Hello everyone, I have a few questions about On30 trains. I have previously modeled in mostly HO standard scale, for the past 15 years. I have decided to switch to On30 – been thinking about it for a while, but finally made my decision to switch now. A few days ago I bought a Bachmann Davenport side rod gas-mechanical locomotive, with is equiped with DCC already from the factory. But right now, I don’t have any DCC system, only a couple of MRC Tech 2 power packs. It runs fine on the plain DC power, but has a 1 or 2 second delay before it starts moving. From what I have heard, that is normal with the DCC decorder Bachmann installed inside it. While I can live with the delay, I don’t care for it much. I wanted to open up the engine and remove the decorder. So reading the instructions, it said to remove the 2 screws that hold the couplers on, remove the couplers, and then the body will lift off. But I can’t get the body shell to lift off the chassis. I don’t feel like damaging my new engine. Is there something I’m doing wrong? Besides, I might want to install a sound decorder in the future, so I need a way to get inside this engine.
My other question is, how good are Litco turnouts from Light Iron Turnout Company? I have read they make their turnouts from Fast Tracks jigs. Are these turnouts a reliable and well made product? I considered using the On30 turnouts made by Peco, but they are a lot more money now. My main concerns are reliable running, without derailments and other problems.
I can’t answer you questions about your loco trouble but as far as Litco turnouts are concerned, they are excellent. They are readily available in codes 70 and 83 both with ties and without them (held in gauge by PC strips). On my Gn15 layout (G scale on HO track) I use the ones without ties so I can add my own.