Trains.com

2008 [PART 2] and the Coffee Pot is still on and now 4 years old. Here we gather as friends with trains. Sweet ice tea too.

283770 views
8456 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Monday, March 24, 2008 1:19 PM
Glad you're home, Marty. Nice and sunny, but sure is cold.  Got a ticket to see the Edward Hopper exhibit at the Art Institute on Wed. He has a lot of evocative railroad-y paintings. Winslow Homer is part of this thing too - no engine paintings of his to speak of...

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, March 24, 2008 3:17 PM

ANJ,

Has the CAB-1 ever worked with the TMCC Command Base?

Did you buy them both new? (point being is to make sure no one has changed the crystal inside the Command Base to change the frequency it receives on - I assume the CAB-1 is OK since it works with your PowerMaster)?

I would take the Command Base and CAB-1 to your LHS and try out each one with their set to see which piece has the issue.

As an FYI - the standard crystal cover/holder on the Command Base says 27.255 MHz and the actual crystal that is in the cover/holder is 26.800 MHz. The cover says 27.255 MHz as this denotes the frequency the CB receives from the CAB-1 and the difference of 27.255 - 26.800 = .455 MHz (455 kHz) is the frequency that is injected onto the track for transmission to TMCC locos.

The crystal that is in the CAB-1 is 27.255 MHz.

Lionel offers different crystals and there are some on their website - but not in recognizable pairs (at least to me at the time being) to yield the 455 kHz signal to the track.

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Hightstown, NJ
  • 2,886 posts
Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, March 24, 2008 3:58 PM

Purchased the PowerMaster & Command Base new from LHS.  Got the CAB1 on line (eBay).  So, no, the CAB 1 has never worked with the command base, works conventional only on the command base.

Checked the crystals, and they are just as you say. 26.800 on both base units and 27.255 on the CAB1.  The CAB only works on the conventional side.  If I do TR then 1, it's ok on conv.

If I do ENG 1, then nothing, until I do TR1 and it's back to conventional running.  The CAB is the only wild card in this thing.  We tried to put one on at a time, still no reception from the CAB.  But it does recieve in conventional (powermaster).

I'm thinking that the CAB1 is the only wild card here.  This is very strange.  I know I'm not completely dense.  OK, I completely opened the door on that one, so youse guys can go for it...

I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.
I am the venom in your skin  --- Breaking Benjamin


  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: North Texas
  • 5,707 posts
Posted by wrmcclellan on Monday, March 24, 2008 4:20 PM

ANJ,

Just to be sure - describe how the units are hooked up - you do have a wire from the track "U" terminal on the CB hooked to the outside rail on the track or to the "U" terminal on the PM, which is turn goes to the outside rail of the track.

What does not make good sense is the CAB-1 talking to the PM, but not the CB. This tends to indicate the radio transmission portion of the CAB-1 is working. I would not rule out the CB is the culprit here.

If you have both the CB and the PM hooked up:

1. Does the red light flash on the CB when hitting TR1?

2. Does the red light flash on the PM when hitting ENG1?

Regards, Roy

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, March 24, 2008 6:01 PM
 lionroar88 wrote:

Chief - and other Legacy owners - have you noticed an increase in smoke production from TMCC I engines? My 6945 GP-30 and 3044 GP-30 sure seem to like to fill the room with smoke in less than 5 minutes...

Caugh Caugh, you say something. 

Look at the CN.  The only other one I have that comes close to the two Legacys is UP GP30 in TMCC1. 

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Jelloway Creek, OH - Elv. 1100
  • 7,578 posts
Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Monday, March 24, 2008 6:50 PM

Caugh Caugh is Suthern for Cough, Cough.   They even cough funny down there.  I hope he  never sneezes.  Big Smile [:D]

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR

TCA 09-64284

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, March 24, 2008 7:14 PM
 Buckeye Riveter wrote:

Caugh Caugh is Suthern for Cough, Cough.   They even cough funny down there.  I hope he  never sneezes.  Big Smile [:D]

"Squze me!"  If I do sneeze, it will blow OHIO off the map. Whistling [:-^]

At least I have not posted 182 posts for the month by this morning.  Most single sentences and bragging on myself.  Guess???Sign - Oops [#oops]

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: S.E. Ohio
  • 5,434 posts
Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:11 PM
 ChiefEagles wrote:
 Buckeye Riveter wrote:

Caugh Caugh is Suthern for Cough, Cough.   They even cough funny down there.  I hope he  never sneezes.  Big Smile [:D]

"Squze me!"  If I do sneeze, it will blow OHIO off the map. Whistling [:-^]

That's gonna take a lot of hot air, Chief.  You could do it.

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Hightstown, NJ
  • 2,886 posts
Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:19 PM

Roy,

As of right now, both are disconnected.  Tomorrow, I'll reinstall the command base: Transformer "A" to inside rail, U not connected.  Connect U from command base to track.  And hope something talks to something else....Banged Head [banghead]  cough, cough....Laugh [(-D]

I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.
I am the venom in your skin  --- Breaking Benjamin


  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:32 PM

Good Evening

Mailman finished reading my CTT and delivered it today. Finally got to see the real pg.21,pg39,and really liked the carwash on pg 53. Also have heard some good words about the williams ad on the back cover. Sunny but still only in the 30s today, did some grocery shopping and played golf with Arnold Palmer(PS2). Grandsons are out of school this week so granny and DIL took them to a movie.

Brutus,Doug,Kurt, got fresh banilla,peach and butter pecan,peanut butter for Chewy smooth or crunchy. Any one else that wants to come ok,Brutus knows where the key is. Later,,S.J.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

  Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC)   - Detroit3railers-  Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:33 PM
Rich,
Um... are you sure the U terminal on your CW80 is 'Common'?

Also, I could be off base here but in order to use the transformer or PM with the CB and Cab1 without the TPC is to use the TMCC Lockon?

Also, make sure that all your units are in phase.

Have you tried:

Trans A - inside rail
CB wire - Trans U
Trans U - outside rail

That is how mine is setup and working great. The odd thing is the 'switch' on your PM to switch from Conv to TMCC... never heard of this... how old is the unit?

Also - check your PM
  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Jelloway Creek, OH - Elv. 1100
  • 7,578 posts
Posted by Buckeye Riveter on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:44 PM

 lionroar88 wrote:

Also, I could be off base here but in order to use the transformer or PM with the CB and Cab1 without the TPC is to use the TMCC Lockon?

Brent...I believe you are correct, when I set up my TMCC seven years ago, I remember the dealer asking me if I was only going to run CC locomotives.  When I told him I wanted to run both conventional and command, the TMCC lockon was not purchased, but the PM left the store.  Now I use a TPC 300 and two 180 W bricks......because that is what Roy told me to do!!! Bow [bow]

Celebrating 18 years on the CTT Forum. Smile, Wink & Grin

Buckeye Riveter......... OTTS Charter Member, a Roseyville Raider and a member of the CTT Forum since 2004..

Jelloway Creek, OH - ELV 1,100 - Home of the Baltimore, Ohio & Wabash RR

TCA 09-64284

  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:46 PM
Brent, shame on you for throwing the cat outside. Whistling [:-^]  Good chat [deer thought so too Laugh [(-D]].  Tell Susan her GRITS are on the way.  Now go run some trains.  Finished watching Two and One Half Men. Laugh [(-D]  CSI Miami at 10.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: Hightstown, NJ
  • 2,886 posts
Posted by anjdevil2 on Monday, March 24, 2008 8:53 PM

Brent, PM recieved and sent....

I'll try a couple a other things during lunch tomorrow, then I'll see about the TPC thing.

Geez, this is costing more than a Legacy!!! 

Nite, nite boys, getting sleepy..See ya tomorrow! 

I am the monster in your head...And I thought you'd learn by now, It seems you haven't yet.
I am the venom in your skin  --- Breaking Benjamin


  • Member since
    December 2004
  • From: St. Louis, MO
  • 4,913 posts
Posted by Brutus on Monday, March 24, 2008 9:21 PM
Sorry I'm so late.  Brain dead from training today.  I just got caught up on stuff with the kids and wife got home from scouts.  CTT arrived, will read it in a minute or 2.  Rich, when you get it working, could you please update us on how?  Sounds like fun in the FIFEdom.  Sir James, I am on the way.  Doug and Kurt, good to go?

RIP Chewy - best dog I ever had.

  • Member since
    February 2003
  • From: US
  • 1,304 posts
Posted by mitchelr on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 5:10 AM
Morning to all,

Just a quick note to say hello. Made a fresh pot. Have to get going. Lots to catch up on at work before I head to the convention on Thursday.

Anyone know of any good trains stores in the Louisville area?

Mitch

Bob Mitchell Gettysburg, PA TCA # 98-47956 LCCA# RM22839

  • Member since
    March 2006
  • From: Ann Arbor, Michigan
  • 2,306 posts
Posted by kpolak on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 5:38 AM

 cnw1995 wrote:
Glad you're home, Marty. Nice and sunny, but sure is cold.  Got a ticket to see the Edward Hopper exhibit at the Art Institute on Wed. He has a lot of evocative railroad-y paintings. Winslow Homer is part of this thing too - no engine paintings of his to speak of...

Doug:  Edward Hopper???  He did Nighthawks...The one looking into a diner at night...right?  The one everyone has wrapped in neon now...Confused [%-)]  I didn't know he did trains.  Great tip!

Sir James:  I'll be a little late...I'll stop on the way and pick-up Doug and Butus.

Kurt

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:43 AM
 ChiefEagles wrote:
Brent, shame on you for throwing the cat outside. Whistling [:-^]  Good chat [deer thought so too Laugh [(-D]].  Tell Susan her GRITS are on the way.  Now go run some trains.  Finished watching Two and One Half Men. Laugh [(-D]  CSI Miami at 10.


Mornin' Fellas.

I received a phone call from the above last night and seems he missed the part where I found the car gaurding the furnace! She thinks when the furnace comes on that the mice are back and heads to the basement to investigate. Confused [%-)] He He... Susan and Grits... LOL!!!!! She told me last night she doesn't eat that Censored [censored] and if you sent it she'll burn that Censored [censored]Censored [censored]. She could make a sailor blush and go to church for blessings! Shock [:O]

Watched Big Bang Theory last night. Sheldon reminds me of a male Susan... that's all I'm going to say.

Cut the temporary supports for the under girder bridge last night and mocked it up. Also finished installing the carpet padding sub roadbed on the 2nd level. After that I decided to test the load baring on the new bridge. Thumbs Up [tup]Thumbs Up [tup] Looks like a winner. Now just have to decide how to dress it up and then paint it. After looking at some pictures online I may change the supports though as I think stone piers would look better.
  • Member since
    February 2004
  • From: Rolesville, NC
  • 15,416 posts
Posted by ChiefEagles on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:55 AM
Morning.  Off to meetings.  Back after lunch.  Did get some train time in last night.  Brent, didn't you get the word?  Buckeye is making piers, rollers and etc for all of us. Whistling [:-^]  Got to love that Buckeye. Shock [:O]Wink [;)]  Hope all have a good day [including those in the cold baren MI].  God bless.

 God bless TCA 05-58541   Benefactor Member of the NRA,  Member of the American Legion,   Retired Boss Hog of Roseyville Laugh,   KC&D QualifiedCowboy       

              

  • Member since
    January 2001
  • From: US
  • 5,369 posts
Posted by cheapclassics on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:57 AM

Good morning all,

IIABSDISEI with temps in the low 50s, but windy and perhaps rainy late in the day.  First of all, thanks for all the compliments from everybody concerning the tip section.  Secondly, Doug M, how long is the Hopper exhibit at the Art Institute?  I know "Nighthawks" is a part of the regular display, but are they bringing in works from other parts of the country?  Thirdly, Hopper did railroad scenes, but I am not aware of any actual train drawings except for some interiors of passenger cars.  I have a couple of books with his works in them and he does several paintings of structures beside tracks, but I am not aware of any with trains running on them (but I could be wrong). 

I had a different kind of weekday evening.  I did weights at the YMCA right when I got home and then cleaned up a little bit.  My wife and I then went to Chili's for supper.  I had the four mini-burgers combo, which was really good.  We came home and had an interesting discussion with Lucas concerning his girlfriend and where the relationship is going.  I am not yet sure where the situation will end up, but at least we are talking about it. 

I had streusel on the dining car this morning.  I hope everyone has a good day. 

Keep on training,

Mike C. from Indiana

Getting closer to 1,000 posts!  Will try to make 1,000 a memorable one!

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 6:58 AM
 ChiefEagles wrote:
Morning.  Off to meetings.  Back after lunch.  Did get some train time in last night.  Brent, didn't you get the word?  Buckeye is making piers, rollers and etc for all of us. Whistling [:-^]  Got to love that Buckeye. Shock [:O]Wink [;)]  Hope all have a good day [including those in the cold baren MI].  God bless.


At least our BRIDGES will be structurally sound and architecturally correct! OK I used to 9th grade words in one sentence... that's my weekly quota! Smile [:)]
  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 8,050 posts
Posted by fifedog on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:10 AM

Mornin' boys.  Sunny & 28 here in the Mid-Atlantic region.  After I drop fifey's-wifey off at work, I think I'ma gonna lock myself in the basement, and get some work done on the layout.  Been forever-and-a-day since I posted on SPF.

Working night-shift, and will be expecting a "southern breeze" after 2100...

  • Member since
    October 2004
  • From: S.E. Ohio
  • 5,434 posts
Posted by Blueberryhill RR on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:14 AM

Good Morning from Blueberryhill....

It's a sunny 26 degrees. Going up to 52 today with some sunshine.

Today is busy day. I am taking the dog to the groomer. He needs a bath and haircut badly. Then, I will do a few chores around the house. Maybe this is the start of a warming trend. I have a lot of work to do outside.

Dining car has arrived from " points west ". Time for breakfast.

Y'all have a great Tuesday.

Chuck

Chuck # 3 I found my thrill on Blueberryhill !!
  • Member since
    April 2005
  • From: South Carolina
  • 9,713 posts
Posted by rtraincollector on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 7:22 AM

Morning all. Well getting ready to get on the road for Ashevill, NC for my physical with the VA for my job with the VA .

Hope all is fine today.

Talk to you all later

Life's hard, even harder if your stupid  John Wayne

http://rtssite.shutterfly.com/

  • Member since
    April 2007
  • From: MICH
  • 8,153 posts
Posted by sir james I on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:22 AM

GOOD MORNING

Heavy clouds and 34, the trees and shrubs are showing signs of new life if one looks close enough. The weather man doesn't seem to be paying attention though. I'm thinking a few trains need some exercise today, so that may be the high point of my day. No breakfast yet,maybe I'll run out and buy some instant grits. Naw I don't think so,they already filled the potholes. Y'all have a  safe day  and I will drop back later.......S.J.

Kurt-yes,just rattling the cage a little.

"IT's GOOD TO BE THE KING",by Mel Brooks 

  Charter Member- Tardis Train Crew (TTC)   - Detroit3railers-  Detroit Historical society Glancy Modular trains- Charter member BTTS

  • Member since
    July 2003
  • From: Crystal Lake, IL
  • 8,059 posts
Posted by cnw1995 on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:36 AM

Morning all. Cold again today. Mike, the Hopper / Winslow Homer exhibit is here through May 10th. He is the one who did Nighthawks, Kurt; the Art Institute also has one of his 'station platform' painting. It is very evocative - in other words, the colors and lighting certainly could inspire urban layout scenery. Did anyone see the March MR which featured John Armstrong's Canadaiga Southern? He had a 'famous' scene on his layout (also featured in an old MR) which mirrored the Nighthawks diner.

Let me know if anyone's coming to Chicago!

Doug Murphy 'We few, we happy few, we band of brothers...' Henry V.

  • Member since
    March 2005
  • From: Southwest Georgia
  • 5,028 posts
Posted by dwiemer on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 8:53 AM

Good Morning all.  It has been a little while since I came back to the pot for a fresh cup.  I will try not to be gone for so long.  I got the new issue of CTT yesterday and must say, it is a very good issue.  I also noticed on a quick scan that the NEW YORK ENGINEERS located in Carlstadt, NJ will be having the open house soon.  For those in the area, or even a moderate drive away, this is a great layout!  The attention to detail and function are superb.  I know they have a web site if you would like a preview.

RT, good luck on your physical.  you deserve the job, and it would be a great place to live.  We have every intention to make it up that way for some of the beautiful sites.  If things work out, maybe we can catch up with you and the Mrs.

May you all have a blessed day,

Dennis

TCA#09-63805

 

Charter BTTs.jpg

  • Member since
    April 2003
  • 305,205 posts
Posted by Anonymous on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:00 AM

Good Luck on the physical RT! Thumbs Up [tup]

Thought I'd post a couple pics of the under girder bridge (so Buckeye and tell me what this really should be called). Need some suggestions about how to dress it up.

As it can be seen when entering the room. It is the long greyish colored bridge that extends to the switch on the left side of the picture.


Left side view from the gorge.


Right side view from the gorge.


The only view of this that you will really get is the second one and the view from the other side of the layout. The town and mountain will pretty much block most other views.

Edit: changed the captions because they were wrong. Wink [;)]

  • Member since
    March 2004
  • From: Adel, Iowa
  • 2,292 posts
Posted by jonadel on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:10 AM
We also received the current issue of CTT yesterday and I have to say, it is one of the most useful issues that I could ask for. The Special Project Section is fantastic, great ideas every page. We are in the process of repopulating (is that a word?) our people, getting rid of the D56 giant folks and replacing them with Arttista and others, hoping it will look even better. I also enjoyed the billboard section, I'm thinking our Granddaughter will be making an appearance on a new billboard!

Once I was done going through it for the first time my wife (master scenery builder) picked it up and immediately said "this magazine is so much better than that other one you subscribe to". I won't mention any names but it does have good articles, just not as many or as useful.

Keep up the good work CTT!


Jon

So many roads, so little time. 

 

  • Member since
    December 2005
  • From: Sunny So. Cal.
  • 3,784 posts
Posted by dbaker48 on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 9:24 AM

Greetins All !

This feeling louzy is gettin old.  Was feeling good on Sat, then down on Sunday, (decided that medicine was causing the primary issue), so suspended that Sunday night.  Felt pretty good yesterday and went to work.  Came home about 2, and layed down for a couple of hours.  Then felt great last night and ran some trains for awhile.  Definetly know that I'm on the mend, just time.  Ready to go and kick sass this morning.

Been trying to figure out a situation.  I have 2 K-line Cotton Belt Diesels, when they start up in TMCC one is ALWAYS in reverse.  Going to have to do a reset on the engine to see if that takes care of it.  They arn't Legacy or anything, but sure do enjoy running them.  Need to get DCS upgraded to 4.0.  Still forcing myself to use the Cab-2 so as to become more familiar.  But still like the DCS.  I keep trying to adjust features in TMCC that are not there.

Buckeye those bridge piers are really fantastic!! 

Saw the video on Jon's Layout, WOW !!!!  CTT material for sure! Over the top.  Maybe I should tear mine down and start all over!!!  Sure impressive Jon !! 

BTW the correct spelling is COUGH, COUGH HACK-HACK, COUGH AAAARGH, COUGH-COUGH 

Don

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Classic Toy Trains newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month