annagr

When I turn on the controller at the wall the number 15, then 30, then 03 come up in that order. The FS is on address 03 and now that you mention it I could not change that address when I first got it. Every time I tried to allocate another address the controller exhibited an error. I had no problem changing the address for either of my other two locomotives. I have no power clips on my very small layout so capacitors are not the problem. I use the Hornby power track for DCC, not analogue. I have had the FS for several months but always ran it when there were other trains on the track. But today, due to some work on my tunnel, I removed the other trains and was using the FS to check the opening size of the tunnel portals. That's when I noticed the problem. I hope there is a solution to this.

I wonder if any one has an answer to this weird problem. My Flying Scotsman does not respond to the controller if it is the only train on the layout. Turn it on, nothing happerns. As soon as I place another train anywhere on the layout the Flying Scotsman starts and runs no problem. If I remove the second train while the Scotsman is running it's fine and keeps going until I stop it. But I cannot get it to start again unless there is a second train on the tracks. Is this a controller problem (Hornby Select), a problem with the Scotsman, or a track problem? The other train starts without any other trains on the track. It's just the Scotsman that's being a pain.

Are these 'plug and play' or do they need to be modified for DCC?

I exchanged some of the Hornby points for Peco ST but it made no real difference. I do not have the skills for fine soldering and am disappointed that Hornby do not develop the track, points and other supporting items to accomodate DCC better and that they have not addressed the stalling points issues. I am sure many find it frustrating and I certainly did not expect so many 'over-sights' by a company that has been around as long as Hornby. In New Zealand we pay a lot for these parts and if they don't work properly because of poor design it is very off putting for a beginner like me. I will try the extra track pins and see if that helps. But I can't see why one has to make so many modifications to a system to get it to work properly. Regarding electrofrog points - I read they did not work for DCC without some modification. Is this true?

I run a DCC layout and am plagued with the small locos (0-6-0s) stalling on the points. I am currently using the Select 1 amp controller and was wondering if the 4 amp Elite would help given that it supplies more power. I have done all the usual - checked the track joiners are tight, cleaned the track and wheels, oiled the locos etc. So this is the only thing I can think of left to do. Or is this someting I have to live with? Thoughts please.

I put a meter across each pair of wheel and got a 3 ohm reading across one pair. The rest were ok. I sent it to the dealer and he said it was fine - no problems with it. So now I feel like an idiot but also I know it was definately causing a problem on my layout. I asked to have a different one in exchange (it is brand new, unused) so once I get it I am hoping no more problems. But it was an odd thing to happen and wonder if any one else has something similar.

I use the couplers that came with the sets, the Hornby standard 'hook and bar' type I believe. All but one wagon has the narrow type and one the older wide type. I don't want to get into the mechanics of various couplers and changing them since I am just starting out and am happy to use the ones alrady fitted. So will the Hornby rerailer/decoupler work with these?

Which couplers does this work for? Am thinking of getting some but don't want to waste money if they don't work.

I set up my first lot of Hornby track this week and found that the points were misbehaving. A search on this forum rvealed that this was a common issue. So I am thinking about Kato Unitrack - it seems to be highly thought of. I think Kato unitrack is code 83 and Hornby track is code 100 so was wondering if I could use the Kato Unitrack with the Hornby trains - new trains not old ones? I know the gauge is the same. Does anyone do this? What are your thoughts on Kato Unitrack for reliability.

Hi Jane2 That's very good to know.

As a first timer I have bought the Somerset Belle set as a 'practice' trainset. Reading the literature I see that the motor may not run more than 100 hours and will then need to be replaced. Reference is made to 'type M' motor so I assume that is the motor in the Somerset Belle. So is this a common thing for motors to have to be replaced? What about on the much more expensive locomotives - do motors run longer? How do you find out in advance of purchasing a locomotive if it is a type that needs replacement motors periodically? Am I worrying for nothing? It sound like scary stuff for a newbie.

I am thinking of getting surface mounted DCC point motors for 4 point on my DCC layout. I have the Select controller, which is supposed to be able to operate points according to what I understand from the description (I may be wrong here). Does the Select controller need the separate accessory decoder as well or does it control point motors without it?

Thank you Jane2. So for even very large DCC layouts one power supply is all it needs? I ask because I have seen so many people write about soldering every track section to the power or adding extra feeds but is this only for DC, not DCC?

I am having a removable bridge section on my twin-track DCC layout to allow access to the middle. Instead of making an electrical connection between the removable part and the main track can I add a separate supply power to the removable section only? Then can I use a wire to take power from the powered track on the bridge to the other track on the bridge? I have not done a removable section before. Powering the removable section seems like the easier thing to do rather than trying to transfer power across from the main tracks where the join in the layout might be a problem. Wll this work for DCC?. Advice much appreciated. I hope this makes sense - I am new to this.