Daley Train Log
Page 40
I am hoping to attach the Digitrax D64 this morning and then wire four turnouts (602, 610, 611 & 612) to the DS64. I am aiming to have these four turnouts operational and controlled by the MRC Cab before the end of the day.
Given my success a few days ago, and since I still have a second Digitrax D64 stationary decoder, I will try to install it in the Jasper District of my layout as well. This will complete the DCC operation in this district. All of the other turnouts (5) will be manual throws, 3 on spur lines and 2 on a mainline. If I complete this without too much difficulty, I may also try a couple of test runs of this part of the layout.
The Southern Alberta Model Railway Club meets every Tuesday evening. I am seriously thinking of joining this club.
I have a couple of new questions about my model train activities that need resolving. One has to do with cleaning the track. I found a new web site yesterday ( http://model-railroad-hobbyist.com/node/146 ) that discusses cleaning the track. I have been using a BrightBoy eraser to do the job, but I see that Joe Fugate recommends using mineral spirits with a special tank car called a CMX Clean Machine which goes around the layout and cleans the track. He also uses 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper but does not recommend the BrightBoy eraser.
My second question has to do with appropriate names for various sidings and spur lines. I understand from reading a few web pages that each track and each building should have a unique name so that one can be clear where one is picking up and dropping cars. I have names for my 6 Districts, names for each "town" or location, and am in the process of creating names for each building that will receive or send goods.
I finally remembered to have a quick look at the Tony's Trains web site
This is one of the best sites that I have seen for information on model trains in general and DCC in particular.
I have, at least tentatively, numbered all of my tracks in each "town". Now to see if this will work with the Ship It! software. Nope. The software only uses a town name and an industry name. I assume that the engineer and conductor simply know which track it is on (or they can ask the dispatcher). Then again, with my "eye in the sky" I can easily see where the industry is located! Duh!
I located the packages for most of my DCC purchases and have added the information on what they cost to the new "Activities Cost" web page (see left margin for link). DCC is expensive, but the ease of operation and wiring still makes this a good decision.
I spoke too soon. I had no difficulty wiring the second D64 module and attaching it to the layout.
But there is a problem of some sort with the programming. I am not controlling the turnouts the way I would expect. At the moment I am still trying to see if I can see a pattern in the problem.
I am back from the Southern Alberta Model Railway Club. I was fortunate to be shown around by someone I knew (thanks Doug) and who explained the general workings of the group and its relationship to the NMRA Canada branch. I was also told that the annual dues for the local club were about 4 times what I was expecting and that this did not include membership in the NMRA. There were far fewer members than I expected. I am leaning toward depending on using online activities to meet my needs. But I am still thinking things over.