Scalefour Forum

One small detail on the MERG DCO - if you have a RailCom based command station, you need the alternative firmware in the DCO's processor, otherwise it doesn't work with RailCom being present. You can turn off RailCom in the command station, but then loose the features it offers. With the alternative...

I wouldn't rule out 3D printing. I've been experimenting with iMaterialise.com, and their stainless steel option. [...] One of my friends has produced connecting rods and other chassis parts for a working 1:160 scale narrow gauge locomotive through this method. Interesting! Are there any photos in ...

I wouldn't rule out 3D printing. I've been experimenting with iMaterialise.com, and their stainless steel option. Main cross-section limit is about 0.5mm by 0.5mm (can be less in some cases). Detail is much finer than that. Provided you can keep the total volume of component and supporting/surroundi...

Is Terry studying the results on his pools coupon ?
..... Rolvenden 3, United Mills 3


- Nigel

if Cousin's won't play ball, then their competitors Cooksongold may have something suitable.

I didn't intend "practical patch" to be a negative connotation. Apparently they make a huge helpful difference for sound decoders. (which I don't have). Personally I would opt for small keep alives rather than large. I hate the idea of a heavy fast moving train to be disconnected from it'...

With DCC there is another choice: use the space for a mechanical flywheel or use the space for an electronic flywheel (aka "stay alive module"). The electronic version can work when the motor is stationary (see Zimo's very clever "nudge the loco along when it looses power on stopping...

Just wanted to make a small clarification. It's bemf that controls motors well without flywheels, not DCC per se. You can have bemf on DC controllers and DCC decoders without bemf - although nowadays its almost standard on newer DCC decoders. However if you want closed loop motor absolute speed and...

I'm forced to put a DCC chip next to a tiny Mashima motor because of the small size of a loco. Any suggestions for an effective insulating material that will be no more than a millimeter or so thick to separate them and keep the chip as cool as possible? I use Tamiya masking tape. If there is space...

I think form-tools are over-stated in their usefulness. Unless doing an awful lot of rims, and owning a very rigid lathe, they're not going to give you any benefit over a conventional tool held at the appropriate angles. The coning angle can be set on a top-slide on all but the most basic of lathes....

The tyres on an AG wheels are indeed an interference fit from the back, just how much of an interference fit has changed over the years. In the good old days there was a fair bit of criticism about tyres falling off ie being a loose fit. Colin Seymour has done something about this and the fit is no...

I've not done anything with the loco wheels but note that DJ suggest feedback controllers such as a Pentroller will damage the loco. I'm not changing all my controllers for one engine. Is there a fix? Whilst the motor would probably be seen off by a crude low-frequency feedback device (eg. Gaugemas...

My friend in the borders, building a large EM layout using plastic chairs, is using Walnut sleepers. He tried a lot of different types before making the decision. Bought in long lengths of appropriate cross-section from model boat building suppliers, which he chops on a little chopping tool to lengt...

My expectation would be that if the coupling rods are a decent fit on the crankpins, and the wheels are not rattling in their bearings front-aft, then the coupling rods alone will be quieter and smoother. With both gears and rods you're fighting a loosing battle against two lots of running clearance...

Doesn't it come out 2.33mm under size by using a Railway Modeller ?

- Nigel

DGs work (I know someone with a large EM layout under construction using them), and they've a long history in 2mm scale where the first versions were designed. But they're not a magic solution to everything, there are constraints in their width (even if a non-standard loop shape is formed). This isn...

Another suggestion is "DG", very popular in 2mm circles ("D" and "G" being 2mm modellers). Its available in a variety of sizes, and I know a large EM layout being built using them. On paper, meets the requirements specified.


- Nigel

I use a smooth DC controller based on a LM317 chip http://www.ti.com/product/LM317?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_term=lm317&utm_campaign=app_ldo_ww_p_e_ldo&utm_content=e910e69e-fea0-49b2-8b1e-6312360a3ce5&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0Nqzqfi33QIVzpPtCh2CPgXGEAAYASAAEgLv-fD_BwE# circ...

Off the shelf, I'd probably get a Gaugemaster panel unit for what you propose, then add a direction switch down-stream to solve the meter issue. The one I used to really like isn't available anymore, it had two knobs, one normal "speed" knob, and another which altered the overall voltage r...

Your friend working in EM is then using the vees (pre-positioned) to work out from when laying the rest of the track as the templot print is by then under the pollyfilla ballast? Or does he trace another templot print onto the tops of the sleepers? There are a few things done to ease the rail posit...

A friend of mine, working in EM, is building track this way, his prototype has mostly ash ballast: Paper Templot output glued down. Died Walnut sleepers (decided these looked better than ply) glued to paper. Ballast by trowelling on Polycell light weight filler (comes in medium tubs from DIY sheds, ...

I too had a good day+quarter, two nights away and a long drive from the frozen north. Mostly to see the very large 2mm crowd who were planning to attend. Was next to Roger Orpwood and his microscopic T scale demonstration model which initially he would not divulge its secrets of how it worked. Liste...

I've had one apart to discuss EM conversion with a friend. We're going to build the RT Models chassis, and a High Level Gearbox (which will thread things up the firebox into the boiler). Will probably compensate it (springing would be possible). Should still be room for a speaker for sound if wanted...

Hi Nigel, I am extremely grateful for the time you have taken over this response - much appreciated. The fact that the J15 was not supplied complete with Hornby's preferred chip is news to me! I exactly understand the range of problems that now presents in narrowing down the range of potential prob...

Unfortunately not able to determine decoder from what you've said. The Hornby website just lists the J15 as "DCC Ready" which means a chip has to be added. That could be any chip, and some chips are frankly rubbish, quite a lot are average and a few are superb(*). If one adds in various ot...