[?] If you own one of these, can you tell me something about it? For example, is it easy to get at the DCC socket? Does a decoder have to be placed inside the already cramped cab? If you’re not into DCC, how does it run under DC? Does it sound like a coffee grinder?
Hopefully the announced second run will fix the backwards diode problem - they DO have a DCC socket, but it’s TIGHT in there. It can be done though, using the smaller decoders like the TCS M series. The first run has a known problme where one of the directional lighting diodes ends up being a dead short across the DCC function output if you just plug a decoder in - which has the effect of instantly allowing the function magic smoke to escape the decoder. The TCS web site has a great photo essay on installing a decoder in oen of them. I’ve been thinking about getting one and lettering it for an industry on my layout or something. Maybe if I put in that cement plant…
–Randy
the shell comes off easily. and you do have to figure out how to stuff a decoder into the cab. there is not much room at all. Mine runs very well using regular DC. it is very quiet.
Thanks for the TCS tip! I’ll wait for the next run - the first run sounds like more trouble than they’re worth! [:D]
Not really, and there’s no guarantee they’ll fix the board. I’m waiting to see what road names they put ont he second run, if any sound good I’ll just use one of those, otherwise I just want an undec to letter for my cement company or whatever I use it for. They really are somethign else, considering how tiny it is. Had one on the test track at the LHS, not bad at all, but very picky about clean track. What I’d lie to see is how Overland got that Trackmobile to actually work, that makes the Critter look huge. I would not want to try putting a decoder in that.
–Randy
That’s the case with any loco that has such a short wheelbase, like Bachmann’s 44 tonners.
You mentioned a trackmobile by Overland - where can I see this online?
Probably on Overland’s site. I think it’s overlandmodels.com
–Randy
I put a decoder in a critter for a customer. I had heard about the diode problem so I just tore the board out and hard wired the decoder. The decoder will do the same thing all those diodes do. It is pretty tight in there, but a TCS M1 will do the job just fine. The MC2 is a couple bucks cheaper, but it is bigger. I think it may barely fit but I would go with the M1.
Tried the address you provided, but could not find the Trackmobile… [V]
I see they changed the web site to make it more ‘slick’ and now most of what they had been showing is not there anymore. Bummer.
Businesses need to learn - build and test the new web site first, make sure it ALL works, at least as best you can (there is no such thing as big-free software!), and THEN flip the switch. Constant displays of ‘in progress’ or ‘not ready yet’ just turn people off.
–Randy