Rayman4449

Cliff you have a gem right there! If you dont buy it I will, keep us posted Raymond

Hi there, What is the roadname of the MTH cars? (not sure I'm seeing that indicated) Raymond

Joe, Brilliant idea!!! I think I may very well do this to all mine at some point. I modified all my Aristo units but this is really the smarter solution to go with this better smoke unit all together! Thanks so much for sharing this On the question regarding voltages, I would have to check the fan leads to confirm but the Aristocraft power leads should be providing 5v so that would be safe for the elements, just wire it right up and go. Without additional information just try the fan out on the bench and do some testing. you should be able to tell what level of voltage seems appropriate and adjust as necessary. Raymond

Very nice! I want a few

I've heard the same thing about summer time operation for steam in general but sounds like that in winter it actually was still pretty cold! I keep seeing more and more news about all this lending more confirmation that discussions are underway. I have my fingers crossed but I have a hard time believing that anyone in current possession of one would want to be responsible for keeping their(or a) Big Boy from being restored to operational status. Raymond

Hey Joe, yes these things are massive. Here is the article from Trains magazine: http://trn.trains.com/Railroad%20News/News%20Wire/2012/12/Union%20Pacific%20looking%20to%20restore%20Big%20Boy%20for%20excursion%20service.aspx Raymond

Apparently this looks like the real deal... http://www.trainorde...php?10,2935508 Additional info on facebook: https://www.facebook...755?ref=stream Posts on FB that hint to a possible Big Boy restoration that confirms what others are discussing on other forums: Post a day ago - "We have some interesting and very large news to share soon. Be patient please and trust us when we say, you'll be VERY surprised when you hear it." Next post - "The cab of what our surprise might be." (posted a pic of the cab of 4014) Comment posted: Margaret Monroe Not a rumor, Trains Magazine Newswire said today (Fri., Dec. 7, 2012) that: "Company spokesman Mark Davis told Trains NewsWire Friday that the company has been approached by and is working with a third party interested in restoring and operating a Big Boy. He said the railroad is evaluating the condition of preserved UP Big Boy locomotives and that it believes two might be available for restoration. Davis declined to name the other party or give a timeline for the project." Raymond

Not sure what size can fit but if it can fit a 3" with a big magnet I have some of the ones I use in my conversions $22.00 + $5.00 shipping. (I have them imported) Sample: http://www.rayman4449.com/Speaker_Premium_base.jpg

Very cool stuff, nice work!

Thank you Ed and hope you did as well! Raymond

Very nice Joe Is that a bridge for G scale in the background? Did you make it?

Hehe at the time that USA Hudson pic was taken there was a slight dip. The track is mounted to concrete fiber board so not much bend in that distance can happen

I really like both those paint schemes Joe, have always been a fan of the Chessie engines. Raymond

Thanks Ed Raymond

One thing I did early on was to make one car per train consist a track cleaner. Even though I was using Stainless Steel rail I felt it was a good idea to have at least some sort of cleaning action to keep any sort of buildup off the top of the rail to keep engine and rolling stock wheels as clean as possible. My goals were to use an existing car and to keep the visual impact to a minimum. I started with one Bachmann coal hopper and made plans to fabricate a bridge on one truck to attach the track cleaner pads: I chose to use a corrugated strip of metal to attach the cleaner pads to: I ground out areas so the flanges would not touch the metal mount and wrapped it with electrical tape. I then used 3M outdoor adhesive along with cut to size finishing pads to the truck and hotglued lead weights in the car to weigh it down: End result is a very effective track cleaning car for almost no cost. I periodically have to replace the pads and a layer of adhesive tape but that's it. The rails stay nice and polished but don't experience any appreciable abrasion or wear. More photos on this writeup: http://www.rayman444...per_cleaner.htm Raymond

Great pics guys and outstanding photography Kevin! Picking favorites is hard cause I really like all my engines and the prototypes the represent but when it comes to steam I really like my MTH Big Boys and for diesel the Aristo Dash-9: Click this photo for larger more close up look: I do like the Triplex as it's one of the most unique out there: When I run trains I usually run one slow coal drag and one high-speed passenger. For the passenger train I now usually run the USA or MTH Hudson: USA Hudson: MTH Hudson: Raymond

I've known Chuck for quite a while and I have seen a lot of in-progress photos of his work and he is very very meticulous. I'm honestly not sure I've even seen that GP30 operate before he sold it. How does it run with the MTH motor blocks? One thing is for sure, with those motor blocks it will be bulletproof and should last a lifetime. I've had a few apart and all the gears and axles are solid metal. I do like the bright LEDs too, they do really set it off. You have any more pics or video? Thanks for sharing. Raymond

Pretty slick. Yet another option to throw into the mix of ways to automate our trains Glad to see it Raymond

Very nice too Joe, not sure I remembered that you had a Challenger Raymond

I'm not sure if I'll have any displays setup at home this year but I'm sure the kids love the setup you have. I have light colored carpet and found how quickly dark dust from the track and wheels can darken up the floor. Fortunately the vacuum pulled it all out. Thanks for sharing the sights and sounds! Raymond

That looks great Kevin. The overall appearance gives for a very realistic look. Aside from the engine and paint work, very good job on the lighting for the picture as well. Raymond

**UPDATED 2/8/2018** News and info on the WIU (WiFi Interface Unit) (50-1034) with new MTH Smart Phone App and related DCS Software update (DCS 6.10 current). The WIU and apps are now available for purchase/download. See below for details on what is required and info pages for additional help. Latest update WIU: (1/28/2018) - Premium Version of the App: (Is available for purchase via inside the DCS app itself) - Most current version of the app requires DCS 6.10 loaded to your TIU. (software/firmware loaded to TIU and Remote) (Update DCS remote as well) - WIU firmware update v1.1 is available. *see below* (Update: 2/3/2016) Items related/required for using new WIU & App: - Android/Apple(iOS) App: (Available for download via the Apple iTunes and Google Play online stores on your Android/Apple iOS device.) - Free version: Controls up to 3 locomotives w/limited light and sound control (Available now) - Standard version: ($4.99 cost) Controls up to 99 engines and more sound/light control settings. (Available now) - Premium version: ($24.95 cost) Provides Lash-ups and switch/accessory controls. Note: 1) To purchase the upgraded Standard or Premium version select "...More" then "Upgrades" within the DCS app itself 2) Once you have purchased the app (either Standard or Premium) you can use it on as many other devices that are linked to your Google/Android or Apple iOS account that you want at no extra charge. You do not have to purchase the app again for each device. - WIU (WiFi Interface Unit): Now available to purchase (Click here to purchase: Buy WIU) - Note: WIU comes with USB cable for direct connection to the latest Rev L TIU that has USB port. If you have older TIU you will need a serial to USB adapter cable (Purchase serial to USB cable here) - TIU (Track Interface Unit): (Available separately or as part of DCS Control set with DCS remote) (Purchase TIU here / Purchase DCS Remote Control Set here) - w/TIU version Rev L (Latest version with USB port): Will work with your WIU without any extra cables to buy. - w/TIU versions older (Rev G, H, I etc): Need to purchase a serial to USB adapter cable (Purchase serial to USB cable here) - Note: Not all USB to serial adapter cables work or are reliable. Be sure to get a high quality brand name cable or purchase the one I have available. - MTH DCS version 6.10 (Required for TIU) - Now available (See this link for help: Help on upgrading TIU/Remote to 6.10) - Link to Updated DCS Consumer Loader program for your Windows PC: www.gscaletrainforum.com/index.php?/topic/694-mth-dcs-consumer-loader-v500-current-version/ - Link to current DCS v6.10 for TIU & Wireless remote www.gscaletrainforum.com/index.php?/topic/693-mth-dcs-remote-tiu-firmware-v610-current-version/ - DCS version 6.10 is required (for TIU and Remote) in order for Premium version of app to function correctly. WiFi DCS User's Guide: (Download from MTH) - Addendum to Guide: - Multiple WIUs (Connecting via Ethernet cable): To setup do the following for each WIU -- Connect the Ethernet cable from your home router/network, USB cable from TIU to WIU, attach Antenna, leave switch set to MTH, and plug in the WIU power cable. When the app first starts it looks for available WIUs. Hit the Refresh button once for every extra WIU you have on your network. (ie Press refresh once if you have 2 WIUs) Your active engine list will now be updated or you can now add engines and run trains. WiFi Firmware updates: (ver 1.1 Released 02/03/2016) Details regarding the update: WIU Wi-Fi Firmware v1.1 update To update: - Download the latest WIU Firmware *Click Here* - You will download one file (example: WIU_1.1.0.bin). No need to unzip, this is the file you select to update the firmware (See instructions in WIU user manual) - Log in to the WIU with your PC (refer to pages 9-12 in the WIU user manual *Click Here to download*) (WIU interface is called "LuCI") - Flash the WIU per the instructions in the User Manual Troubleshooting Tips: Key items to note: Some are having issues related to their devices and/or wifi networks themselves that are getting blamed on the MTH DCS app. (OS problems/Cheap tablets/Power save feature in phone/table OS/etc) Read through the items I have provided below. Some are also having issues with their App auto updating but they aren't updating the TIU to the latest DCS version when the app update requires it. So some are running old DCS versions 5.00 loaded to the TIU trying to run the most current version of the App and isn't working correctly. See the note I have below on this issue along with recommendations. Make sure your tablet/phone is actually connected to the MTH created Wifi network. Picture (Connected to Wifi) (You need to specifically confirm you are connected to the MTH wifi network and not another like your home network) Picture (Not Connected to Wifi) 'No TIUs Found' error message: Note, I have found that upgrading the WIU to the firmware v1.1 (released on 2/3/16) has resolved all occurrences of this issue. However if you get this message first make sure you are properly connected to the MTH WIU Wifi network or have it configured for your home network correctly (as noted in the Wifi DCS Users Manual - See above for link). If connected to network, close the DCS app and restart. (you need to manually close the app not just hit the home button). If you are unsure how to close the app, try rebooting the Smartphone/Tablet. If you still get the message, Cut power to the layout/TIU and WIU and power back on. Then hit the refresh button. Engine not responding: Hit the Refresh button to update your active engine list. Make sure the engine has been added to the App by adding 'New Engine' Connecting to WIU Wifi network: Network Key for logging into WIU wifi network directly is: mthdcswifi Power save mode on phone/tablet: Make sure you deactivate power save features applied to the DCS app itself and turn-off power save mode on the tablet. I generally recommend changing the screen time blank timeout to longer periods of time. MTH Wifi/vs home network: If you have issues with app and you are using your home wifi or Ethernet network, connect your tablet/phone directly to the MTH WIU Wifi network it creates. Tablet lagging/Slow: When tablets get to low battery levels it typically goes into power save mode and runs the processor at lower speed levels that can cause apps to lag and may cause issues. If your tablet is running low and lagging, stop using and charge it back up. App Auto-updates in Google Play store/Apple store: If you are someone that can't update your TIU/Remote software yourself or don't stay up-to-date on when new DCS versions are released, you may want to turn off App Auto-updates. Some App updates will need updated DCS version loaded to the TIU/Remote. Tablet quality/Price: Remember that you do get what you pay for. If you are willing to spend $1000s on your train collection, be willing to spend a little bit on a good quality tablet to ensure you get good battery life, decent speed and avoid strange issues that can come up with some of the cheapest tablets out there. The application itself may be a relatively simple and lnot very demanding on the tablet processor, but you still need reliability & stability! I have personally used the inexpensive Amazon Kindles with good result but in general I recommend considering a good quality name brand tablet like Samsung to minimize the number of issues you might encounter and to get good battery life. My personal preference has been the 7" tablets but 8" is likely close enough in size to feel the same. I would expect all Apple tablets to be of high quality and not have issues noted here on very low end Android tablets. See Tablet Recommendation List Running DCS App on Kindle: http://www.gscaletrainforum.com/index.php?/topic/996-mth-dcs-wifi-app-on-kindle-install-google-play-store/ Issue and bug reporting: If you find an issue or bug with the app please post here and the feedback will be shared with MTH: www.gscaletrainforum.com/index.php?/topic/727-mth-wifi-control-wiu-feedback-issue-reporting/#entry6258 Demo & Overview of the Wifi app: (Standard version) (Select 1080p HD to get max playback quality) *Note you can also swipe down to Refresh, or swipe left or right to move to the other screens* Ray's Electric Trains overview video: (50-1034) Note: The Refresh button (see GREEN arrow) that allows you to have the system perform a search on the layout and update your active engine list. MTH Trains DCS Wifi Quick start video: WiFi Interface Unit overview: (50-1034) Information on the DCS - Explorer Track Interface Unit w/Wi-Fi (50-1035): (This is an alternate Wifi control box intended for starter/basic users) - Info page: http://www.gscaletrainforum.com/index.php?/topic/1165-dcs-explorer-mini-tiu-and-wifi-in-one-unit/ - Note that the DCS Explorer (50-1035) isn't a replacement for the WIU device (50-1034) and will have a more limited feature set. It is intended for small starter sets with a 5amp limit. - This is a new item: DCS - Explorer Track Interface Unit w/Wi-Fi built-in (50-1035) - $129.95 MSRP - Availability date: In-stock as of 2/8/18 *Click here and email/call to purchase* - Control your trains via Wi-Fi with your smart device (phone/tablet) with a free version of the app for this device - Will not require TIU or WIU and will be like a TIU and WIU combined but will have a more limited feature set. - Expect this will could be very useful for One Gauge battery operators.

Hmmm... On the sierra board if you can't improve the power pickups enough, how about adding a bridge rectifier between the board and the track power pickup and then adding some large capacitors between the bridge and the sierra board. Maybe that would provide enough power to keep the board from resetting? Raymond

Thanks Mark. I have yet to see product from any of the G scale manufacturers that is completely unusable or unreliable and there is no engine or rolling stock that I would think twice about ordering because it was from XYZ mfg as opposed to ABC mfg so I not only believe what you're saying, it also agrees with everything that I've experienced over the years. I assume there is space up in the boiler for additional weight to be added. Anytime I need to add weight to an engine I hot glue lead weight (wrapped in electrical tape to limit the spread of the lead during handling) to either the bottom or even the lower sides of the boiler if I have to. Should be more than enough room in the boiler for folks to add as much weight as they desire I'm sure. Have you added any weight to yours and if so about how much you think? For anyone interested, I detailed the painting of my Aristocraft Mallet drivers on my site: http://www.rayman4449.com/Aristocraft_Mallet_Modifications_page.htm#Painting_the_drivers I basically masked off the complete motorblock And painted with Krylon's Fusion black paint: Final result: I really liked the new look. Raymond