The Carolina Sandhills Lines in HO Scale

[Ed Kapuscinski]

So what is the nature of the problem with the AR1?

It uses mechanical relay unlike most other components that perform the function. It's therefore quite temperamental and prone to failure.

[nickelplate759]

It uses mechanical relay unlike most other components that perform the function. It's therefore quite temperamental and prone to failure.

good to know.  Thanks

[Hawghead]

Last, but not least, is this siding in the photo below.  Unfortunately, due to a joint in the foam subroadbed, it was discovered after laying the track that cars tended to roll toward the mainline.  Nothing got sideswiped, but, "Whoops!"  Not good.  So, I figured out how to take a putty knife to loosen the end of the track (probably about six inches or so) and a take snap blade knife to shave the top of the cork without removing the track.  Once the cork was whittled down, I glued the track back in place.  Better, as evidenced below by the boxcar that now stays at the dock.





DFF

You could put a split rail derail there.    I remember a time we were sitting in the yard at Longview waiting our turn to do our work, when over the radio someone, just as calm and cool as could be, says "hey ya might wanna get a handbrake on those cars before they hit the main".  Then about 15 seconds later you hear the same voice, still just as calm as can be say "never mind the derail got em".  Sure enough as we were leaving we could see four covered hoppers on their side on the north lead.

Scott

[Steveruger45]

Just be aware that the Dual Frog Juicer in reverser configuration (and probably the case with that OnGuard circuit, as well) require a DCC power source capable of >2 amps. It only needs to sense that much current for less than a millisecond while a wheel crosses the gap, etc., but it has to be that much or it won't work. If Steve is using a bare Power Cab, it's rated for only 2 amps and therefore may not have enough reserve power to trip the reversing logic.

Great info. I was wondering the reasons why some are not recommended for the power cab et al. Thank you Mike

[davefoxx]

Based on the conversation over on the Tehachapi, BC thread, a ProtoThrottle has been ordered for the Seaboard Central 3.0, to be used with my ESU CabControl system.  I'll be sure to post results and my opinion once received and set up.  I'm really excited for this product.  Expensive?  Oh my gosh, yes, but if this works as well as I think it might, it will be well worth it.  Might be a good time to sell some surplus rolling stock and locomotives.

I feel like DCC/sound has opened up a few possibilities for more prototypical operation, e.g., properly using the horn, bell, dynamic braking, lights, etc.  Sergent Engineering couplers certainly are more realistic in operations than knuckle couplers, too.  Now, I hope to learn how to use the ProtoThrottle like I was operating from a real control stand.  Stay tuned.

DFF

[TLOC]

DFF, welcome to the PT club. You will love it. The 1st day is interesting but after that!!! The ProtoThrottle forum is in the group.io.

Tom

[mu26aeh]

Be sure to check out the Seaboard Central and Thomas Klimoski YT pages, been using the PT a lot and have a couple videos showing how to do certain things with it.  Great railroads to boot !

https://www.youtube.com/user/tmh57/videos

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC76xZtfmDUQw0Go8mvbP8mw

[Bendtracker1]

mu26aeh beat me to it.
Be sure to check out their videos and a host of others on youtube that shows how to set them up.

I used one on a friends layout recently, he told me there's a bit of a learning curve getting one set up the way you like it, but once you do, it's a real treat to use and I doubt you'll ever look back.

[davefoxx]

Thanks, guys!  I really look forward to getting a ProtoThrottle in hand.  I’ve been watching a number of those videos over the past few days, and that’s what sold me on the ProtoThrottle.  I’ll keep researching, including studying the instruction manual until the throttle arrives.

DFF

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Awesome!!! I think you're really gonna like it.

[davefoxx]

Awesome!!! I think you're really gonna like it.

Thanks, @Ed Kapuscinski!  I studied the instruction manual last night and watched a video or two on configuring the ProtoThrottle and settings on each decoder.  It doesn't seem too bad.  Thankfully, before I gut the function mapping of each decoder in the fleet, it occurred to me to save the revised file for each locomotive as a separate file, i.e., one file for normal use with an ESU handheld throttle and one file for the ProtoThrottle.  Then, I don't have to reinvent the wheel, if, for any reason, I need to revert back to the settings that I have spent hours on remapping the functions of each decoder in the fleet.  Just a quick refresh and bang!  Done.  Hopefully, that day will never come.

DFF

[Steveruger45]

Thanks, guys!  I really look forward to getting a ProtoThrottle in hand.  I’ve been watching a number of those videos over the past few days, and that’s what sold me on the ProtoThrottle.  I’ll keep researching, including studying the instruction manual until the throttle arrives.

DFF

Dave
Will be interesting to hear what you think of it

Btw do you not like the esu cab control Ii Android throttle?

Reason I’m asking is I am considering upgrading my power and control system from my basic nce power cab

[davefoxx]

Oh, and I'm a dumbass.  I failed to get the mail out of the mailbox last night, so, on the way out the door to work this morning, I discover the Dual Frog Juicer waiting for me.  Crap.

DFF

[davefoxx]

Dave
Will be interesting to hear what you think of it

Btw do you not like the esu cab control Ii Android throttle?

Reason I’m asking is I am considering upgrading my power and control system from my basic nce power cab

@Steveruger45,

I love the ESU CabControl system, which works great with my layout and my fleet of locomotives with sound.  Period.  I would not consider any other DCC system at present, and I've owned Digitrax and NCE systems.  It's not so much that I dislike anything about the ESU throttle; in fact, I love that I have easy access to dozens of functions and can configure the side buttons for convenience.  On my NCE system, for example, it was a pain in the a$$ to get to any function above F9 or so, and there was no indicator for any functions above F6.  Just have to guess at whether they're on or off, I suppose.  I also like that ESU allows for upgrades to the software in the existing hardware, so if any improvements come along, you're not left behind.

What I like about the ProtoThrottle is that it will (hopefully) add even more realism.  I like trying the idea of using the throttle, brake, and reverser like the prototype.  The videos online even show people running consists with the ProtoThrottle, so we'll see how well that works out.  i don't mind if operations are slowed down by the use of the ProtoThrottle.  In fact, that's one thing I like about Sergent Engineering couplers.  I have to stop (like the prototype) and ensure that the couplers are lined up and at least one knuckle is open (like the prototype).

DFF

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I watched this last night ant was like "whoa, that dude weathered his throttle".

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I love it!