New member

I started my 00 DCC with sound layout in  November 2014 and over the ensuing years have learnt a lot about the  system, decoders and their set-ups. I use a GaugeMaster Prodigy Express  with 2 hand controllers - so guests can run trains as well.

I  have carried out all my own wiring for the main and programming tracks  as well as for the points (with indicators) buildings and area  lighting and a turntable with photocell positioning.

I think I may be able to offer help to others and am happy to contribute if I can.

Pics to follow when I have converted jpegs to gifs

Hi and welcome Clive 
 :hi :cheers :Welcome

There should be no need to convert jpg files to gif for upload here.  jpg will upload directly into the gallery and a post.  

Use the "Reply" not the "Quick Reply" window and the "Upload new photo for insertion" button; it's user-friendly.  

Welcome to the forum. I look forwards to seeing your layout!

Welcome to the club Clive. :Welcome

My layout not based on any location but contains many elements personal to myself, family and friends.

Night view.

Hi Clive, it might be better if you start a new post for your layout.

Thank you, Rick.

Thank you, Alan.
I'll take some more pics.
Clive

Hello Clive and welcome aboard !
Cheers

Matt

Hello Clive, and welcome to the club.  Is the layout finished or will we see a project or two develop?
Michael

Welcome aboard. I see you've lost no time starting a Topic

Colin

Hi Michael
The layout is pretty much complete but I do like to make the occasional change or update - usually when I've purchased a bargain.
I always look for possible loco changes - just to watch and enjoy the running.
The rake of crimson and cream coaches could do with updating as one or two of the bogies are not holding the axles too well. Replacements are expensive so I trawl the s/h market.
I do spend time running trains….

Clive

Welcome to the club Clive - a busy looking layout you have there.  :thumbs
You say some of your locos are "previously owned" - do you limit your purchases to DCC ready or are you a conversion expert ?  If the latter, some walk-throughs would be good.

[user=6]Petermac[/user] wrote:

Welcome to the club Clive - a busy looking layout you have there.  :thumbs
You say some of your locos are "previously owned" - do you limit your purchases to DCC ready or are you a conversion expert ?  If the latter, some walk-throughs would be good.

Hi Peter
I have bought dcc ready or fitted. I test any new (to me) loco on my test track which is on my bench and switchable from test to main line or can be unplugged to try a dc loco with a 9 volt battery.
I have refitted a dcc socket from scratch - an easy rewire copying what was there.
I have hard wired a decoder to a dc loco - but would always prefer a socket as it's an easy swap later. Space is a factor usually.
I have also removed a socket and hard wired a loco back to dc for a chap I was selling it to.
I taught myself to do all these, as needs must, by studying the connection diagram of a socket or decoder. None of these mods involved lights or firebox flicker - just motor control and sound.
Just remember the two wires (usually red and black) that come up from the wheels are power in to the loco.
They either go direct to the motor giving dc control or they go to the socket (or decoder directly if no room for a socket) and then with a decoder in place the loco becomes dcc.
If room I like a "stay alive" to be included - but I cheat and get one of the well known dcc specialists to connect that to the decoder as that requires very fine and delicate soldering.
As for lights - refer to the decoder diagrams.

Clive

I'm glad you mentioned the delicate touch required for soldering to decoders Clive - doing so has often proved to be an expensive problem for me …………

Having said that, I'd have thought if you can wire a plug and or socket, you'd be a dab hand at it …. :roll:

[user=6]Petermac[/user] wrote:

I'm glad you mentioned the delicate touch required for soldering to decoders Clive - doing so has often proved to be an expensive problem for me …………

Having said that, I'd have thought if you can wire a plug and or socket, you'd be a dab hand at it …. :roll:

 

Don't know about being a "dab hand", Peter more a danger man. I do have a very fine soldering iron as well as a heavier one both with temperature control and a couple of 'helping hands' clamp sets and am 90% certain I could - there remains that doubt and it would be an expensive error…
Also I like to patronise dealers where possible.