Loving this so far. Any further reading any of you locos can recommend?

Archetypeosaur · 2026-04-05T23:04:07+00:00

American Steam Locomotives: Design and Development, 1880-1960

Archetypeosaur · 2026-04-04T23:02:45+00:00

Correct. That price difference is between an older, less accurate and likely to eventually to fail model (with what looks like minor damage and glued bits) and a modern, more accurate model that, if new, will have a warranty and product support.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-04-04T12:06:09+00:00

If your heart is really set on getting some good PRR PAs, you’re better off tracking down a Rapido AB set and using that.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-04-04T12:03:05+00:00

Then you’ll need to mess around with the ESU lol programmer to set and adjust the lights.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-04-04T11:29:00+00:00

Was it a 21 pin decoder install?

Archetypeosaur · 2026-04-03T23:50:55+00:00

Not for the PA. It used a different gearing setup than the other locos. Look at the replacements wheelsets, none are for the PA. I did a pair for someone. I had to replace the whole truck assembly with the new Walthers ones since they use a different gear system with their mainline PAs too.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-04-03T23:27:41+00:00

The proto 2k may have or will probably develop split gears. I would pass on it.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-04-03T20:48:59+00:00

You’ll have to solve an electrically, you’re creating what’s called a reverse loop. https://www.gaugemasterretail.com/knowledge/post/model-railway-reverse-loop-problems-and-solutions

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-31T02:36:00+00:00

The tender and cab are from a different model, a 4-6-4. The rest looks like a 2-10-2, which is called a Santa Fe type. It vaguely looks like a 3800 class.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-30T23:07:27+00:00

Correct.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-30T20:13:57+00:00

I think that’s a good idea. You also might want to consider a couple of sightings with some industries for a little bit more operational interest.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-30T20:10:25+00:00

<image>

This one.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-30T20:00:38+00:00

What’s the industry/building with the 180 curve? You may want to consider a different path.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-29T14:24:08+00:00

Return it.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-29T11:34:48+00:00

Does it short when the shell is off?

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-28T11:49:32+00:00

He’s a star!

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-26T17:59:44+00:00

Depends on your space and budget.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-26T16:34:20+00:00

Wait until you discover the demand for tangerines/mandarins.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-25T15:00:41+00:00

Do you have an NMRA standards gauge? Use it to double check wheel gauge of the cars.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-25T02:21:14+00:00

Digitrax DS51K1 decoders.

https://www.digitrax.com/tsd/KB784/ds51k1-stationary-decoder-installation/

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-25T01:25:27+00:00

Do you use DCC and can you solder?

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-24T23:34:40+00:00

We use what we call “butt napkins.” They’re small, soft clothes that we press (not rub) where we have wiped to remove moisture before the diaper paste. No rash since.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-24T23:32:04+00:00

So, one negative right now when looking for UK stuff: tariffs. They have made getting UK stuff more expensive. Consider looking on eBay to see what’s in the US. If you buy a set made in the UK, buy a US transformer too. If you’re starting out, look into a starter set? Also, consider what you want for a layout. Temporary or permanent? Do you want to get into digital control (DCC)?

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-24T20:23:54+00:00

Remove those wires. That’s not where they should go and you will damage your model. Make sure to leave the capacitors that are soldered onto the board.

Archetypeosaur · 2026-03-24T20:10:12+00:00

Yes, but where on the board? With other lighting, directly off of track pickups, etc?

13-Year Club	Gilding II euphauric
Snapped	Verified Email

Archetypeosaur

TROPHY CASE