My point exactly...fix the problem now...dont lose the consumers bussiness. If 'standards' are put in place...Atlas has to redo tooling anyways...costing them $$$ either way. Why not do it now...before more discussions on 'regulations' rear their ugly head...JMO Then again...is it really the track at fault...or different wheelset manufacturers making different depth flanges? If its wheelsets at fault...dont buy em ! Its simply...if manufacturers cant do it right...they deserve to go belly up...thnxs .
Here is what I got from Richard at IMRC when I asked him that question: Almost any 8-pin decoder will work, we have tested several with no issues. For sound we have only tested a SoundTraxx Micro-Tsunami. We have test fit the new one from Digitrax. I'm sure there are others. Mike Leland ps. I did see a guy walking out of The Train Shop in Santa Clara, CA today with his two units. Didn't get to see it as those were the last two he had from that shipment. I do have one on the way!
Here are two questions that were asked a while back, but have gotten lost in the side topic. I just wanted to give them more light in hopes they will be answered. Thanks
Digitrax 8 Pin Sound Decoder I know somewhere I saw a picture and description of two Digitrax 8 pin sound decoders that appear to fit the AC-12 and now I can't find the page. I searched the Digitrax page and don't see either. Anyone know if I am losing my mind or if I actually saw them?
FYI Everyone... according to the AC-12 Owners Manual (and the self contained picture) the DCC plug is a 10 pin .... not 8 pin.... :tb-confused: I would post a pic of the Manual but I ain't sure about "copyright" infringements. Sorry. :tb-err:
Geoff: Here is the decoder for the AC-12. The Soundtraxx micro Tsunami works after you solder an eight pin plug to the decoder. DN144PS $40.96 List $49.95 Sound/Motor/Function Decoder 1 Amp Continuous/2 Amp Peak Rating 4 FX3 Functions Great for N Scale, HO and HOn3 Locos! 8 Pin Short Harness Full Digitrax Series 3 mobile decoder feature set Speed Tables Simplified Scaleable Back EMF Advanced Consisting Transponding Supersonic Motor Drive Decoder Lock Factory Reset Feature Physical dimensions: 1.22" x 0.405" x 0.164" / 31mm x 10.27mm x 4.16mm Includes 18 x 13mm 8 Ohm speaker Includes 330uF capacitor Preloaded with generic diesel and steam sound schemes Fully customizable sounds
According to the Intermountain Rep I spoke to in Plano Tx. in January 2010, the plug in the AC-12 is an eight pin plug. They tested the Soundtraxx micro Tsunami and the the new Digitrax decoder in the locomotive and both work without issues. N Scale Supply shows the inside of the AC-12 tender on their website. It's an eight pin plug. It's as simple as it gets. Its the same type of eight pin plug you see in the Con-Cor GS-4's and 4-8-4's except you have sound. http://www.nscalesupply.com/IMR/IMR-Locomotive-AC-12.html
Got mine today after snow-induced delays. Cosmetically, its beyond brass in its wealth of details. Also notable is a lifetime warranty to its owner. Other observations..... Mine waddles down the track like a duck. I suspect an issue with the traction tires. Runs very well forward and pretty poorly in reverse. May smooth out with run time. (Relatively high starting voltage for DC and nicely engineered top speed that must be close to prototypical.) Mine also makes a clicking sound on 15 inch radius when moving clockwise, but not counterclockwise. I suspect insufficient clearance between running gear and one of the many appliances. It definitely likes the larger radii curves. Pics tomorrow. Gotta love the Katos. Dave
I saw one run at The Little Choo Choo yesterday. I was very impressed. It crawled around the shop layout. Very smooth and quiet. I model modern but I was very tempted. I think IM has a winner here. Jeff
Well after all that teasing it would appear that the AC12 is a Winner after all. Congrats Intermountain; and thanks for taking your time to produce a mocdel we all can be pleased with:thumbs_up:
Too much technical, not enough photos. The PRR UH-1 is essentially a copy of the SP's AC-12 cab-forward, built under contract from Baldwin. A borrowed AC-12 underwent preliminary testing on the west coast, and the design was found to be promising. When the SP would not agree to an extended loan for more thorough testing, the PRR decided to build their own. Here, the prototype UH-1 pulls out of the Juniata Shops and heads for the 12th street shops and the Test Plant. Early testing at the Test Plant confirms the design as a powerful and useful locomotive, but PRR management is concerned about the safety hazards of having the cab exposed at the front. Here the prototype leaves the test plant after a hard day of testing, her future uncertain. Obviously, my AC-12 came today. It's a beautiful looking model, and I'm now eagerly awaiting the Digitrax DZ125PS that I ordered to power her. I've also got some decal and detail work to do.
Thats what I'm talking about!!! Beautiful photos Eric! I'd like to invite you to add those to the N Scale Steamers TrainBoard Group.
Unless the plug in the photo is not plugged in correctly the socket on the circuit board appears to have 10 pins.
I think you're seeing a bit of an optical illusion. There are eight little "blobs" of solder on the top of that DC plug. The lowest set of "pins" are actually, if I am seeing this correctly, the two socket holes closest to the plane of the viewer.
I dont know.. what other use would those two holes be for? I agree with Westfalen that it looks like an 8-pin plug in a 10-pin socket. I'm looking at this picture from N Scale Supply
Thanks for the pics Eric, that is one neat looking model. Looks like it was well worth the wait. Hope you enjoy:thumbs_up:
