Noel

Thanks Stephen. I never got my head around converting to AWG. Do you know would the rough equivalent of 32/0.2mm be in AWG? CORRECTION 0.2mm (not 2.0mm)

Thanks DC. Sounds a good idea to use heavier guage on long runs under the baseboard. I count myself as also 'ignorant' until it was explained to me recently. I've used the stuff on DC for years not knowing what the numbers are. I've been reliably informed 16/0.2 is 16 strands of 0.2mm wire, or 32 strands of 0.2mm wire.

What gauge wire do folks primarily use for DCC layouts and drop leads ? 32/0.2 (6amp) 16/0.2 (3amp) or other? Noel

As I have been tinkering around with DCC sound and notching levels on MM CIE 141/181 locos, I have had to do quite a bit of trail and error testing, and time trials at different CV settings and different speed curves to find the optimal for scale speeds. The time trials were done on a 3m segment of straight level track using two timing gates. The end results below. I have two speed step tables showing the scale speeds in MPH for each throttle speed step. 1-28 and 1-128 tables included. The 141 now continues progressive notching up, slowly accelerating to a target speed for example of 60mph and then notches down after attaining cruise speed. The only way to stop effectively is using brakes (F4) as the loco will coast for a very long time at idle if throttle set to zero. It's a whole new way of driving but now I just love it. It is so prototypical requiring cab operator to plan and think ahead just like the real thing. The CV3+4 inertia values are set at large values.

Thanks ET. DVD ordered from Markles

Thanks Graham, do you know of there is an easy way to do it using CVs or JMRI? I read the manual two months ago from cover to cover, but found the section on function mapping unclear.

That sounds worth waiting for. Do you know at this stage if you plan to use a centre drive chassis with AWD & AWP, double flywheel, etc?

Agree, I managed to buy a copy at the MRSI show. Really interesting material in there. More a reference book than a cover to cover read like all coffee table books. PS: Does anybody know where one can buy 'Irish Rail Archive DVDs' online? (e.g. vol 1-2, 3-4, 5, etc)

I get the impression from some recent comments on the forum that the SF A class is not held in the highest esteem. Is that because MM raised the bar so high in the intervening years? Was it well regarded in the past before the quality standards and expectations were raised? I must say having inspected a few A and C class SFs at MRSI, to my uneducated eyes they seemed not bad for low production models, the only thing I was concerned about were the basic chassis and old style drive system (i.e. not all wheel pickup, nor all wheel drive, only one power bogie, etc). But looking at layout photos on this site SF A/C classes had clearly been popular. Some of the weathered SF A classes photographed on some threads look great.

A delayed thank you BK. I had forgotten where this really useful answer was. I've read the manuals twice when you originally posted, but I find unless I summaries and write down these tips they get lost. Have been building laminated crib cards for useful CVs for LokSound, Zimo, Lenz and Bachmann. DCC seems to need extended and revised standard focusing on usability, interface and standards for use of functions given we are now in the sound era. 9 FN buttons simply isn't enough (e.g. manual notching on MM0071 sound chip is effectively unusable because it is FN 18 & 19).

Thanks Richie for replying so comprehensively. Noel

Sorry don't understand

Hi Richie Yes but would it not be of value to know what specific model the project might be, and then guage how many would fund that preferred model. From the two threads the 121 and A class seem the clear front runners, but if it was only one or the other, how many who have already voted yes, would still vote yes if their no 1 pref was not the chosen project. A survey monkey poll might reveal some specifics. Suggested possible questions: (please folks no need to answer these, just sample Qs) 1 what is your preferred model: from a list 2 what is your preferred livery: Choice of three 3 how much would you pre-pay for it: list of three possible costs (lower, mid, upper) 4 how many would you be likely to pre-order? 5 how many in total are you likely to buy in next 5 years? 6 how long would you be prepared to wait for delivery? (Choice of thee times scales, eg 12m, 18m, 24m) Please forgive, not quite sure I understand about the coaches comment. Are most CIE coaches running post 1975 not already available as quality RTR stock, even if some stocks currently sold out but likely to be re-run in future (eg Cravens, mk2 and mk3, or Bachman/Hornby re-sprays). I thought the deficit in affordable but high quality RTR coaches was 1950s to 1975, currently only available as kits or rather expensive RTR specialist collectors items. Most seem reasonable to good quality but not of the same high quality as say MM cravens or Bachmann BR outline coaches that sell below €40-50 per RTR coach. Have I got the wrong end of the stick? Are there not significantly more folks interested in RTR than kits, who have neither the time, patience nor skills to build a kit remotely close to RTR standards? Noel Ps. Btw it was nice to meet you at the MRSI show

Hi BK. Would it be useful to put up another poll of single choice questions offering folks the choice of their preferred model for a pre-funded production run? (Eg 121, A class, C class, steam 800, steam jeep, one or two popular freight wagons, one or two coaches (laminate, Park Royal). Noel

I've already posted this video on the layout thread, but just for logical completeness I though I'd add to this thread also, as it has plenty of footage of the new Zimo 141/181 sound chip in action, and it was the end result of the original question on the thread. Apologies for duplication.

Some really atmospheric photos Kieran. In the last photo of 083 beside the 22k, the 22k looks like a plastic toy from a pound shop. The 083 looks so imposing and substantial beside it. Anyway some really nice shots.

Brilliant, I love it PS: Great video

Ah, but that's not Deutsche Bahn, nor TGV?

Excellent. Welcome Alan. I'm a newbie here myself. That's a really interesting track layout. I like your selection of Irish locos and rolling stock, especially the AEC. The cement depot looks great too. Noel

Achieving the level of sales to win such an award is impressive, especially given the recession here. Congrats.

Hear hear

Yummie

Thanks, I've found the venue on BW website (i.e. their club house), but what time is it on at? Noel

The cab lights are F8 on 071. F0 is the running lights, and F4 turns the head light on. PS: EDIT - if you used a 4 function decoder you may not have access to the cab lights, but try F8. I used LokSound 4.0 and turned the brightness of the cab lights down using CVs. Out of the box they seemed a little too bright.

Looks wonderful. Dart and DMUs are not really my sort of thing, but wow looking at that amazing model it is getting very very tempting indeed. Congrats on a superb production and engineering.