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 Recently I received a new batch of engines, which I promptly changed to digital, using the relative kits for each engine. One in particular, required some modifications to the chassis and the power truck, as the 60943 kit, though perfect for engine 3072, a V100 class, has a thicker magnet body, and hence it will not fit into the chassis. I made a few modifications to the chassis, and the power truck; following are some pictures showing how I made the modifications. Here you see the original chassis. With the motor installed, you can see here how it does not fit and where I had to cut into the chassis. I used a Dremel tool with cutting wheels, a large one for the first cut, and a smaller and thinner for removing the part that needed to be cut off. The first cut. The second cut. Next I used a metal carving bit to clear the cut (I needed to remove more metal from the original cut), and also to make space for the big screw head in the back. And here is how the motor mounted clean in the c
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 My last post on this project was on April 2019. A very long time ago. So, what went on between then and now? For this project, not so much. I started a couple of new projects, and they are taking a lot of time during the week, so I had to pause this one. I have been able to find time though to upgrade my engines from AC to DCC. As explained earlier, I have a lot of Digitrax equipment, and I do not have a Marklin system. So I decided to go with the Digitrax as the main digital system, using the Marklin track and engines. By the way, I also have an NCE system, and an MRC Prodigy system. For just running engines, all three can be used. As a test, I converted one engine (3034), and the test proved I can use DCC with Marklin, using Digitrax decoders. In this case I used the NCE system to test the engine, as it is part of my workbench. So far, I converted 11 engines, and I have 9 more to do (at this writing 5 are still out in the mail system). This post is going to be specific to these engi
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It has been almost 20 days from my last post, and you would think there would have been quite more progress. Alas, no. This hobby of mine had to take a step back, as I need to complete a few tasks around the house, and family. So little has gone forward. I also have misplaced the Marklin C track which I wanted to use, as being more reliable and easier to wire for DCC than the M track. I know it is in a box, but which one and where are the questions. My bad for not cataloging my train boxes (of which I have quite a few). What I have been able to work on though are the warrants to run the train in a scenario. I designed two scenarios so far, and I have completed the first. Now I am using this scenario to test the signals, sensors and turnouts. I have the last two down pat, but the signals ........ well ......... Let us say I have set up the signals locic, and logix,  three times so far, and none are working like I would like. I also need some understanding for how to control the
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I am not doing anything for now with the hardware or equipment (engines and cars), so I am working with the software in JMRI. After an initial look at Layout Editor, I decided to go with Control Panel Editor, as it is the one I am most familiar, having used it for the past 6-7 years (0 years for the other two, so they had no chance). As such, I created turnouts, sensors and signal masts first, then the panel with simple icons. This is what I got: Turnouts Sensors Signal Masts Panel You will notice a small modification to the plan. I found that I have a little more space than originally designed, and so I decided to add another staging track, calling it Staging 4. Also, in order to display the turnouts for track 4 correctly as on the layout, I needed to rotate the turnouts. With these icons, it does not make the panel pretty, but for now I will live with it. Once I had all the above done, I added some Logix, 4 to be exact, to drop the signals to red when
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Do not expect updates so close to each other, but tonight I just finished the first part of entering data in JMRI, so I thought I would give you an update. Once I decided to start this project, I knew that it would have to be not too complex. My goal is to learn things about automatic running (specifically, but also about JMRI, Digitrax, and DCC in general) that could then be applied to David's layout, in a much more complex way with 30 scheduled trains making stops, terminating, going into yards (and dreaming of them being switched …. !!!!). But to get there I knew I needed to go with something smaller and much less complex, so 3 trains with a small schedule. That should be simple enough, right? I put pencil to paper (yes, I am old school), and drew a loop. Then added a siding and then another, and pretty soon I had a starting point. I counted the turnouts, and I had 8. I decided to have half the layout viewable, while the other half would be hidden (staging). Because of tha
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Hello all, been a member of this blogger for a long while, but had not been following it for a long while, as my focus had gone to my other hobby, the Cumberland West layout ( Cumberland West - 2017 Tour Video ). x But my interest has sort of shifted back to European trains (specific Italian) but also my old Marklin. When I say old, I mean very analog. Working on the CW taught me a lot about digital (DCC) and I am very comfortable  in setting it up, using it, etc. I also own a lot of Digitrax hardware, due to buy outs and friends. I recently discovered that Marklin sells upgrade kits to change AC motors to DC motors. And an idea came to me. What could prevent me to use my Digitrax system and hardware with my Marklin. All I would have to do is to change the motors to DC, add a Digitrax decoder and off I go. I can feel the stomach turning in many "Marklinisti".  Let me say right away, what I have is not for collectors (I do not own anything that would be "valu
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