I have a much beloved SP&S 700 that no one will convert leaving it in DC only forever. I'd also LOVE to get a smaller brass SP&S steam loco as well at some point but this brings up the problem of DCC and DC. To run them correctly I'd need to power my soon to be DCC layout with both DC and DCC. I'd rather not blow the motors in them so I will be using a DC transformer controller. Anyone else in this sad predicament?
My layout is wired for dcc for normal operation and dc for any visiting friends dc. locos. Two separate controllers of course and a simple changeover switch. Just have to remember to remove all my DCC locos before operating any DC ones. Only one DC loco can be on the track at any time as there are no separate sections, but switchable sections could be wired if desirable for normal DC operation. Alan www.andersley.co.uk
Yeah, my layout is going to be zoned and yes, Digitrax does have address 00, but for real DC I want to use a real DC transformer. The 00 function scares me a bit because in digitrax's book anyway the elude to motor frying at some point. It's just sad for me because I waited and saved forever for my 700 and now she'll be the only one on the track if I want to run her. I would LOVE some of the little SP&S guys like the O's but from what I've seen those are brass only and DC only. I've already thought about adding a "dead" spur that can house them.
Anything must be convertible. Some more difficult to others! Could I ask what is a 700? Steam loco I guess? Picture? Alan www.andersley.co.uk
This is the girl in question. I looked closer and they DID leave the DCC holes in place along with the speaker holes on the bottom of the tender. The problem with her is she is the Sunset run. If you think the Bowser 636 release is a disaster, it has nothing on the release of this gal. I ordered a sound unit but it died on the test track at the LHS so I got DC because it was all they had left. This girl has't been trouble free though. Right now she is upside down while I try to find the binding problem. When I got her she popped the drive rods to axel 4 because it was out of alignment and needed to be replaced. I'm also currently repainting the white rims.
I would hang on to it. You never know what might become available in the future. I'm running locos I boxed up 25 years ago with DCC chips in them that I added this year. If you should happen to put it in long-term storage, I will be happy to store it for you!
I just got off the phone with the LHS I got her from and they said they will convert her so that's a load off. Last time I called it wasn't an option. I got the hiccup worked out so no that's left is repainting the white lines on the wheels.
I have the same one as you do, only it came with sound and DCC. She is a great runner, and sound is the best of all. I know Hobby Smith at one time had the stuff to install the DCC with sound. I found it best to paint the lead trucks because it had a tendancy to short to the steam chest on curves. And I am always checking the brake shoes, because on mine they will come down after a while and short on the driver.
