irishthump

The files on the ESU website are free for anybody to use and there’s no restriction on how many decoders you load them on to. Third party files are different, they are almost ALWAYS locked to a single decoder.

Hi Alan, You can set CV54 to 0 on the programming track but you must then press F1 while the loco is on the main track. It won't move on the programming track at all, that track uses a much lower voltage setting. I'm a little confused when you say the Elite does'nt have a F1 button. I simply mean the no.1 button on the controller. Also if you use this feature make sure the loco has been ran for around 15-30 minutes before you do it. Also, do it 2 or 3 times to get the best result. The auto-tune MAY help. If the motors have similar properties it may help them to match up more when running together. It also won't alter any adjustments you've already made, it changes CV's that you would'nt normally touch.

I'm in the same camp as Adrian. I love the DCC sound aspect of the hobby and now almost all of my locos are sound equipped. I'd also recommend the ESU Loksound decoders but I went a little further down the rabbit hole and purchased a Lokprogrammer which allows me to buy blank decoders and upload files to them myself and/or tweak factory installed decoders to function how I like them to.

Have to say these look great. I'm fond of BR blue and one of these would look good next to the Deltic. George you should think about investing in a Lokprogrammer. You can remap the functions to whatever function keys you want. I find I never really use more than 10-12 functions regularly.

Also a testament to the quality of the La Grange produced GM product. Many other locos of the same vintage as the 071’s (and some much older) are still running and in revenue earning service in the US and around the world.

What retailers would you recommend? I've pretty much stopped buying for the UK completely since brexit.

Same here. Our eldest son who lives in the UK sent us a package of gifts for Christmas, he filled out all the necessary forms and the package still did'nt arrive until mid-January. We then received a customs notice a week later; pay or else. Yeah, good luck with that.

I won't be one of them. I cant afford one at current prices, I have no driveway to safely charge it and the current battery life would be inadequate for my needs.

That's some lovely work there John. The proper wheel gauge really makes a difference to the look of these models.

I'm sorry but that's a lame attempt at a defence. The page says "If you need to reach us, please email us". It's a webpage on an online store with a facility for electronic payments. The absolute first point of contact should be by email which should be answered promptly (within 48 hours, not including weekends). I mean his listed opening hours lead us to believe that he's working 4 days out of the 5 day working week. If it's a case that he can't devote the time to answering emails then he should at least have an automated reply directing people to an alternative form of contact. Customers will accept delays as long as there is adequate communication. As people have pointed out this all happens AFTER their payments have been accepted, to get the silent treatment and to be treated like you're an inconvenience for asking about the products THAT YOU'VE ALREADY PAYED FOR is dreadful form in anybody's book.

Absolutely no need to apologize. I dare say someone may have lit fire under his arse and that's the main reason you're getting a response all of a sudden!

Was that not several years ago?

I've only bought from them a couple of times. Stuff arrived ok, but the customer service is non existent. I had purchased some DCC soundfiles from the website and had some queries about them, my emails were basically ignored until I managed to get to get in touch with the creator of the files himself. As said, truly dreadful form for a retailer!

Great layout. Lovely weathering on those containers too!

Sorry I mean to say point motors!

Well at worst you just need to replace the points, so it’s not a total loss.

Sorry to hear of your problems! I've had similar experiences on my old layout and I would'nt dream of fitting points until AFTER ballasting is complete. I know that's not much use to you now though... Maybe try removing the point motors from the baseboards and try to free them?

Unfortunately not! If you look at the bogie side frames they actually wrap around a little so they’ll hit anything mounted behind the buffer beam.

Not as time consuming as you might think. I used MIG washes on the body and roof, let in run into the crevices then feather the streaks with a brush moistened with thinners. Underframe was stippled with track dirt and brake dust acrylics.

I have used the Gaugemaster Prodigy Advance for years and have no complaints at all. It's very simple to use, I found the Powercab a little more involved when doing simple programming tasks. Gaugemaster also had excellent after sales service on the rare occasions I had any problems. The only problem now is Brexit has made them difficult to get your hands on so I've been shopping around for an eventual replacement. I think I'll go for a Lenz Set101 when the time comes, I have no interest in iPhone or tablet control and I like the look of the Lenz handheld. Incidentally, if anyone is selling or knows of anyone selling a Gaugemaster Prodigy please let me know. I'm constantly on the lookout for a spare!

Never ceases to amaze me the amount of modellers I have heard complaining that Kadees are not prototypical for UK/Irish rolling yet are happy to use big ugly tension locks! That aside, my main reason for liking them is their reliability and the added feature of hands free uncoupling and shunting.

Yes, any photos that I could find of the prototype were'nt very mucky so I went easy! Thanks! The rust effect is simple enough; various weathering powders mixed with thinned down matt varnish and simply stippled on.

Welcome to the Kadee Converts Club! The operational difference between tension locks and Kadees is night and day. Converting my stock was the best decision I ever made. Did you opt for draft boxes on the wagons or the NEM couplers? Any plans for adding uncoupling magnets?

More from the lockdown workbench! Dapol Interfrigo refrigerated van. Assembled, painted, weathered and Kadee couplers fitted.

That's some stunning modelling right there!