Rayman4449

I haven't looked at one of those for DCS install.

With the information that I know of at this time: WTIU (50-1039) (TIU and WIU built into one unit) Allows you to vary DC power track voltage using the Variable 1 & 2 ports (normal TIU cannot) MTH DCS Remote does not work with 50-1039 So it depends on what features/functions you value. I have the TIUs, DCS Remotes, and TIU/WIU sets in-stock. Have not received the 50-1039 yet and I dont have ETA.

Some key things are to be succinct but also include detail that includes mfg, model type and what it is about in the Topic title, as well as adding these items in the tags as well. All of this helps the search engines prioritize posts in search results. The forum was setup to optimize in search results so that helps as well. I dont recall what the time limit is to go back and edit a post. If you have older posts that you are unable to edit, dont worry about it and just do it going forward.

The various search engines (Google, Bing, etc) automatically check/scan websites for changes on a regular basis. The frequency is ultimately up to the search engine. Sometimes it is daily, sometimes weekly, just depends. Webmaster of a website does not control specific posts/topics showing up on search engine results. Search engines can check a config file on a website that tells them not to scan a website (which we do not have in place, so scans do happen).

Thank you for sharing the photos and information. About how long would you say it took to figure out and get it apart?

While I can't speak directly to the question, I would expect the answer is yes it would maintain speed. The one thing I understand with DCC is the actual engine speed of a selected speed setting will be relative to the input track voltage. (So a dialed in 20 smph with 20v at the track, will be different than 20smph if engine is seeing 15v.) So if you have voltage drop on the layout (like if you are using Stainless steel rail without frequent enough feeders and/or you have poor track join connections (ie with slider track connections) then engine could slow down due to that. outside of the variable voltage issue I would think the engine should maintain a relatively good speed consistency wise.

Thank you for sharing. I'm going to link to the main topic I started on shipping G scale engines (particularly steam) and host of recommended shippers and methods. I absolutely would avoid UPS at all costs. As UPS made clear to you, they do not care at all and I can tell you we as customers have noticed. MTH stopped shipping via UPS because of the high rate of shipping damage to their One Gauge Steam models. (Although I do think their comment that it's 'not their job' is just an example of a business practice to shut you down, shut down your claim, shutdown the discussion and get you off the phone. Terrible terrible business practice and again why I avoid UPS as much as possible.) For any item that you absolutely need to make sure arrives safely, the only way to go is the USPS with their extra Special Handling/Fragile Service (+$11.15). I can confirm that Special Handling Service does make a difference and recently for the first time in a long string of damage, was able to ship an MTH One Gauge Big boy (2006 production model) without suffering broken frames in shipping. I had other good examples of USPS Special/Fragile handing success.

Thanks for sharing, this is the first I've heard of it!

I normally lift the engine with one hand from under the front of the boiler and the other inside the cab. Alternately I will sometimes use one hand in the cab and rock the engine to one side and lift from the middle providing some support for front engine set.

I haven't seen whistle or smoke issue before so I can't speak to that. Second screen being blank in lashup is normal.

FYI, another topic already posted on this here:

https://mthtrains.com/news/659 DCS/Proto-Sound Lives On June 9, 2020 - With the scheduled closing of M.T.H. Electric Trains next year, support for the DCS Digital Command System and the Proto-Sound 3.0 onboard locomotive systems will continue through a new independent company headed up by current M.T.H. staff once direct M.T.H. support for the systems concludes on June 1, 2021. The new tech company will continue to manufacture and provide support including any necessary software updates to the DCS hardware or DCS WiFi App. In fact, new and exciting product ideas are currently under development. The DCS System controls any Proto-Sound 2.0 and later equipped locomotives and first debuted 18 years ago. It has been an integral part of the M.T.H. product line family since its inception and its continuation beyond the closing of M.T.H. is an important part of the transition envisioned by retiring M.T.H. president Mike Wolf. As the retirement transition process moves forward, more details about the new company's creation and ongoing development of M.T.H.'s technology packages will be announced. Stay tuned.

Sure thing I have also spoken with the folks that will be taking over the parts end of it and repair/replacement board/upgrade kits etc will continue to be made and made available to dealers etc. So key critical components to keep trains running such as the electronics will continue to be available. It seems clear to me that MTH will continue but just organized differently. I don't think any single person/group had the resources to buy the whole thing out and that is why it is being broken out. There is just too too much product out there for this to just go away (as the initial Mike Wolf letter gave the impression might happen).

The future is already taking shape as I've spoken with the folks taking over the parts end of things. So there will be continuity just in a different form than it is today. MTH and Trainworld have both already taken down the above Mike Wolf letter which likely gives an idea that continuity for the train mfg end of things is likely in process. So what I am seeing and hearing, just need to give this time to let things settle out. There is too much product out there for there to not be financial interest in providing support, repair etc. Stay tuned...

Very nice work!!!

Those really do look good with the Challenger, wow!!

I run my MTH 1:32 Challenger exclusively with my Aristo UP Heavyweights and I really love the set. Photos on this page: http://www.rayman4449.com/MTH_Challenger.htm

That is fantastic! One of the biggest losses in my opinion when Aristo when under was the loss of their heavyweights...

That is really nice to hear they are same height as aristo and thus would go good with an MTH Challenger. When you get time would be great to see some aristo vs usa side by side photos. They look sharp!

Please post pics when you get them!

Welcome

Thanks for the heads-up, good price I would say Wonder if they have Stainless.

The issue with soldering anything to rail in this scale is the size of rail resulting in it being hard to get the spot hot enough to solder to it. The rail absorbs the heat at a rapid rate. Not saying it cant be done, but it is more problematic. If I was going to do that i would probably use a propane torch but will have to be sure not to melt the ties.

That SD70 does look good

Hi there and welcome 1. Additional track feeders/connection points most likely will not be needed for a layout that small. If he is using the original track joiners were you just slide the track together then maybe yes. Slider joiners are and generally can provide unreliable track joint connections. The best way to go is direct to rail railclamps. http://www.rayman4449.com/Rail_Connections.htm If he has railclamps then no would not need extra power feeders. It does not matter if you run AC or DC power, situation is still the exact same. 2. I install MTH DCS/Protosound in engines and cant speak to DCC installations. 3. Lighted cars would still work the same no need for a decoder. 4. See #1. Go with direct to rail clamps to avoid issues. 5. See #1 again. If using railclamps then no, should not have significant issues with power pickup. I recommend people go with Stainless steel rail. If he already has his track and its brass then just stick with what you have. http://www.rayman4449.com/Track_Types.htm Raymond