General Discussion (Model Railroader)

loathar:

Anybody try ripping the DSC out and putting in a tsunami? Wonder how they would work like that?

Tom,

I believe someone here on the forum has already done just that.  Perhaps they will chime in.

simon1966:

Correct me if I am wrong, but it is my understanding that while an MTH loco will run on DCC the user has virtually no control over the CV's of the loco?  You can't remap functions or adjust functions via DCC.  This can only be accomplished on the DCS system.

Simon,

I believe you're correct.  While there might be a few CVs that are programmable/accessible on the DCS decoders with DCC, I think you would have a somewhat limited scope of choices, as compared to a DCC decoder.

Tom

Um guys, anyone else notice that the Berks have wires hanging down? The others were all wireless infrared. I wonder what's up.

Also, from experiencing chasing other people's models, tey are not FULLY DCC compatible. 90% maybe, but that other 10% has had a habit of causing frequent runaways, sound hiccups, and bald spots on people not yet out of high school. (GAH! *BLEEP* STOP! NO!) I do wish they'd done the AFT and the BNSF versions of the 4449 again though, schemes she's worn, and will waear again I suspect. of the MTHs, I think the triplex is the only one I still think I want to get, and the BNSF Daylight, maybe. IF they get them done, the coaches too everything else is available other places.

loathar:

Anybody try ripping the DSC out and putting in a tsunami? Wonder how they would work like that?

I take the sound boards out of BLI Blueline mikes I only pay $160.00 for in the first place. A BLI mike is worth $160.00 with or without DCC or sound. BUT, personally, I'm not paying "extra" for a bunch of stuff I would rip out, not to the tune of MTH prices.

Sheldon

Slightly beside the topic, I wish BLI would get rid of their current tether system.  I hate it.  Why not do something more along MTH's lines or as Trix did with the nice Mikes that Tom and I use.  The tether in the Trix Mikado runs in the tube for the coal auger that links the engine and the tender.

Don't need, don't want, no stinkin' wires hangin' down!

tstage:

The B&A Berkshires are noticeably different than the aforementioned above.

Being a B&A modeler I'd love to see an up to date accurate model of the original berk's. As it is the only models out there are older Kumata brass. Nice models but not up to more modern brass standards......

loathar:

Their stuff looks really good. I wish they would just come out with DC versions. Probably stop a lot of arguments.
Anybody try ripping the DSC out and putting in a tsunami? Wonder how they would work like that?

The MTH models are a premium price over any of the competition and short discounted to the dealers.  Who is going to purchase a model locomotive that is less detailed and pay more money so they can replace the sound with a Tsunami, which is an addtional $100.  It does not make sense that MTH continues to offer only DCS models that can run on DCC, but in a limited fashion.  The train wreck and other cab chatter belongs on Lionel style layouts where the guests all admire the talking train and animation and search lights.  That is just my thinking and does not reflect any other persons or conversations that I am aware of.     

I think it is great they want to help with the Trainfest donations and hope they do well with that portion of the new Berkshire models.  

It would make sense for MTH to offer a DCC version model also and one that runs on DC only if they want us to purchase the future models.  I am aware that their models do run on DC, but need a boost in voltage to run the correct speeds.   Who of us uses different voltages for each brand of our model trains on our layouts??  It does not make sense to offer models that are not fully compatible with what has been the standard for many, many years.  

CZ

selector:

Slightly beside the topic, I wish BLI would get rid of their current tether system.  I hate it.  Why not do something more along MTH's lines or as Trix did with the nice Mikes that Tom and I use.  The tether in the Trix Mikado runs in the tube for the coal auger that links the engine and the tender.

Don't need, don't want, no stinkin' wires hangin' down!

I agree. I had a lionel with wireless connection, its amazing, so simple. It would make things so much easier if Broadway went wireless as well. Oh well..