declan64

First of all thanks to all who responded. The nub of my problem is indeed the requirement for 2 additional control outputs on the 4-output Hattons DCC controller (to bring it to 6 in total)! I implemented the headlight directional change recommended and it works fine so many thanks for that. Hatton's reponse to my query was to use F8 so I've let them know this was never going to work! Hattons offer the option to chip DCC ready locos when you order them so I hope they use a 6-output controller ..... So what to do next? Well the Hattons controllers are excellent value (half the price of the MM versions) and I'm happy with their motor control so I'm going to stick with them for now with an intent to upgrade one of the 201s to sound in the future. The exercise has been a good learning so thanks again to those who contributed.

I've just chipped two MM 201's with Hatton's DCR-21pin DCC decoder. Everything works fine except for the cab lights. I know the lights work as I previously had a Lokosound decoder in one of the 201s an it could control the cab light. My CV settings are as follows: CV33 = 1 CV34 = 2 CV35 = 4 CV36 = 8 CV49 = 0 CV50 = 16 CV51 = 32 CV52 = 32 F0 - controls the front and rear lights fine F1 - turns the front headlight permanently ON/OFF (now I'd ideally like the headlight to switch automatically to the rear when the loco is reversed) F2 - turns the rear headlight permanently ON/OFF F3 - Does nothing - was hoping this would turn the cab light ON/OFF I have to say that the documentation supporting DCC decoders and DCC-ready locos is pathetic. When you spend 150+ euro on a DCC ready loco and 250+ euro on DCC sound loco the lack of supporting material really isn't good enough. Posting complete CV settings on the web doesn't cost a lot. Rant over. Any help with the above would be welcome. I'm going to email Hatton's support as well and will post any response here to share with people.

I've just posted an unboxed Hornby CIE Hymek Loco on eBay http://www.ebay.ie/itm/331487818185?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649 A few boxed versions went for ST£70 or so a few months ago so putting for auction to see how it goes. Condition is very good. Moving to DCC now so while it still has sentimental value it is being replaced by it's newer MM brethren and has become surplus to requirements. It still has a place in Irish railway modelling history pre-Murphy Models ....

The moulds for resin models have a shorter life apparently relative to the moulds used for the cheaper "toy-like" plastic models. This gives the more popular resin models an intrinsically higher value. Still, if something is selling well, I can't see the logic in not creating a new mould for another batch. The original manufacturer doesn't stand to make anything from high priced sales on eBay. Came across the following interesting shed in my search: http://www.ehattons.com/60728/Bachmann_Branchline_44_173_Brick_Servicing_Depot_320_x_82_x_121mm_/StockDetail.aspx It reminded me of a similar shed from Lima many years ago., a few of which have popped up on eBay recently.

Thanks for that. I've never used Kernow before but they have some interesting items so I'll be adding them to my favourites. Hattons actually came up trumps on Friday: http://www.ehattons.com/stockdetail.aspx?SID=93693 STG£65 is pricey enough but is the same as I've seen on eBay as these sheds are hard to find these days. Just sorry I didn't purchase one when they came out first

Anyone have one of these for sale or know where I might pick one up? http://www.themodelcentre.com/1253/