Rayman4449

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

I think that's a good deal!

I'm not aware of wiring diagrams existing for any USA Trains engines.  

Reading 2102 engine currently being restored.

Outstanding work!  Beautiful John!!

Update for Feb 2020.  Donate $10.00 and sponsor a staybolt!!

MTH has just confirmed to me that the Baggage car production from the 2019/2020 catalog is being Cancelled.  There will be no Baggage cars produced under any roadname.  No other products, engines or rolling stock are affected and are still slated for production.

Is this the one you mean?  

I would send email to USA Trains yes

Great set of photos!  Wow!  Painful to see but still great

Not sure we will be able to do anything but guess as far as dates but they may be close enough now to the completion of the FEF that they formally queued up the next production runs and have decided to do both steamers.  It is good news to see them announcing the Hudsons already.  I wouldn't think significant effort on the Big Boys or Hudsons will be made until the FEFs are done and shipped to the US.  My guess would be a couple of years before we would see them.

I'm guessing that would fall under the category of a switching power supply.  Assuming it isn't PWM or PWC (which I bet it isn't) then yes you should be able to use safely and would say give it a try.  Just note the possible inherent issues with those types of power supplies.

http://www.rayman4449.com/DCS_Tips.htm#Type_of_Power_Supply for more info

Moved Christmas cars to their own thread

I really like that set!  If the cars LEDs are anything like the Christmas Daylight's I know the pics do them no justice

I think you have identified the problem correctly.  

What I would do is go to Bachmann's website and see if you can find parts avail for that engine.  https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/prod_serv.php

Is the engine you have the 2-4-2 Columbia?  https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=69_691&zenid=t7tvirvsbsabjmmp51dga26ti4 

or the Lyu?  https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=69_597&zenid=t7tvirvsbsabjmmp51dga26ti4

On the MTH timelines, don't link MTH dates with dates from other companies.  As I always note, for the MTH dates stay focused on when the product was officially announced in their catalog and figure up to 2 years for actual delivery (regardless of whatever date you currently see on the MTH website).  I have seen this over and over again, a product is announced, then there are 10 pages of discussing/guessing as to when it will arrive and like clockwork, 2 years from announcement we see shipment.  Watch the MTH dates but keep the 2 year 'rule' in the back of your mind.

Thanks guys   The Triplex has been one I've been working on for a while and finally been able to pull everything together to get what we see above and very happy with the result.  Everything is exactly the way I was wanting with nothing left outstanding. 

Wanted to share video of the very first completed MTH One Gauge Triplex upgraded to PS3 w/Smoking Whistle, Upgraded Speaker, Sound and Smoke

So picturesque

112519 - David Burritt

Incredible! The design, craftsmanship, engineering... doesnt get any better than this!

Couple of photos I took in Kansas: 

Great you got to see it!  I'm glad they took their time and made a slow trip to give more people a chance to see it.  Hopefully they do the same in the future.  (Also looks like they fixed the right side number board light as it was out when I saw it.)