PlaymoFriends
General => Trains! => Topic started by: gloobey on May 28, 2008, 20:16:14
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Hello all, I've been off line for a few weeks. I've been gardening and laying new track mostly. I have posted a few new pics in the gallery. There's one here as a sample...
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It's looking mighty fine, Gloobey! :yup:
Well Done,
Jimbo
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Looking good, Steve! ... :wow:
Keep the photos coming ...
It appears that your garden's growing beautifully and that you're getting some nice weather.
All the best,
Richard
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Thanks Guys! The weather has been good here, that always helps. I'll be doing somemore work over the weekend, and taking pictures then.
Slightly off topic here: has anyone used the Aristocraft train engineer RC system? I just installed and used it for the first time yesterday and am extremely pleased with how it works. I've decided not to use DCC so it seemed like a good option. I can provide a more detailed review if anyone's interested.
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Hello, Steve ...
I can provide a more detailed review if anyone's interested.
Please do. I'm interested.
All the best,
Richard
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Slightly off topic here: has anyone used the Aristocraft train engineer RC system? I just installed and used it for the first time yesterday and am extremely pleased with how it works. I've decided not to use DCC so it seemed like a good option. I can provide a more detailed review if anyone's interested.
Yes, yes!!
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I see there are a few interested people so here goes!
I bought the Aristocraft Train Engineer system that generates 10 different frequencies and then 10 separate channels within each frequency, so a total of 100 different items may be controlled with it. You get the transmitter and receiver unit. You need to get a separate power supply ( I bought the Aristocraft 10 amp Ultima).
The instructions that came with the unit are great. I ended up looking at the website for additional information, but it wasn't necessary. I was able to get a train running 10 minutes after I opend the box. More time would be required if I was going to control switches with this unit (which is possible, and looks very easy to do).
The transmitter has an emergency stop button, direction buttons and throttle controls, as well as a frequency selector, and accessory control buttons. The train stops and starts gradually to prevent motor/gear wear. It does the same thing if you reverse directions. It's fun to watch, and looks more like a real train in action.
The last thing you can do with this unit is control locomotives individually if they have a mini-receiver unit installed in it. These are purchased separately and are similar to a DCC decoder. They plug into a DCC socket. You can also install the mini-receiver in a non-DCC ready loco, but be prepared to solder. Lights, smoke, sound, speed and direction may be controlled with the mini-receiver/transmitter setup.
This system acts like a DCC setup when all of the components are installed. It's less expensive, and may be tailored for use on any DC track layout (G, HO, N, etc.).
One negative aspect of this system is that it is fairly complicated to hook up the LGB switches. It's possible, but there is soldering involved. Directions are on their website. Arsitocraft switches are directly compatible.
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Here are two shots showing how I set it up outdoors. It's very straightforward. The receiver goes in between the power supply and the track.
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Thanks, Steve ...
This is very exciting. Now that LGB is fast becoming something of the past, it's really great to see that Aristocraft has developed what seems to be a very good RC system.
One of these days, I may actually have a garden railroad. And, I'm certainly going to look very seriously at Aristocraft.
Thanks again and all the best,
Richard
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Thanks for the DCC write up.
How big is the mini-receiver unit that you have to add to the engine to make it work?
Are you going to add a mini-receiver to your engines so you can run multiple trains?
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How big is the mini-receiver unit that you have to add to the engine to make it work?
Are you going to add a mini-receiver to your engines so you can run multiple trains?
Hi Knight Train, I would like to give it a try but have two issues standing in my way at present:
1. Cost. They are about $110 USD each and I just spent a bunch of money on this new equipment so it will be awhile...
2. Most of my locos are older LGB and Playmobil so they don't have DCC sockets. This means that I'll have to do a manual install, which I've never tried.
The RC system is so easy to use, and supported by Aristocraft I think I will give it a try when I'm able. I'll let you kno whow it works out when I do. The Aristocraft website lists the locos that are RCC compatible, and I'm pretty sure that any DCC ready loco will accept one these mini-receivers.
As for size, I know they make one for G scale trains and one for HO trains, so they get pretty small. Not sure of the exact dimensions.
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Now that LGB is fast becoming something of the past, it's really great to see that Aristocraft has developed what seems to be a very good RC system.
One of these days, I may actually have a garden railroad. And, I'm certainly going to look very seriously at Aristocraft.
It's really sad, but it seems to be a reality. LGB is now just a brand name owned by Marklin. Who knows what the quality will be. I do know that they've raised the prices on the LGB stuff that they have released. LGB of America never closed a deal with Marklin for 2008 so it looks like they are pushing the Brawa and Piko equipment that they have. I've been a loyal LGBer so I'm being cautious about moving to another brand. Aristocraft has a pretty good line, but it's mostly modern American prototype...a big drawback for me. I guess I'll see what happens.
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It is sad ... :(
First Playmobil discontinued their wonderful electric train and then LGB's moronic bankers killed one of the finest electric trains ever built ... >:(
Hopefully, Märklin will produce the LGB "G scale" trains as an addition to their already well established Z, HO and 1 Gauge trains.
However, the German Märklin website (http://www.maerklin.de/de/) doesn't seem to mention LGB at all ... :'(
:sadklicky:
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However, the German Märklin website (http://www.maerklin.de/de/) doesn't seem to mention LGB at all ... :'(
You haven't look closely enough, Richard :) The Märklin site actually mentions LGB. You can find the link under "Unternehmen" (means company).
Here is the direct link http://www.lgb-bahn.de including 2008 catalogue and a message which tells us that there will be a new updated website, but it is going to take some time.
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Thanks, Lars ...
That's GREAT news. Especially after reading about Märklin and LGBoA not being able to come to any agreement about distribution in North America.
Thanks again and all the best,
Richard
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Thanks for the link on Marklin's site Lars. I'm hoping that Marklin starts providing us with some more information concerning distribution to the US. I just can't believe that they would leave us hanging over here...
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Hello, Steve ...
This was posted on 2 May 2008 at G Scale Mad Forum (http://www.gscalemad.co.uk/forum/index.php?s=6ecc7f6a05e4a17e7951f10c05523113&showtopic=13217) by Tim Brien:
"A newsflash from the president of LGBoA has informed the many LGB fans that there will be no distribution arrangement for LGB products for 2008 between LGB (Marklin) and LGBoA. This is indeed unfortunate for those who have used the services of LGBoA in the past and for the history that LGBoA has enjoyed, all these years, with the previous LGB management. This may see new LGB products not entering America until at least 2009 and I feel this decision could markedly impact American prototype releases from LGB (Marklin) for some time to come.
I have been told that Marklin did not agree to all the terms set down by LGBoA, resulting in no distribution deal being reached. I am not inferring or proportioning blame. This is a business decision between a manufacturer and a distributor."
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Thanks Richard, I read about that too...it seems like LGBoa tried to get a little too big for their britches and Marklin was not liking it. I may be wrong about this, it's just my take on the matter. Either way, I'm not seeing any new LGB this year.
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...it seems like LGBoA tried to get a little too big for their britches and Märklin was not liking it.
Unfortunately, I think that you're probably correct about LGBoA, Steve.
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Hello all, I have uploaded a couple of videos on youtube. I've added a second loop of track and things are running pretty smoothly now so I thought I would share a link here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeGh45aNTpc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9xgjNMjbNE
I hope you enjoy!
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Hello all, I have uploaded a couple of videos on youtube. I've added a second loop of track and things are running pretty smoothly now so I thought I would share a link here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KeGh45aNTpc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9xgjNMjbNE
I hope you enjoy!
WOW ... :wow: :wow: :wow:
That is sooo cool, Steve !!!
Great idea to put your movies on YouTube!
(I'm going to have to join now, just so I can give you a great rating for your movies.)
Thank you very much for sharing your wonderful garden railroad with us.
All the best,
Richard
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Looks great!
If I ever get ahead on my yard work maybe I will pull the train out and play a bit
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Thanks Tiermann! This Spring and Summer I used the train layout as an excuse to get myself in gear to do the yardwork. Weeds and a messy yard make the traisn look bad so I HAVE to get out there :-)
Now Fall is coming and the dreaded leaves are coming with it...we'll see if I can stay committed to the yard. I've already completed an O-27 Lionel layout (indoors) for Halloween.