Mark Buccini In the August 2014 issue, Mark and Vince Buccini wrap up a three-part series on building a simple DCC system. This part explains how to program and install a locomotive decoder. Cut-and-paste the code for the decoder here or download the attached .txt file. And don’t miss parts one and two (April and […]
Modeling Topic: DCC & Wiring
DCC Programming: episode 8 – TCS WOWSound Decoder Demonstration
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page John and J.D. Forsythe of Train Control Systems stop by Model Railroader magazine’s MR&T HO scale layout to demonstrate a steam locomotive equipped with a TCS WOWSound decoder. DCC Programming host Dana Kawala has them talk through the helpful TCS audio-assist feature that […]
DCC Programming: episode 8 – TCS WOWSound Decoder Demonstration
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page John and J.D. Forsythe of Train Control Systems stop by Model Railroader magazine’s MR&T HO scale layout to demonstrate a steam locomotive equipped with a TCS WOWSound decoder. DCC Programming host Dana Kawala has them talk through the helpful TCS audio-assist feature […]
Model Rectifier Corp. Digital Command Control starter set
Model Rectifier Corp. Digital Command Control starter set For modelers interested in an easy way to try Digital Command Control (DCC) without committing to a full- featured system, Model Rectifier Corp. offers the Prodigy Explorer. This no-frills DCC system makes it easy to get a taste for DCC operation and decoder programming. Using other Prodigy […]
Adding DCC power districts to a model train layout
Too many sound-equipped locomotives in one place, like those shown here on the MR&T, can spell trouble for a DCC layout. Paul Dolkos takes you through the steps he used to set up power districts on his HO model railroad. Imagine you’ve just begun running trains on a layout equipped for Digital Command Control (DCC) […]
How to wire a layout for two-train operation
The initial goal of a new model railroader flush with locomotives, track, and rolling stock is to operate two trains on his layout at the same time, each with independent speed and direction control. This milepost can be reached with cab-control wiring. With two direct- current power packs, single-pole double-throw toggle switches, and hardware-store wire, […]
Olympia Logging Series: Part 7 – modifying a turnout
Before the trackwork can be added to MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout, David Popp first makes a few modifications to the turnouts. In this video, he guides you through trimming the ties, preparing the connection points, soldering new wires, cutting the rails, and testing the modifications – steps that are intended to make […]
Olympia Logging Series: Part 7 – modifying a turnout
Before the trackwork can be added to MRVP’s On30 Olympia Logging Co. display-style layout, David Popp first makes a few modifications to the turnouts. In this video, he guides you through trimming the ties, preparing the connection points, soldering new wires, cutting the rails, and testing the modifications – steps that are intended to make […]
DCC Programming: episode 7 – Programming modes
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader magazine’s Dana Kawala addresses basic DCC programming modes. Dana first talks through Operations mode programming on the main, as well as Service mode programming. As with every episode in this helpful DCC Programming series, Dana shows you the essential steps, while the […]
DCC Programming: episode 7 – Programming modes
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader magazine’s Dana Kawala addresses basic DCC programming modes. Dana first talks through Operations mode programming on the main, as well as Service mode programming. As with every episode in this helpful DCC Programming series, Dana shows you the essential steps, while […]
Spring Mills Depot HO scale NACC PD3000 covered hopper
Spring Mills Depot HO scale covered hopper Spring Mills Depot has released an interesting three-bay, 100-ton covered hopper that’s offered in 22 paint schemes. Of particular note, the model comes in numerous variations that have specific detailing to match the prototype paint schemes. Each of the cars is also offered in a variety of correct […]
Operate turnouts with servo motors
Modified radio control servo motors operate the remote control turnouts on Jim Lomison’s HO layout. Turnout motors always seemed a bit pricey to me until I learned about servos from a friend who’s a radio control (RC) enthusiast. He uses servos in his aircraft, and they sell for less than $10 each. The “servo” name […]