Kato FEF Question

[spookshow]

What is the purpose of the red light that sits above the headlight? Backup light? MARS light? It doesn't actually light up on the model, so I'm not sure what it's for (operationally speaking)



Thanks,
-Mark

[spookshow]

Another question - anybody know what decoder Kato uses in the DCC-equipped version?

Thanks,
-Mark

[C855B]

Mars light, tho' probably actually a Gyralight, activated manually, also possibly automatically with brakes in "emergency", SP-style. https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34473.msg407957#msg407957

Decoder is TCS, IIRC.

[spookshow]

Thanks, Mike. One more question for y'all - has anybody been able to get theirs to run on 11"-radius curves? Kato advertises that they should, but mine consistently derails on 11" (or sharper) 180-degree level curves.

I don't have any curves between 11" and 19", so I couldn't say what the realistic minimum might be. But my guess would be in 13-14" range.

Thanks,
-Mark

[garethashenden]

Mars light, tho' probably actually a Gyralight, activated manually, also possibly automatically with brakes in "emergency", SP-style. https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=34473.msg407957#msg407957

Decoder is TCS, IIRC.

Mars lights are to help the train be seen right? To attract attention?

Are steam locomotives now required to have ditch lights?

[RBrodzinsky]

Thanks, Mike. One more question for y'all - has anybody been able to get theirs to run on 11"-radius curves? Kato advertises that they should, but mine consistently derails on 11" (or sharper) 180-degree level curves.

I don't have any curves between 11" and 19", so I couldn't say what the realistic minimum might be. But my guess would be in 13-14" range.

Thanks,
-Mark

Mark - I have had no problem running through my one hidden area with 12 3/8" curves, or any of my 13.75"-16" areas. 

Rick

[C855B]

To attract attention in cases of emergency, I guess. Some RRs used gyrating red lights as rear-end markers on passenger trains. I vividly recall the red Gyralight used on SP's observation cars.

Yes, I think (pro railroaders correct me, please) FRA rules require "ditch lights" for anything crossing a public highway. However, I've noticed that UP simply illuminates the markers, with clear lenses, making for three lights aimed forward. It may be a fudge that keeps them within the law while tipping their hat to historical accuracy.

[spookshow]

Mark - I have had no problem running through my one hidden area with 12 3/8" curves, or any of my 13.75"-16" areas. 

Rick, is that a full 180 degrees (or more) on your 12 3/8" curve?

Thanks,
-Mark

[Chulvis]

Another question - anybody know what decoder Kato uses in the DCC-equipped version?

Thanks,
-Mark

Hi Mark,

They use a TCS-K6D4  Part # 1556.

[spookshow]

Hi Mark,

They use a TCS-K6D4  Part # 1556.

Thanks!

Cheers,
-Mark

[RBrodzinsky]

Rick, is that a full 180 degrees (or more) on your 12 3/8" curve?

Thanks,
-Mark

No, just two 45s, in an "S", with a 2.5" straight in between. But that area has been known to derail the MTL body-mounted coupled heavyweights, so is my "problem child"

Rick

[spookshow]

No, just two 45s, in an "S", with a 2.5" straight in between. But that area has been known to derail the MTL body-mounted coupled heavyweights, so is my "problem child"

Gotcha, thanks. I think I'll just say that 13" is probably a safe radius, but anything sharper than that and you're on your own 

Cheers,
-Mark

[carmelmodelrr]

Mine now runs on Atlas code 80 11 inch radius sectional track.  One of my corners used code 80 flex track but the FEF would derail there until I switched to sectional track.  Guess my flex track skills need improvement.

Carmelmodelrr
Dick Wroblewki

[spookshow]

Mine now runs on Atlas code 80 11 inch radius sectional track.

That's exactly what mine consistently derails on (Atlas Code-80 / 11"-radius). Mind you, my portable "test layout" is a bit of a torture test (what with the somewhat decrepit track and the 180 degree curves), but I figure it's best to base my reviews on conditions that are something less than "Master Model Railroader" perfect 



Cheers,
-Mark

[peteski]

So is there a consensus on the red light on the front? I asked the same question few weeks ago in one of the FEF related threads.

I was told it was a Mars light and that it is sometimes used while running.  I asked Kelley from Kato USA (in their booth at the Springfield show) as he was involved in the FEF design and he said that it was an emergency light only used when in trouble (I assume similar to the red light on the F40PH for when they dump the brakes) and that it wouldn't be used while running.

So, which is it?  If it was used I'll install a red LED in my FEF-3 - if not - I'm not going to bother.