Hope this helps.

"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • 119 posts
Posted by JDVass on Saturday, February 10, 2024 5:13 PM

jjdamnit

How do you break in the locos on that short track section?

Do you use rollers? 

 

Yes I do use rollers. I find that it is more convenient then having the loco running around the track at full speed. 

Life is too short not to play with trains, so grow old not up my friends.
  • Member since
    May 2020
  • 1,057 posts
Posted by wrench567 on Sunday, February 11, 2024 3:42 PM

 I have a piece of HO flex track mounted on a 1 x 3 piece of maple left over from a project decades ago. It has a spare Power cab panel on one end and a plastic version of the KDee coupler height gauge on the other. I also have the USB interface for the Power Cab and my Lok programmer on a shelf that is used with it. My Lenovo netbook has all the software ready to go anytime. When the test track is not in use it hangs on the side of the little workbench. The rollers are a great addition. The test track has become an invaluable tool.

    Pete.

  • Member since
    September 2014
  • From: 10,430’ (3,179 m)
  • 2,311 posts
Posted by jjdamnit on Sunday, February 11, 2024 4:42 PM

Hello All,

JDVass
Yes I do use rollers. I find that it is more convenient then (SIC) having the loco running around the track at full speed.

I've been considering adding rollers to my test track set-up.

Thank you for your response.

Hope this helps.

"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Sunday, February 11, 2024 4:52 PM

jjdamnit

Hello All,

 

 
JDVass
Yes I do use rollers. I find that it is more convenient then (SIC) having the loco running around the track at full speed.

 

I've been considering adding rollers to my test track set-up.

Thank you for your response.

Hope this helps.

 

Another vote for rollers. They are tremendous for testing purposes.

Rich

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    May 2020
  • 1,057 posts
Posted by wrench567 on Sunday, February 11, 2024 8:56 PM

  Make sure you can replace the roller bearings. I have a set I believe are made by Bachman that have non replaceable bearings. I've lost 2 rollers on them. The other set has no name as to manufacturer and the bearings are easily replaced.

  Just my thoughts.

    Pete.

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Mpls/St.Paul
  • 13,892 posts
Posted by wjstix on Monday, February 12, 2024 9:14 AM

I started with a Digitrax Zephyr, but switched to CVP eventually. I set up a circle of Kato track on a separate 4' by 4' flat shelf under one of the reverse loops. I can power it with a DC power pack, or with the Zephyr, like for testing or break-in runs. I also have a switch set up so I can use the track to program with the Zephyr.

Stix
  • Member since
    September 2014
  • From: 10,430’ (3,179 m)
  • 2,311 posts
Posted by jjdamnit on Monday, February 12, 2024 10:08 AM

Hello All,

wjstix
I set up a circle of Kato track on a separate 4' by 4' flat shelf under one of the reverse loops. I can power it with a DC power pack...

For testing motors, I use a DC power pack. It's a basic Bachmann with a 1/8-inch mini plug track power output.

I cut the track connector end off the track power wires and added alligator clips so I can attach it directly to the contacts on the motor.

Hope this helps.

"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"

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