Decoders that support P-3 function - UPDATE

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
21

On some of my passenger trains I use a function only decoder that drives a rear Gyralite. For years I used a function only decoder on a C&NW push-pull cab car that had a rotary beacon and headlight in forward and the red markers came on in reverse. I just programmed it to the same address as the lead engine.

I have since replaced that with a Soundtraxx Soundcar so now I have a horn and bell, plus air conditioning compressor sounds, too [Y] along with the beacon, headlight and markers I can also turn the interior lights on or off.

If it were me, I’d use an FL-2 and you can have the white light on in reverse or have a Mars OR Gyralite when the train is forward.

https://www.tcsdcc.com/Zen/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=45

Once it is set up like that you never have to mess with it and you can keep all the engine functions simple.

[edit:]

I should note that, while operating as a train, there were regular electric marker lights. Most photos I have seen show the Pyle cat-eye type although somewhere I have seen the Aerotrain with a pair of big 'ol Adlake “non-sweating” markers.

http://rr-fallenflags.org/nyc/nyc1001drl.jpg

Railroad operating rules do not recognize an oscillating signal light as “markers” therefore the Aerotrain could not be designated as a train without the additional marker lamps displayed.

Have Fun! Ed

22

I sort of recall having a similar discussion a few years back with regards to the Aerotrain. Kemtron made the drives to power those unpowered Varney models and they made 2 versions, one was kind of lacking in details but it did make it run, the other had highly detailed castings for the front truck and for the suspension of the single axles at each car. Either one is probbaly rarer than hen’s teeth, so if you find one, the price is probably going to be outrageous. You can probably find the already powered Con-Cor one for less.

–Randy

23

Hi Randy:

My drive is the earlier version. There are no truck details, and the suspension details that Varney molded into the wheel wells on the shell are pathetic.

I have had one major success with upgrading the Varney coaches. I discovered that NWSL made metal stub axle wheel sets that fit into the axle holders that are molded into the bodies. I had to shave a bit off of the insides of the axle holders to get the wheels to turn freely but other than that they fit quite nicely.

You are right about the rarity and cost of the Kemtron drives. I came across one a few years ago on eBay in amongst a box of junk. Unfortunately I wasn’t the only one with a sharp eye so I didn’t win the auction. That’s ok, I only need one powered locomotive.

Dave