any tipes on how to improve performance on life-like 0-4-0 docksider? mine runs ok but im thinking of making it run smoother and more reliably. any tips?
Lenz Gold Mini with USP power pack so it doesn’t stall on the turnout frogs is my best advice. Unfortunately these are expensive $75.00. You are investing a lot into that $15 locot to make it run smooth. You might want to check eBay for some better docksiders like I did. Edit: Just checked. There’s nothing worth noting on eBay right now.
Why oh why can’t someone like LL or BLI make a docksider with good valve gear detail? These cheap & crude little critters sell like crazy. Oh how I really want a good quality one so I have a pair working the docks in my layout.
Tony’s sells them with the super capcitor already attached. It’s the Lenz Gold Superpack
http://www.tonystrains.com/products/lenz_decs.htm#
http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/lenz-gold-review.htm
Demo of powerpack with train running over paper instead of rails!
http://www.ruppweb.org/trains/170_over_paper.mpg
It’s what I use in mine. (Although I have an older cast one)