In the middle of installing DCC. I tested the CT sugarcube speakers in a different configuration. I put the two speakers onto a piece of styrene with the speaker backs (which normally are glued onto the back of the speakers) facing the hole cut in the styrene. I used matchsticks glued into the top of the tender shell as a frame to make a sound enclosure. Then the styrene with the speakers attached was glued to the matchstick frame and sealed. The speakers are connected in parallel. Connected the track wire leads from the decoder to jumpers and fired the decoder up. I used the ESU LokSound micro 73816 (Big Boy, what else?) and the sound is very loud! And the whistle is playable - if you hold it down, the sound continues. Short push - short blast. I should be able to finish the total install tomorrow and will be testing it at the WGH show this weekend. Video will hopefully follow.
I just got done with a short break-in. At first had a little trouble with the front pilot. It kept de-railing but went away after 8-10 runs around the loop. The pick ups are made much better than my AZL gs4 and lets this engine crawl at a nice realistic pace . She ran like a top for the last hour going both Fwd and Rev for 30 min ea @ 1/4 throttle. So now the bad news looks like my postal team played football with it as not only is my draw bar bent but the rear coupler is also distroyed. This is a known problem that Rob is aware of and is correcting for the 2nd release. just need some foam between engine and tender and at the back. Even with that said I LOVE this engine and don't regreat buying it and once its paid off in a couple of years I'll love it even more. Now I need to add DCC so I can start playing with those ZoCal guys
A second one? That explains why the postal system says it is likely to quit Saturday delivery in some areas. Carrying all that heavy freight is causing back strain and their insurance is going through the roof! )
Check out these two videos of AZL's Big Boy in operation. [video=youtube;Sqdx5RcSp1Y]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sqdx5RcSp1Y[/video] [video=youtube;fEybxJ1HJ0I]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEybxJ1HJ0I[/video] That is one impressive layout! Rob
I received a Big Boy yesterday and though a piece of foam was inserted between the tender and loco, the damage was still done by careless handling. The foam needs to be a piece of peanut foam and take up all the space between the two units. Leave no space whatsoever. I'm waiting to hear back from Rob K or Anthony as to a fix for this. I can't send it overseas until the problem is fixed.
Loren, You could send it to an authorized "repair dude". Don F. fixed Jeff T's Big Boy while at the WGH show earlier this month. I was asked to consult with the repair. Fixed it up fine.
Question.........if the draw bar is bent, is it just a matter of unscrewing the screws that hold the draw bar in place, straightening the draw bar and reattaching?
Loren, I would ask for a new drawbar. I dont want t a $2000 model with a bend drawbar. Theres a resale consideration when you spend that much money.
Rob, At this point I wonder if shipping it without the drawbar attached on one side is the safest approach. With the firm padding between loco and tender, of course. JamesTraction
Loren, I am in the same situation you are. My BB arrived from Anthony with the foam between loco and tender, but also with the bent drawbar and broken tender coupler. I had originally thought that there was somewhat of a bend in the drawbar so that it clears the framework, but, on comparing to my Challenger, I am not so sure. The Challenger drawbar is straight. The drawbar is easily removed, even by an untalented hobbyist like myself, but I am afraid to try to straighten it. It may break. So, like you, I am waiting for Rob and Anthony for a solution. The loco is a beauty, but does need the larger radius as recommended by AZL. The Challenger handles Rokuhan 225mm curves, but the BB balks on these. I need to add a 245mm loop! John Sullivan
Rob K. sent me a new drawbar and coupler. No problem. I did straighten my drawbar, but used the replacement. As long as the brass is not kinked (sharp angle), it straightens out easily. Agree with the larger radius turns. The Challenger handles 10" radius turns easily. At WGH in Del Mar, we were using 15" radius as a minimum on our modules and the Big Boy handled it fine.
Rob sent me a new drawbar and coupler. Very easy to install just 2 screws for the bar and one screw for the coupler.
Got a new draw bar coming so things are fine. A sturdy piece of peanut foam will keep the two units apart. I will send the loco as is along with the new part and my customer will be ok with that. I have cool customers. )
