Got my red and blue My Trams today. These are supposed to have the same mech as the Portram/Centram units but these ones are much smoother and way quieter.
I moved to the dark side and committed to Digitrax Duplex and added a few other odds and ends. Next big purchase will be wood for subroadbed and frame.
Just a suggestion. Put some decals on them; stripes, numbers, logos, even two tone paint scheme. The mono-color makes them look toy like. Of course us serious modelers know they are not.
Made my first purchase from Facebook / Nscale4sale group. I had been looking for some Hanjin containers at a reasonable price for some time and got another Mitsui with them.
I had some Christmas money burning a hole in my pocket and the local hobby shop had the new Digitrax UT6 on sale, so goodbye Christmas money I am very impressed with this new Utility Throttle. All the added functions of the UT6 makes my UT4 look like something from the stone age Just my humble opinion, but Digitrax hit another one out of the ball park with this new throttle.
While I liked the UT4, I was not at first sold on this new UT6 throttle. I figured it was the same old UT now with a flashy screen. I ended up finding one being sold for cheap and figured it was worth a shot as the price was right even if I didn't like it. WOW was I surprised on how nice this is. It has many of the more common features that the DT throttles have that are commonly used that were not available on the UT4. You can now build a MU with this throttle as well as control turnouts. There are thankfully no more tiny dials that my adult fingers have a hard time with. Yes I agree Digitrax got it right with this one!
The DCC book I'm now studying does give Digitrax high ratings. Here and in Europe. So I will be looking into it as well. I have a 12 year old NCE Power Cab but would like something simpler.
I wouldn't say it is simpler if you are programming via the throttle, it is roughly the same. JMRI is the same with either system. What I like the most about Digitrax is they seem to have a better cohesion with their accessories and the Loconet than NCE does.
These stock cars just arrived. One of the broadway limited cars has hog sounds so that will work nice with the pig palace cars. Thank goodness no odor effects though.
I agree with Massey, I started with Digitrax when the DT100 throttle was their only throttle option and everything had to be done in hex. With the new DT500 and DT600 throttles, programming is quite simple but in my opinion you can't beat JMRI Decoder Pro. I have a Digitrax PR4 connected to a stand alone programming track and the PR4 is connected to my computer. Here is a web page showing some of the screens in JMRI Decoder Pro. There is nothing simpler than point and click programming. https://www.jmri.org/help/en/package/jmri/jmrit/symbolicprog/tabbedframe/PaneProgFrame.shtml I believe NCE makes a device similar to the Digitrax PR4, but that is the beauty of the PR4, it really is system independent. The only time I hook my PR4 to my Digitrax command station, is when I want to change Command Station Switches using the JMRI software. Otherwise my PR4 is only connected to my computer via the supplied USB cable.
Exactly if one is going to do more with DCC than only having one or two loco's the best road to explore is JMRI. It isn't confusing to use. One will find it easier to use and also keep track of their roster that any other option I'm aware of. Best of all it is free. Well maybe not free if you need an adapter to connect your DCC system to your computer. It will be money well spent, Sumner
Where would I get the DCC to computer adapter? I have two HO engines, an NCE Power Cab and just got a simple back up computer. Now to build a test track. Richard
I haven't read it all but looks like the info you need is here.... https://www.jmri.org/help/en/html/hardware/nce/NCE.shtml Sumner
Thanks! I've added that to my list. It covers a lot. Maybe now I should get to work at a low level. Richard
My first etsy purchase - 3D printed N Scale wheel stops. I've seen some photos of these painted and installed and they looked great.
Recieved a ConCor/Rivarossi Big Boy from another member the other day! Looks virtually new! Not sure how it runs, as I have not tested it yet. If all is good, I'm gonna look into the possibility of DCC/Sound. Might think of changing number. But, IF Kato is considering the 4014 at some point.....No need! Maybe a possible motor upgrade, but don't about that right now.
