BosKonay

The layout threads and blogs are the place, but I know what you mean in terms of a browsable gallery type listing, where you can avoid the 400 pages of chit chat and just drool over the layouts

Absolutely gorgeous work and looks immense fun to operate!! Keep those photos coming!

Oh those are just exquisite!

That looks brilliant Dave, as does that static grass!! Cracking work! Which brush did you get ?

Murphy Models manufacture sound chips for their range, and ModelShopBelfast.com also offer an alternative range. Both are excellent, but I personally prefer the sounds from the MSB units. Functions are solid state control circuits that can be used for lights, uncoupling, etc. Most provide a simple 12v DC supply, and others can provide 'special effects' like fashing strobes, etc. Each decoder will have different options and features. 2 Function is your basic decoder, it will run the loco, and give you two (typically) light circuits, that you can use for directional lights, headlights, etc, as you wish. More functions, simply give you more circuits, so you can have more light controls, headlights independent of the directional lights, cab lights, etc.

Interesting! They look like an OEM version of the DCC-Concepts units..

Agreed! Inspirational!

Genius !

Have reliable automatic couplings been made for OO locos (e.g. bachmann/hornby style)? //Yes. Check out Kadee couplers. They look and work relatively prototypical key and can be uncoupled magnetically. How does DCC sound work? Is the sound built into the DCC module or is it a separate module connected to the DCC module? //Many modern locos including the Murphy 201 and 071 are per wired for sound and even include a speaker fitted. All that's required is to pop in a sound equipped dcc module otherwise you can buy chips with sound on board and find room to fit the speaker :usually in fuel tanks or tenders) Aside from horns, whistles, etc, are there sound modules the simulate diesel engine noises and steam engines running? // Absolutely! Modern DCC sound provides up to 14 unique sounds as well as full engine noises perfectly syncd to the acceleration and braking. You can even notch up a stationary loco. Any recommendations for DCC module brands? There seem to be modules from €20 to right up to €120 // there is a huge range. DCC concepts just brought our a new range that include some very small decoders, ideal for squeezing into steam engines and smaller locos and also offer a stay alive module which maintains power to the loco over dirty or poor track. For lights in coach rakes I presume I need to either hard wire the rake together with power pickups on one coach and a single DCC accessory module, or do folks put independent power pickups on all their coaches with a DCC module in each? // check out traintech http://www.train-tech.com/index.php/lighting/interior-coach-lighting I've to test install one and they look good. Each coach gets a small smd led strip on the roof with an integrated battery and motion sensor. If the coach moves the lights come on. If it's stationary for a predefined amount of time they go out. Very handy compromise to dropping contacts at every coach.

Just wow Noel!! What are the overall dimensions? Do you have a track plan?

The peco code 75 large points are pretty good yes.

They look fantastic!

1 - DCC runs with 'full' voltage AC to all of the track, all the time. Avoiding low voltage, etc. Track cleaning is still needed, but the high track voltage, means your focus is on driving the train, not the track 2 - Yes and no It depends on your current wiring and layout. Ideally you should have a DCC Bus, and feed all sections of the layout from it. You can't have enough feeds or droppers. 3 - Only if you are having running problems or use a lot of short wheel base locos (or older locos with less pickups than modern stuff) 4 - There are even USB controllers that simulate a full on loco Also the Digitrax Zephr

You'll find some details in teh resources section http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/content.php/354-buildings Admittedly I've not had time recently to finish off this section!

Pretty sure they were a one off 'special' edition but never say never!

Welcome to the site Noel! That's a lot of questions - I'd recommend the Lenz System or Ecos - 5A should be plenty - Most systems will now run from iphone and ipad apps, might not be rotary, but gives you a lot of flexibility and 'wifi' control (so no line of sight worries like with some of the older IR based systems) Some of the older models may not be DCC compatible, or may be too much work to get there, it all depends on how you want to run the layout, and the range of stock. Depending on the layout structure, you could even have some loops or lines run DC, while others run DCC

What a little cracker!!

Are you using the multi uploader here? You can stick up to 10 images up at once?

Hello Bill and welcome to the site! Lots of questions there! Generally, it's recommended to run a dropper every 3-5 feet (or roughly every length of flex track, or at worse, every other length for long straights). I also like dropping power directly onto the points for reliable running. On the programming switch, as long as the 'gizmo' fully isolates the track, it should make a good programming track. Third, yes, you can run the layout and all accessories on the same bus.

... and third!

The detail picked out and subtle weathering make this just perfect!!! Beautiful job, right down to the wiper!

Great video! Despite it all they still are great looking coaches too!

Might be a very very long wait

That paint finish is exquisite!

Nice price.