2016 NSE Convention in Overland Park (Kansas City) KS — news

[OldEastRR]

Illinois Central:
http://www.trainweb.org/fredatsf/IC-green.htm

Looks like Fred's going to have to upgrade this model listing to replace the Con-Cor flats with the real Flex-Van ones.

[C855B]

Probably just standard SMD 0402 LEDs (0.020" x 0.040"). Or did they get their hands on some 0201 (0.020" x 0'010") size LEDs?

You mean like these?

[asarge]

Thanks for the updates and pics Mr. Bussey!

[jagged ben]

That trainworx ATSF flexi-van is the converted to COFC version right?  I'll  be in for a couple of those.  Not a car I ever expected to see produced RTR.

[bbussey]

Probably just standard SMD 0402 LEDs (0.020" x 0.040"). Or did they get their hands on some 0201 (0.020" x 0'010") size LEDs?

0201s.

[unittrain]

The flexi van flats are awesome will be getting several of those including the trailer train one.

[Lemosteam]

You mean like these?

Whoa.   

[C855B]

Now that's a low blow! Lol
How dare you call me out on all this pennsy nonsense! ...

Actually, my intent was to tweak @mu26aeh . If you got caught in the crossfire, so much the better.   

[peteski]

0201s.

Cool!  And Mike found a source too!  IIRC, Mike tried to make RYG combo for N scale signals using those LEDs.  I forgot about that.

I've seen 0402 called Pico LEDs - what will they call these? Femto LEDs?

[C855B]

No, I was still trying to squeeze 0402s into the Showcase heads. These 0201s are really new... Digikey now carries them, and I gather that's what Jim Hinds is using for the micro-nano (or femto!) illuminators. What's nice is they have the yellow and green in signal colors (as well as the normal LED "off" colors).

Anyway, apparently spurred by what I did with the two 0402s, Walt redesigned the head and partnered with Jim to do a single 0404 R-Y-G chip. That solved the problem, and no more futzing around with fiber optics. The signal project has since been back-burnered while I work on the C855 trio; last I left it was in trying to fit three wire bundles down the mast. I have a solution that will be resumed once the Alcos are done or mostly done.

[peteski]

No, I was still trying to squeeze 0402s into the Showcase heads. These 0201s are really new... Digikey now carries them, and I gather that's what Jim Hinds is using for the micro-nano (or femto!) illuminators. What's nice is they have the yellow and green in signal colors (as well as the normal LED "off" colors).

Sweet!
I'll have to get me some of those really tiny LEDs!  They come out to be about 3 x 1.5 N scale inches!  I might be reaching the limits of my soldering abilities! 

Anyway, apparently spurred by what I did with the two 0402s, Walt redesigned the head and partnered with Jim to do a single 0404 R-Y-G chip. That solved the problem, and no more futzing around with fiber optics. The signal project has since been back-burnered while I work on the C855 trio; last I left it was in trying to fit three wire bundles down the mast. I have a solution that will be resumed once the Alcos are done or mostly done.

Yeah, but doesn't Showcase (Walter) charge 10 bucks per each of those 0404 RYG LEDs?  I realize that they have wire leads soldered, but I would rather buy a $2 LED and solder  my own wires.   I also know that I'm in a minority. 

[C855B]

Yeah, Walter's are not free, that's for sure. You certainly could do your own tri-color set that would fit, but that's a lot of micro-soldering. My patience was stretched wrangling with the 0402s under the microscope, so I'm thankful for the pre-made. I think the $8 premium over the bare chips is a fair trade for the time it would take me to get up to any level of confidence handling the 0201s. Heck, I probably lost a half-dozen 0402 chips off the stage when I exhaled too hard.

[Santa Fe Guy]

Thanks to all for posting whats new at the convention for those on the other side of the pond who cannot be there. Very much appreciated.
Rod.

[bbussey]

I use the Showcase/Richmond pre-wired tri-color LEDs in my dwarf signals. Yes, they are $9 each, but they work great.

[christoph]

The MTL sample seems to have metal wheels.  Will they change to metal?  That would be a welcome improvement for me 

Or did I miss some earlier announcements??