Ed_Cairns

Jimbopuff mentioned that in his experience DC systems are less sensitive to "dirty track". Have other DC users who perhaps have some experience with DCC systems as well, found this to be the case also? I would have expected DC systems to have similar issues with locomotives stalling. DCC sytems supply both data and power via the track where as DC systems only need to supply power. However, keep alive capacitors can be used on DCC systems to lessen sensitivity to poor track contact. The DCC signal is effectively an AC square wave - does this cause more wheel / track contact issues than a DC only system - I don't know, but I'd be curious what user's experiences are? I do concede that in my own experience - it is critical to keep tracks clean - when using DCC systems. I read with interest the blog about track cleaning a few weeks back on this site - learned lots. So just curious how often DC only system users have to clean the track?

In my opinion there are so many reasons for a DCC layout to provide better performance and more function than a block operated DC (Analogue) system. Some of my thoughts are listed : Independent locomotive control on the same track / power is available on the track at all times (useful for such things as coach lights) / a simple two wire bus system distributes power to the whole layout / turnouts or points can be controlled by DCC capacitive discharge modules located next to the points that are actually powered - which results in much simplier wiring / Using Hornby's RailMaster software allows a PC to control all the layout points and if you wish locomotives as well / Locomotive motors are pulse width modulated by the DCC module in the locomotive which results in excellent slow speed control / TTS modules add the realism of syncronized sound to the DCC layout / locomotive acceleration and deceleration rates are programmable which adds to the control realism / reverse loop track operation is absolutely seamless / even layout signal systems can be DCC controlled - I've probably missed something when describing what I see as the advantages of a DCC layout - but having run Analog Layouts in the past, I for one really enjoy the simplicity and realism that a DCC system brings to this great hobby.

Ericm0hff, Perhaps my idea about TTS Reindeer Vent Wagon does push things too far. But Hornby does produce a new Christmas Edition Plank wagon every year - and they do sell out, so someone is buying them. Also the Santa Express Train Set has sold very well for Hornby. However, there is a limit to how much the original little 0-4-0 locomotive can reasonably pull. With each Christmas adding another wagon it didn't seem unreasonable to decorate a heavier locomotive for that purpose - and as previously suggested - perhaps I'll have to decorate an existing locomotive myself. The whole idea is just for fun and granted it will not appeal to everyone. And like my house Christmas decorations, at the end of the season I put the Santa Express Set away and wait till the next Christmas. But, my family always enjoys the re-appearance of Santa's Express! Is it silly? Perhaps, but its all for good fun and given Hornby's sucess at selling these items, others must enjoy them as well! Ed

Okay I’m going to go out on a limb here. Since Hornsby already has a Vent car with TTS sounds ( R6888 TTS) why not a reindeer vent car with TTS Santa Express sounds. Sure it’s only for a short time before Christmas, but the young kids and grandchildren would probably love it! And it’s a short enough time that it might not drive dad or grandad too crazy? Just for good fun around Christmas! But I’d really settle for a new loco.... Ed

My original idea was for Hornby to keep the Santa Express Train set as it is, but to offer a separate stand alone heavier Santa Locomotive so as the yearly gift wagons get added one can continue to run them on one's layout. The current Santa 0-4-0 loco is fine for the original set but strains as new wagons are added. Sure, not everyone would be inclined to purchase a new Santa Express Locomotive - but on the other hand the Santa Express Train Set and new yearly gift plank wagons seem to sell out every year..... Ed

"I think this proves that the set isn't particularly popular. People are just keeping the wagons and dumping the loco. " Doesn't this indicate that my original idea may be correct? People enjoy the Christmas Gift Plank wagons and the Reindeer Box Car but don't really like the 0-4-0 Santa Locomotive? And it wouldn't take a large money investment to tool up an existing heavier locomotive in a Christmas / Santa theme.... Ed

GNR-Gordon-4 Your suggestion of obtaining a second 0-4-0 Santa Express locomotive isn't a bad idea but I did not want to purchase a second Santa Express Train Set. However, I am surprised at the number of "loose" Santa Express Loco's that are available to purchase as per your link. Still it might be fun if Hornby developed a new Santa Express Locomotive - imagine what one could add to the sounds produced by a Christmas TTS module if it came so equipped? Given the popularity of both the Santa Express Train Sets and the Christmas gift year stamped plank cars, I think that a larger Santa locomotive would sell well....? Ed

I excitedly received my new 2018 Christmas Plank Wagon - R6889 yesterday. I have collected a number of these Christmas Edition Wagons in addition to the original rolling stock that was supplied with the Santa's Express Train Set. These new wagons are are fun to collect, but as the number of wagons increases the original 0-4-0 Locomotive is straining a bit. So maybe for next Christmas, Hornby could offer a heavier locomotive dressed up in the appropriate Christmas decor - to make pulling all Santa's plank wagons and reindeer even easier? Just for fun!