Blackbird

Try resetting CV 150 to 1

Capacitors, or otherwise termed, suppressors, were/are fitted to DC motor powered model locos to reduce the RF (radio frequency) emmisions which interfered with TV transmissions. This is now not required as analouge TV has ceased. The problem with capacitiors arises with DCC control. One of the properties of a capacitor is to smooth the current flow through the circuit, and as DCC signals are transmitted via a high frequency alternating current, any capacitors will influence that signal. That is why Hornby have a designated DCC track connector, which is the same as a standard track connector but without the suppressor (capacitor). In practice, the effect of the motor or track suppy connector suppressor is minimal, but in theory, could cause problems.

It should be remembered that inclines for cross-overs can be halved by taking the lower track down as well as the upper track up. When designing a layout with cross-overs, don't start from a flat base principle, railways go down as well as up. This is a prototypical application.

Graskie said: Blackbird, I have a special one-off Midland Pullman train from the same manufacturer, but experimentally fitted with sound at both ends by someone else. I have had no real problems with it at all, it glides along and doesn't seem to have any trouble clearing my P*co code 100 trackwork, including a large junction. I have never checked any back to back measurements on it because it runs so well. Bit of a pain coupling the lot together and managing to get all wheels on the track properly, though, eh? Hi Graskie, I'm interested in your 'sound' installation. The original decoders are by Soundtraxx, are your sound decoders? There doesn't seem to be enough space for an ESU sound decoder? Is the sound program correct for this set? I know there is a Cl43 sound program available which must be similar. I wonder if anyone has a sound recording for this set?

My latest acquisition; a Bach***n Midland Pullman set. Not the site to report such non-allegiance, (but the question was asked!)So for information I'd like to report. An excellent model, but with problems. The power car power bogies, at both ends have larger btb clearances, (compared to all other btb's in the set) this leads to derailment on facing points. The wheels riding the frog. This was cured by reducing the btb to 14.4mm. Originally 14.7mm. A small difference, but works. The DCC light control is different, the cab lights are on F2 whereas all of my other locos have cab lights on F8. The set has provision for sound, speaker boxes provided, but B*mann advise me they do not, as yet have decoders the available. Although any 21 pin DCC sound decoder, suitably programmed, could be fitted. £200+, sounds expensive, but if dedicated, with large pockets achievable. Finally, although adding to this thread, I have not had the time to read much of it. (58 pages). About time it was closed, and new, specific threads opened!

It is worth remembering the prototypical railways had some curved sections that large wheelbase locos couldn't manage! Hornby and other make 'setrack' points are, by defination, second radius. Almost all current manufactured locos will, with care, negotiate this. Apart from Hornby 'express' points, larger radius points are only available from other manufactures. Fortunately Hornby now produce 4th radius setrack curved track which is well worth using

This may well be an evolutionary problem. Whilst Hornby are improving their wheel standards to a nearer (fine) scale they have to make allowance for the abundance of earlier scale standards still in use, so there has to be a compromise. Adjusting wheel-set back to back dimensions may help, or try using 'other make' points with the same geometry?

Hi GordonBigBoy, I know this is a Hornby forum, an you may be committed to Hornby products, but remember there are many other products available for DCC control, all compatible with Hornby and some with additional features.

The Tender Drive loco is part of the evolution of model railways. The Ringfield motor design, originally used by Hornby Doublo, then incorporated by Triang/Hornby and Lima, proved to be a very efficient motor with direct drive gears, compared to the worm drive (0X4) motor drives. The basic ringfield could be easily incorporated to 2 or 3 axle diesels and 3 axle tenders. Hence simplification of production. Although the ringfield motor was used in some locos (ie the Castle class), it was to bulky for most types. 'Evolution', lead to the use of improved (smaller) loco drive motors.

Components used in DC model locos; a capacitor, connected 'across' the motor supply, to suppress RF interference (it reduces HF voltage transients caused by motor slipring 'sparking'). Inductors, connected in 'series', (look like resistors) are also employed to supress RF interference by smoothing the current flow. Most DCC decoders have this RF suppression incorporated, so additional components are not required. However, as these suppression facilities are fitted to the output of the decoder (to the motor), they will have no effect to the input, and can't corrupt the DCC signal. They will, however, have an effect on the back EMF output received by the decoder and should be removed if 'Back EMF' decoders are employed..