Hello, i was wondering some things and before i continue this thread i would like a person with EXTREMELY good knowledge to help me on my way
Thanks,
UP
I have a lot of extremely good knowledge but probably not what yo are looking for. But ask an actual question and the great and knowledgeable folks will help you.
The model railroading community is extremely knowledgeable, but there’s a lot to know. I know more about wiring and DCC systems than most, and I have built lots of kits, but don’t ask me about airbrushes because I know nothing about them.
So, ask your questions freely. The right person will show up.
Welcome in. There is no Yoda or Obi-Wan here. There is however a generous deep well of collective knowledge so ask away grasshopper.
That would be me. [8D]
Rich
Oh I think there is, but the OP is going to have to wade through the rest of us schlubs.[D)]
There is a lot of Forum members with more combined knowledge than you will ever need but you will never know until you ask your questions.
Mel
My Model Railroad
http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/
Bakersfield, California
I’m beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
[(-D] [bow] Seems like the beginning of a great relationship. [(-D]
Mike.
EDIT: Of course, has hasn’t met everybody yet. [:-^]
I got back into this fascinating, addictive hobby one year ago. Spent a bunch. Got new stuff and old stuff. Built a 20’ x 10’ layout. Building a second layout, all foam around the room shelf layout. Learned a lot building the conventional plywood table structure. Not necessary any longer. Foam is so much easier.
Got questions about how to get back into this hobby or start out for the first time?
Fire away.
This is the best time ever to get into model railroading.
Wow, this is amazing!
So, im starting out as a model railroader, and i dont have any space for a railroad (yet) and im starting out as a club member for caldwell model railroad club. I recently bought dc F7 unit, and i was wondering, do you guys have any budget sound and light dcc decoder that i could have?
also do any of you have expirience with a SDH166D decoder? i wanna know if its good to use or not
sorry for the long and strung-out post,
UP
I have installed 2-3 SDH166D decoders. For my purposes, they are fine. I’m not concerned with matching the correct diesel engine sound to the locomotive. These decoders do not get very loud - which may be good depending on individual circumstances. Overall, I’m happy with the SDH166D. For me, it is a good trade off of low cost, decent operation, etc.
If you want a significant better sound for about $5 more, the SDXH series has 16 bit sound and more simultaneous sounds. There’s an X version for most of the Digitrax sound decoders. While still not nearly as good as the top of the line ESU, SOundtraxx, and TCS decoders, most dealers sell the X series for little more than the non-X 8 bit ones.
But if you want the best sound and motor control, or want to look into using things like the Proto Throttle to run trains, you’ll need the higher tier sound decoders because you’ll need features none of the low cost ones provide.
–Randy
Thank you for that info, but the club and railroad im modeling is digitrax and I just got some advice from anoher club member saying “that decoder is good for price and quality” and as i was turning over a simple and vintage bachmann f7 there are holes for the sound, so i just need a good sounding speaker.
is this correct, or just a guy that thinks he knows what he’s doing
also where can i get a proto throttle? (if it can run digitrax) My club has a few 300$ engines that run and sound AMAZING
also i took that advice and am going to get the SDXH166D decoder
Thanks,
UP
First off dose it run well on DC? Yes Digitrax makes great cheap decoders with sound. If you want advanced sound you may want to look elsewhere but most modern decoders play well together. Each operating system has it good and not so good points.
Note that he’s listening, to the right kind of expert here, in the right way, instead of his best accessible maven. That shows he ‘gets it’ right.
Well, I have an update! Im sooner or later (probably when my grandpa moves to idaho) gonna build the nampa to ogden or salt lake city.
But i am planning on first making a 4x8 dcc layout of a fictonal 1950s era with industy and a small town off of a highway. im going to use the zepher from digitrax, and that’ll be the basic, but ill learn the work it takes to build a full layout.
Anyways im just making sure this is logical to yall.
Also anyone know where i can have the union pacific passenger cars (one obsevation, one diner, two coaches, two vista domes, and possibly a post office?)for cheap? if anything a obsevaton car and some coaches may be godd for now.
Thanks!
UP
thanks!
Many will say that the “4X8” is dead, but it’s an easy way to get your feet wet. As for your question about passenger cars, it depends. Are you looking for something new or used? I assume that you are open to used stuff. You could be patient and get something on Ebay. At the lower end of the cost spectrum, you will find Rivarossis on Ebay, which are quite decent. Are you near a LHS? It might be worth a visit. UP is a popular road, you might find something there and avoid delivery costs.
If you are getting into heavyweight passenger equipment, I would recommend a track plan that has 22" radius minimum. That’s tight on a 4X8…
Simon