What To Expect From Unitrack After Using Other Brands Of N Scale Track?

What To Expect From Unitrack After Using Other Brands Of N Scale Track?

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Many modelers experience all kinds of track and electrical problems when building layouts using other major brands of N scale track. Many as a last resort switch to Unitrack and experience spectacular results running trains on a layout.

What are the reasons for this, one might ask?

Unitrack happens to be a well designed piece of equipment. The code 80 rail is mounted on a gray plastic roadbed which can easily be weathered and ballasted. The track comes in sections for all straight, curved, turnouts and odd sizes of track..

Unitrack uses a Uni-Joiner that locks one track section to another and this mechanism performs adequately for many years unlike regular rail joiners used by other major brands of track. These rail joiners tend to loosen and often require soldering to stay in place.

Unitrack turnouts, although limited in number perform flawlessly. The double crossover is a work of art and is one of the only double crossovers in N scale. Many users of other brands of track often use the Unitrack double crossover on their layouts.

Unitrack stays remarkably clean when compared to other brands of track. This is due to Kato composition of the nickel silver rails. Rarely do these rails accumulate the gunk and debris found on the brands of track after running trains for days at a time.
The curved sections of track come in radii that include 19" and 28 1/2" radii. A combination of these two radii produce a radii of 23-24" which is more than acceptable for sweeping curves on larger layouts.

The cost of Unitrack is comparable to other brands of track when the added purchase of cork road bed is needed.

Train operation on Unitrack is outstanding. No matter what size the layout,trains can run for hours at a time with no track or electrical issues. Users of Unitrack enjoy train operations without the added aggravations and frustrations experienced by users of other conventional brands of track.

Non users of Unitrack, buy Unitrack for test layouts. Trains run flawlessly on these "test ovals" and then return to problematic operation when the same trains are run on other major brands of track.

Unitrack can be set up easily and many different layout configurations can be "tested" in a short period of time.

Users of DCC find that their locomotives perform much better on Unitrack than on conventional track.

Unitrack can be used for any layout size. It;s no longer limited to "test ovals", and small layouts. I can attest to this fact as the "new" JJJ&E is a large layout by conventional standards. The "original JJJ&E , a layout on multiple levels (10x15') ran for over nine years without track or electrical issues. The layout on average was run daily for at least an hour in that time span.

The list goes on and on...

What are your thoughts about this subject? and how has Unitrack enhanced your enjoyment of running a layout?

Wiring Atlas Drop_In Decoders In Diesels

Atlas Diesel Locomotives that Utilize a Drop-In Decoder (From North Raleigh Model Railroad Club)

Atlas diesel locomotives that feature a drop-in decoder installation have a potential issue with the motor brush leads making good contact with the motor pads on the bottom of the decoder; the motor brush leads can move. This may result in no or intermittent operation. Repeated attempts to align the motor brush leads may or may not be successful.

Recent decoders for Atlas locomotives have slots into which the motor tabs can be inserted. Inserting the tabs in the slots, installing the decoder in the frame and then fastening the two halves of the frames together successfully can be very difficult, and frustrating.

The best solution is to solder wires between the decoder motor pads and the motor brush leads. Use a very small gauge stranded wire for this purpose (such as the wire used in Digitrax wired decoders). About ¾" long is enough. Strip 1/16" insulation from the ends of each wire. Cut the motor brush leads back about ¼" so they cannot interfere with the solder connection to the decoder motor pads. Solder one wire to the left motor brush lead, then to the left decoder motor pad. Repeat for the right side. Be sure there are no solder bridges between the two decoder motor pads.

You must be sure that neither the installed wires nor the copper brush leads can touch the metal frame or you will destroy the decoder. Use small pieces of Kapton tape to prevent shorts.

Some recent Atlas locomotives have small metal clips mounted on the four corners of the light board where they contact the frame. Removing the light board may cause the clips to come off the light board (fly off never to be found again; order replacements from Atlas). These clips are very difficult to attach to the decoder so they will stay in place. The solution is to spot solder then in place using a little solder as possible, and then install the decoder. Even after doing this the above issues with the motor tabs may be encountered.

Installing DCC Decoders in N Scale Locomotives - North Raleigh Model Railroad Club

Installing DCC Decoders in N Scale Locomotives 

(North Raleigh Model Railroad Club)

Introduction

Prior to 1997, N-Scale locomotives were not designed for Command Control. There was no space within the shells of diesel locomotives to install the DCC decoder, nor was it easy to make the electrical connections required. With steam locomotives, the DCC decoder could usually be placed in the tender, but the electrical connections required were still generally difficult to make.
In 1997 both Atlas and Kato introduced production-run diesel locomotives designed for easy conversion to DCC, and locomotives introduced since have been DCC-ready. Several decoder manufacturers have designed decoders to fit in these locomotives. Athearn, Atlas, Bachmann, Broadway Limited, PCM, Walthers and others now offer many or all of their locomotives with decoders already installed. Almost all manufacturers are making their locomotives "DCC ready" or "DCC Equipped."
How do we define "DCC Ready"? Visit our DCC Friendly Definitions page. The comprehensive Decoder Installation Standards proposed on that page, developed by Ron Beardon and published in the November/December 2006 issue of N-Scale Magazine, are used throughout this and the other pages relating to DCC decoder installs.
Modifying or adapting Non-DCC Ready locomotives for Digital Command Control can be done, either on our own (for steam and diesel locomotives) or with products manufactured by two companies (for diesel locomotives). See below for details.

Plug & Play Decoders

Just as Plug & Play doesn't always work as advertised on computers, sometimes some extra effort is required to make Plug & Play (PnP) decoder installations work just as they should in N-scale locomotives. The following are some general problems encountered and suggested solutions.

General

There is usually more than one decoder from more than one manufacturer that will fit or work in your particular locomotive; check each out then select the one with the desired features, best price, best reputation, etc. For some locomotives, even though the decoder is essentially "drop-in" you may have to do some soldering, such as the wires to the headlight.

Kato E5, E8/9 A/B, F3/7 A/B, F40PH, P42, PA/PB-1

To remove the original light board and install the decoder, you must remove the plastic clip holding the motor brush leads against the light board and bend the leads up. After the decoder is installed you are directed to bend the leads back down against the decoder contact pads and secure them with the plastic clip.
The problem is that in bending the motor brush leads up so you can remove the original light board and insert the decoder, you cannot bend them back to the exact same tension. Thus when the retainer clip is inserted the motor brush leads may or may not be making a good contact with the decoder motor pads. Even if they are when first installed, simply replacing the shell on the frame or the vibration of running the locomotive may cause the contact to go bad.
The solution is to spot solder the motor brush lead to the decoder motor pad, using a very small amount of solder. (You may sometime in the future need to disassemble the locomotive for maintenance.) Be sure the soldering iron is 15 watts maximum and has a small round tip. Be sure to use resin core solder only.

All Atlas Diesel Locomotives that Utilize a Drop-In Decoder

Atlas diesel locomotives that feature a drop-in decoder installation have a potential issue with the motor brush leads making good contact with the motor pads on the bottom of the decoder; the motor brush leads can move. This may result in no or intermittent operation. Repeated attempts to align the motor brush leads may or may not be successful.
Recent decoders for Atlas locomotives have slots into which the motor tabs can be inserted. Inserting the tabs in the slots, installing the decoder in the frame and then fastening the two halves of the frames together successfully can be very difficult, and frustrating.
The best solution is to solder wires between the decoder motor pads and the motor brush leads. Use a very small gauge stranded wire for this purpose (such as the wire used in Digitrax wired decoders). About ¾" long is enough. Strip 1/16" insulation from the ends of each wire. Cut the motor brush leads back about ¼" so they cannot interfere with the solder connection to the decoder motor pads. Solder one wire to the left motor brush lead, then to the left decoder motor pad. Repeat for the right side. Be sure there are no solder bridges between the two decoder motor pads.

You must be sure that neither the installed wires nor the copper brush leads can touch the metal frame or you will destroy the decoder. Use small pieces of Kapton tape to prevent shorts.

Some recent Atlas locomotives have small metal clips mounted on the four corners of the light board where they contact the frame. Removing the light board may cause the clips to come off the light board (fly off never to be found again; order replacements from Atlas). These clips are very difficult to attach to the decoder so they will stay in place. The solution is to spot solder then in place using a little solder as possible, and then install the decoder. Even after doing this the above issues with the motor tabs may be encountered.

Thickness of Plug & Play Decoder Circuit Boards

The circuit board of the Plug & Play decoder that you select for your locomotive may not be exactly the same thickness as the light board it is replacing. This may result in poor electrical contact with the frame, particularly if the decoder board is slightly thinner than the light board.
If the decoder board is slightly thicker than the light board use some extra but gentle force to place the decoder in the correct position in the locomotive frame. Don't use too much force as the circuit board is easily damaged.
If the decoder board is slightly thinner than the light board and does not fit snugly then you will need to build a very small solder dome on the power contact points at the four corners of the decoder. Do this very carefully, as you want to end up with a snug fit, but remember that the decoder must slip into the slots in the frame. Use a soldering iron with a small round tip and 15 watts maximum. Heat the decoder power pad with the soldering iron while applying solder until a very thin dome forms, then remove the soldering iron and allow to cool. Very carefully insert (do not overly force) the decoder in the Atlas frame and re-assemble the locomotive. If a great deal of force is required then the solder dome is too high; remove some solder with the soldering iron and try again.

Wired Decoders

Older locomotives generally must use a wired decoder to convert the locomotive to DCC. This may require the purchase of a retroframe or milling of the OEM frame, or you may modify the frame yourself. Information about retroframes and modifying frames, as well as the tools you will need to perform your conversion are listed below.
Even if your locomotive is DCC-ready you can generally install a wired decoder, probably without modifying the frame. Several of the descriptions below give directions on installing wired decoders in such locomotives.

Retroframes

Locomotive frames must be precisely manufactured to give the correct orientation and tolerances for drive train components, and alignment of the motor and electrical pickups, etc. to produce a smooth-running and quiet locomotive. Aztec and Southern Digital follow different approaches in the way they produce their retroframes.
Aztec uses OEM frames from the locomotive manufacturer or the customer and mills them on precise computer-controlled milling machines to create wiring channels and space for the decoder. These frames do not void the manufacturer's warranty, and most manufacturers will accept locomotives with Aztec frames for repair.
Southern Digital creates a copy of the die cast original frame modified with the wiring channels and space for the decoder. These are then copy cast in rubber molds in lower temperature, but more dense, alloys than the original.
Each approach achieves its purpose of converting an analog locomotive into a digital locomotive. The following table indicates some of the differences between the approaches and the companies:

Comparison of retro-frame manufacturers

Aztec TrackMaster Frame	Southern Digital Digi-Frame
Milled OEM frame	New cast frame
Less weight than original frame	More weight than OEM frame
No filing of frame or adjustments required	Hardened frame but brittle, touch up filing only required
Individual, detailed instructions per frame	Individual, detailed instructions per frame
Decoder wire lengths specified	Decoder wire lengths specified
Shell mounting "nubs" retained	Shell mounting "nubs" retained
Strong, straight frame	Strong, straight frame

Both companies offer a wide range of DCC-ready frames. Aztec also offers frames milled for speakers for drop-in sound decoders. Check the Aztec and Southern Digital web sites for specific information, availability and pricing.

N Scale Locomotives Enter The Sound Age

I've been modeling in N Scale for over sixteen years now. When I first started in N Scale, factory installed locomotives in N scale were a rarity. As time progressed factory installed decoders in diesels became more prevalent. Most of these decoders were not "top of the line" , but the modeler was still given the option of having a factory installed decoder in the locomotive, if the modeler chose not to install a decoder in the locomotive himself. I always installed decoders in all my locomotives when I had the option to do so.

When sound decoders became available, I installed Soundtraxx decoders in many of my steam locomotives (2003-2005). This changed in 2007, when I installed a ESU LOK-Sound decoder in a Kato Mikado. This sound decoder installation was published in the July-August 2007 issue of N Scale Magazine. From this point in time, I used ESU Select Lok-Sound Micro decoders in all future sound decoder installations in steam locomotives. I also replaced the Soundtraxx sound decoders I installed in many steam locomotives with ESU Lok-Sound Select Micro decoders. This was an expensive proposition but I wasn't happy with the motor functions of any of the Soundtraxx sound decoders. The ESU Lok-Sound Select Micro decoders motor functions are far supperior to the motor functions of the Sound Traxx decoders. The motor functions of the ESU ok-Sound decoders are equal to the motor function of the Lenz mini-silver decoders that I installed in steam locomotives and some diesels for years.

In 2005, the first sound decoder was factory installed in a Precision Craft Models (subsidiary of BLI) EMD E7. This was a major break-through in factory installed sound decoders in N Scale locomotives. I will discuss this sound decoder installation in a Precision Craft Model EMD E7 in another article. Subsequently BLI installed sound decoders (Paragon) in EMD E7's. EMD E6's, EMD 8's, EMD E9's, Alco PA's and Baldwin Centipedes. BLI also finally released a PRR 4-8-2 M1A and a PRR  4-8-2 M1B with a sound decoder factory installed. The sound emanating from the PRR 4-8-2's is exceptional and any of the above locomotives is worthy of a purchase by an N scale modeler.

Features Of The PRR M1's


Industry-Leading SOUND Features:

• Operates in DC & DCC (use DCMaster for DC Sound)
• Record & Play Operation - Records and plays back sounds and movements once or repeatedly for automatic operation
• 16-bit Sample Rate for exceptional high frequency sound clarity
• Playback Whistle for multiple whistle lengths and patterns
• Choice of 3 selectable Whistles / Horns
• Alternate Whistle / Horn where applicable for locomotive with air horn and steam whistle - both the main whistle and alternate can be easily played
• Adjustable bell ringing interval for faster or slower bell
• Numerous user-mappable functions with available keys
• Johnson Bar Sound at Direction Change (Steam Only)
• Passenger Station Ambient Sounds - Controlled with Function Key
• Freight Yard Ambient Sounds - Controlled with Function Key
• Lumber Yard Ambient Sounds - Controlled with Function Key
• Farm Ambient Sounds - Controlled with Function Key
• Crew Radio Communications - Controlled with Function Key
• Maintenance Yard Ambient Sounds - Controlled with Function Key
• Demo Mode for display and demonstrations
• Grade Crossing Automatic Signal
• 8 Diesel Motor Revs (Diesel Only)
• Simple Programming with Integral DCC Decoder
• Automatic Forward / Reverse Signal - When activated, stopping triggers and stop whistle toot.  When moving forward from a stopped position, toots twice.  When moving in reverse. toots three times.
• Engine sound intensity varies with load
• Individually adjustable sound volumes for each effect
• EZ Reset Button for quick return to factory default settings

Athearn was next in line to offer sound decoders in some of their diesels. The sound decoders used by Athearn were stripped down versions of Soundtraxx decoders.Athearn used these sound decoders in F45, FP45 and F59PHI diesels. While the operator was given many sound functions to control, fore the most part they were only basic sound functions.

For steam, Athearn released several models of the Athearn Challenger with MRC decoders that were factory installed. Athearn also released several models of the "Big Boy", again with MRC sound decoders installed in 2006. The sound in these steam locomotives was adequate, but the motor functions were suspect.Many DCC command stations had trouble reading the MRC sound decoders and as a result the MRC sound decoders were difficult to program.
Athearn later re-released both the "Challenger" and "Big Boy" with Soundtraxx sound decoders installed which was a big improvement over the MRC sound decoders (2010).

I purchased my Athearn "Challengers" and "Big Boys" from the first run that Athearn released. After this release Soundtraxx offered Soundtraxx decoders in the after market to replace the MRC sound decoders that were factory installed in the Athearn "Challengers" and "Big Boys". The resultant performance of both the "Challengers" and "Big Boys" with the Soundtraxx replacement sound decoders was remarkable and worth the extra cost in my opinion. At this pint in time, Athearn is planning to release new models of the "Challenger" and "Big Boy" in the next 12-18 months (2017-2018), and should be well received by N scale modelers.

Detailed Information of new "Challengers" and "Big Boys"

LOCOMOTIVE FEATURES:

• Brand new locomotive and tender tooling
• NP and SP&S road specific details
• Cast pilot with fold-down coupler
• Enclosed cab with side entry doors, fixed roof hatches and simulated diaphragm
• Smokebox-mounted air pumps
• Two sizes of wheels in the trailing truck
• NP-style expansion link, which supports much of the valve gear
• NP specific welded coal tender
• SP&S specific welded oil tender
• Fully-assembled and ready-to-run
• Boiler backhead with printed manual controls
• Individually applied piping, valves, generators, etc.
• Correctly operating eccentric cranks
• Headlights and number boards with directional light change
• Tender light
• Genesis five pole, skewed armature can motor with flywheels
• Pivoting front and rear engines for negotiating 11” radius curves
• Current pick-up on all driver and tender wheels
• 8-pin connector plug between loco and tender
• McHenry operating knuckle couplers installled
• Minimum radius: 11”
• Recommended radius: 15”

SOUND EQUIPPED MODELS ALSO FEATURE

• Onboard DCC decoder with SoundTraxx Tsunami sound
• Sound units operate in both DC and DCC
• Full DCC functions available when operated in DCC mode
• Engine, whistle, and bell sounds work in DC
• All functions NMRA compatible in DCC mode
• Excellent Slow speed control
• Many functions can be altered via Configuration Value (CV) changes
• CV chart included in the box

In 2013 (approx.) Kato released the UP 4-8-4 FEF #4-8-4, a high powered steam locomotive that was DCC ready. Shortly after its release TCS a drop-in decoder for the FEF that didn't have to be hard-wired. Factory installed sound in this fabulous steamer would have been a big breakthrough in N scale sound from Kato. Believe it or not Kobo, a division of Kato installed ESU Lok-Sound Select Micro sound decoders in the UP 4-8-4 FEF #844 a short time later. At this point in time Kato is releasing another run of UP FEF #844 with ESU Lok-Sound Select Micro decoders factory installed, along with a run of a Union Pacific FEF3 #838 freight Version with an ESU Lok--Sound decoder installed.

In 2016 Kato released its first diesel with a sound decoder, the EMD SDP40F locomotive in Santa Fe and BNSF Maersk road names. Also to be released is the EMD SDP40F Type 1 Amtrak Phase 1 & 2 locomotives.

According to Kato "The EMD SDP40F was Amtrak's first, official, built to order locomotive after previously operating second hand equipment, such as E8's, F7's and even GG1's. Based on the framework of the SD40-2, the SDP40F was geared for speed, with a top operational velocity of 100 mph and a pair of steam generators to supply heat and hot water for the passenger trains it would pull, such as the ex-Santa Fe "El Capitan" and "Super Chief" (renamed the "Southwest Chief" or "Southwest Limited" in its combined state). The Phase II paint scheme replaced the painting and graphic design treatment that was originally used on the first batch of these delivered in 1973."

"After serving Amtrak, many of the venerable SDP40F diesels made their way into freight service for the Santa Fe where they continuned plying the rails for almost 15 additional years before their eventual retirement.
Coming along with their repurposing in freight service, these units were modified with a number of changes from their original Amtrak days -- the entire front porch area was gated in with safety railings, while two notches were introduced on the nose to allow more easy access to the front deck from the steps on the nose for maintenance purposes.
Kato will produce two different variations of the late-appearance freight SDP40F - the Santa Fe and the Maersk (BNSF) types. Each one carrying prototype-specific detailing that represents the individual unit styles."

• The first locomotive built specifically for Amtrak service.
• Like the prototype, the SDP40F is based off of the Kato smooth rulnlning SD40-2 Drive, making it a proven and reliable mechanical design that will be easily upgradable with a decoder for DCC operation.
• Coming in both the classic Phase I and Phase II paint schemes -- a perfect pairing for Amtrak "El 
•  

Bachmann first released a diesel with a Soundtraxx Sound Value decoder in 2012.The EMD N Scale DD40AX Centennial is one of the longest diesels in N scale.

 DCC-equipped for speed, direction and lighting
• dual-mode NMRA decoder
• operates on both analog and DCC layouts!
• precision can motor with flywheels
• 12 wheel drive
• finescale LED headlights (constant lighting)
• weathered air intakes and exhaust stacks

  Bachmann was next to release N scale steam with sound decoders. In 2014, Bachmann released the 2-8-4 "Berkshire" in three road names with sound decoders factory installed. However Bachmann used a Soundtraxx decoder that was basically stripped down in these steam locomotives. Although the sound is reasonably accurate, many of the sound functions are limited and the motor control of these steam locomotives are not on the same par with ESU Lok-Sound decoders. The details in these Bachmann steamers are outstanding and compare to the Bachmann Spectrum line of steam locomotives.

 "This DCC sound-equipped locomotive includes Sound Value SoundTraxx(R) steam package that includes authentic prototypical chuff, short and long whistles, bell, air pump, steam release, and blower
Precision motor, die-cast chassis, details and tender style per prototype, machined-brass flywheel, metal handrails and stanchions, directional LED headlight and tender backup light, die-cast marker lights, see-through underframe, metal wheels, and E-Z Mate(R) knuckle couplers." (From Model Rail Stuff)

I have four of these "Berkshires"; two Nickel Plate Road  2-8-4's and two Chesapeake and Ohio 2-8-4's. They all run and sound beautifully. I was able to program the CV's so these steamers start up slowly (one tie at a time) which is a problem with these steamers. The other issue I have with the Bachmann 2-8-4 "Berkshire" is that once the locomotive is on the track, even though you don't call up it's number, the sound decoder starts to send out all the start up sounds. I haven't been able to figure out how to prevent this from happening. With ESU Lok-Sound decoders this start up feature can be turned off until the locomotive number is called up by the DCC command station.

In 2015, Bachmann continued its release of N Scale steam locomotives with sound, when the Pennsylvania  4-6-2 K-4 was released with four road numbers. These locomotives are beautifully detailed and the sound is magnificent. Again Bachmann used the Soundtraxx Sound Value decoder. However with this decoder, you are able to turn off the startup features of the locomotive if the locomotive number isn't called up. I purchased all four road numbers and each locomotive is exquisite and performs beautifully. There are two pre-war versions and two post-war versions.

According to Bachmann, " The Pennsylvania Railroad's K4s 4-6-2 "Pacific" (425 built 1914-1928, PRR Altoona, Baldwin) was their premier passenger-hauling steam locomotive from 1914 through the end of steam on the PRR in 1957. It is recognized as the State Steam Locomotive of Pennsylvania. On December 18, 1987, Pennsylvania Governor Robert P. Casey signed into law House Bill No. 1211 naming the PRR K4 as the "official" state locomotive, according that title to both K4 survivors, 1361 and 3750."

Features The K4 4-6-2 is now available in Bachmann's line of N scale DCC sound-equipped locomotives with our Sound Value SoundTraxx steam package that includes authentic prototypical chuff, short and long whistles, bell, air pump, steam release, and blower - all in 16-bit polyphonic sound. This finescale engine also features a die-cast chassis, precision motor, and prototypical detailing. The Pre-War K4 models, based on a World War I-era model, feature distinctive "chicken coop" slat pilots, while the Post-War versions are equipped with modern pilots.                                                                                                                                                    Bachmann was very active in 2015 and released an EMD SD-45 with a Soundtraxx sound decoder factory installed. According to Bachmann "The "special duty" SD45, a 3600-HP prime mover with a V-20 engine and six-axle trucks for superior tractive effort, embodied the latest and greatest technological advances of its day." Features This DCC sound-equipped EMD SD45 Diesel includes our Sound Value SoundTraxx diesel sound package with prototypical prime mover, 3 air horns, and bell-all in polyphonic 16-bit sound Performs best on 11.25" radius curves or greater                                                                               I purchased two of these diesels and wasn't particularly happy with the way the Soundtraxx Sound Value decoders performed. Also the detail of the Bachmann EMD SD-45's was just adequate.  Five road names were released; Erie-Lackawanna, Santa Fe, Pennsylvania Railroad, Northern Pacific and Rio Grande. I purchased a Santa Fe unit and a Rio Grande unit. Atlas was next in line to release a diesel with an ESU Lok-Sound Select Micro decoder in 2015. The S-2 diesel switcher is a neat small locomotive. I purchased 2 Santa Fe S-2 units and they perform extremely well. The detailing is crisp and the sound from the ESU Lok-Sound decoder is outstanding. I have a third ATSF S-2 which still hasn't been released as Atlas has released these units in small batches. Atlas has issued the S-2's in a multitude of road names and I can highly recommend the purchase of the small switcher with sound. You won't be disappointed. The S-2 was "built by the American Locomotive Company (Alco). The low-hood S-2 was introduced in 1940 to replace Alco's earlier high-hood switchers. The 1000 horsepower S-2 was a turbocharged version of the S-1. There were 1,502 S-2s sold to North American Railroads. The versatility of the S-2s was evidenced by their service on mainline, shortline and industrial railroads.  Features Scaled from actual prototype measurements Option for horizontal or vertical radiator shutters Fine scale handrails Separately-applied coupler cut levers, air hoses, piping, etc. Directional LED lighting (includes cab rear headlight) Die-cast hood and chassis for improved pulling performance Digital-ready chassis Dual-flywheels for maximum performance at all speeds Factory-equipped with Accurail's AccuMate(R) knuckle couplers Exceptional painting and printing DCC Operation Features: Support for all DCC-programming modes Flexible mapping of function keys F0 to F28 A total of 4 DCC function outputs are available Follows all NMRA DCC standards and recommended practices Sound Functionality Features: Over 20 sound effects are available, including engine start-up and shutdown, prime mover sounds through all eight notches, bell, air horn, air compressor, dynamic brakes and more There are 16 user-selectable horns, 2 user-selectable bells, and 2 user-selectable synchronized brake squeals Manual and Automatic Notching modes with the ability to change modes "on the fly" are provided for true realism. Rapido started to release N scale locomotives in N Scale again in 2012. In 2013 Rapido released the GMD-1 locomotives. All road names were Canadian and this small diesel switcher is one fine locomotive. " Rapido Trains Inc. and Montreal Locomotive Works are delighted to announce the N scale GMD-1 locomotive. The GMD-1 was built between 1958 and 1960 by General Motors of London. The locomotive is an extended 1200 HP roadswitcher, equally at home on the branchline, on the mainline, and in the yard. We are pleased to be offering this locomotive in two distinct versions: the original 1000-series and the later rebuilt 1600-series. The 1000-series GMD-1 features A-1-A trucks to distribute its 120 tons over six axles and allow travel on light rail branches in the Prairies. The 1000-series GMD-1 was intended mainly for freight service, with its 65 MPH gearing and lack of a steam generator or pass-through steam lines. However, they could be used with Steam Generator Cars as their cabs were equipped with steam generator controls and blowdown buttons. All 78 1000-series GMD-1 locomotives were delivered between 1958 and 1960. In 1988 CN rebuilt 15 more GMD-1 locomotives for continued branchline use on the Prairies. This was a major rebuild performed by CN's Pointe St-Charles shops in Montreal. The batteries were removed from the short hood and replaced with a chemical toilet and access door and the batteries were moved outboard beside the short hood. The units received anticlimbers, ditch light brackets, straight exhaust stacks and several mechanical upgrades. The cabs were re-oriented to run short hood forward, and interior facilities were improved - they now had a fridge! The 1600-series units were called GMD-1A and received the class designation GR-612A. Rapido Trains Inc. and Montreal Locomotive Works are delighted to announce the N scale GMD-1 locomotive. The GMD-1 was built between 1958 and 1960 by General Motors of London. The locomotive is an extended 1200 HP roadswitcher, equally at home on the branchline, on the mainline, and in the yard. We are pleased to be offering this locomotive in two distinct versions: the original 1000-series and the later rebuilt 1600-series. The 1000-series GMD-1 features A-1-A trucks to distribute its 120 tons over six axles and allow travel on light rail branches in the Prairies. The 1000-series GMD-1 was intended mainly for freight service, with its 65 MPH gearing and lack of a steam generator or pass-through steam lines. However, they could be used with Steam Generator Cars as their cabs were equipped with steam generator controls and blowdown buttons. All 78 1000-series GMD-1 locomotives were delivered between 1958 and 1960. In 1988 CN rebuilt 15 more GMD-1 locomotives for continued branchline use on the Prairies. This was a major rebuild performed by CN's Pointe St-Charles shops in Montreal. The batteries were removed from the short hood and replaced with a chemical toilet and access door and the batteries were moved outboard beside the short hood. The units received anticlimbers, ditch light brackets, straight exhaust stacks and several mechanical upgrades. The cabs were re-oriented to run short hood forward, and interior facilities were improved - they now had a fridge! The 1600-series units were called GMD-1A and received the class designation GR-612A."     All GMD-1 locomotives are offered with an ESU DC/DCC/ Sound Lok-Sound decoder. I purchased two GMD-1 switchers; a Northern Alberta Railroads #302 and a Canadian National RR (Green scheme). Both of these diesels are finely detailed and run beautifully. Rapido also released a Canadian National RR with stripes with various configurations.  Features SOUND MODEL N Scale DC/DCC dual mode (ESU factory decoder equipped!) or equipped with an ESU DC/DCC/SOUND LokSound decoder Dummy plug included with silent models for optional straight DC operation 5-pole, skew-wound motor with excellent slow-speed performance Accurate dimensions from GMD blueprints and field measurements Heavy, die-cast chassis for great pulling power Accurate 1000-series (6-axle) and 1600-series (rebuilt GMD-1A) variations A-1-A trucks with prototypically sized 40" and 33" wheels Full cab interior oriented the correct way (long hood forward for CN 1000-series, short hood forward for NAR and 1600-series) Body-mounted Micro-Trains couplers Up to six road numbers plus unnumbered for each paint scheme True GMD-1 sounds recorded from #1118 (formerly #1018) on the Alberta Prairie Railway BE SURE TO READ THE INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING! The factory default address for your GMD-1 is 3. If you have a sound-equipped GMD-1, you need to press F8 to turn on the sound!! The installed sound decoder is an ESU LokSound Select Micro with custom Rapido sounds. Below is a full function list: F0 Headlights F1 Bell F2 Horn F3 Straight to 8 F4 Brake F5 Doppler horn F6 Switching mode F7 Headlight dimmer F8 Startup/Mute/Shutdown F9 Sarco valve (spitter) - Slow F10 Sarco valve (spitter) - Fast F18 Brake set-release F19 Air release F20 Sarco after shutdown Still not to be undone, Rapido just released New Haven EMD FL9's to go along with the recently released Rapido New Haven lightweight passenger coaches.  I elected to run my New Haven lightweight passenger coaches headed by BLI PA's since they pre-dated the EMD FL9's and coincided with the era of my railroad, the steam-transiton era to 1963. The EMD FL9's took over from the PA's in the very early 1970's. " The EMD FL9 has secured a rightful place in North American railroad history. These dual-power locomotives were designed to operate on both diesel-electric and on pure electric power so that they could haul the New Haven Railroad’s passenger trains in and out of New York City’s Grand Central Terminal without the need for an engine change.  Built between 1955 and 1960, many of the fleet continued in regular revenue service for nearly fifty years on both long haul and commuter trains. While the last revenue commuter run occurred in 2009, two units remain in regular revenue service today on the Maine Eastern between Brunswick and Rockland Maine. Several others have been preserved and are in use on tourist railroads in both the US and Canada." The EMD FL9's were leased in the following road names: New Haven (various configurations), Penn Central, MTA  (1979-1983), Metro North (1979-1983), Amtrak (various configurations) and Undecorated versions. Many modelers who purchased the EMD Rapido FL9 state that its is nicely detailed and runs extremely well. The backup light is  functional as well. One must be careful not too pull out the trucks from the frame as there is difficulty repositioning the truck contacts on the underlying metal contact strips as the strips can be easily bent out of shape.  Features Correct details Separate grab irons Road-number and era-specific details applied at the factory Correct fuel and water tanks, cooling coils, and other details! Full underframe details Operational headlight and back-up lights Full cab interior Sound-equipped DCC model with an ESU LokSound sound decoder Authentic sounds including Hancock air whistle (where appropriate) Will operate smoothly on DC and DCC layouts Rapido’s proven 5-pole, skew-wound motor and silky-smooth drive system Micro-Trains couplers mounted at the correct height  MRC formerly Model Power has also released new 4-6-2 "Pacifics" and 2-8-2 "Mikado's" with sound using MRC sound decoders. Both the 4-6-2 "Pacifics" and 2-8-2 "Mikado's" were released in various road names. I purchased two MRC 4-6-2 "Pacifics" ,  a UP 4-6-2 and a Southern "Crescent" 4-6-2. Both performed adequately and the sound was pretty good for a MRC sound decoder. The one thing that improved immensely was the pulling power of this steamer. 25-30 cars is the norm for the steamer on level track, which was a big improvement over the pevious rins of MP 4-6-2's which could barely pull itself up a 2% grade. However, the wiper system on the locomotive and tender is basically still the same, 1970's technology. The performance of the 4-6-2 would be greatly enhanced if you used a Kato Mikado tender or a Bachmann Spectrum tender where all the tender wheels are "live". I used the above technique on an Undecorated MRC 2-8-2 "Mikado" that I purchased. This steamer would barely run six -twelve inches before it would shut down. The tender wipers were all bent out of shape upon close inspection. I guess MRC never cleared up the quality control issues that MP had. So, to make a long story short, I used an extra long Spectrum long tender I had, and completely rewired the locomotive and MRC sound decoder in the Spectrum tender. I also replaced the MRC factory installed speaker with a Zimo sugar cube speaker. I used a Kato Mikado draw bar to attach the tender to the MRC locomotive. Now this steamer runs and sounds beautifully and pull 35-40 cars on level track. Due to the erratic performances of these MRC steamers due to their tender issues, I doubt I'll be buying any new MRC steamers until MRC changes the design of the wiper systems on their locomotive and tenders. " Following the federal takeover of the nation's railroads in late 1917, the United States Railroad Administration (USRA) began developing standardized locomotives (a radical idea at the time) to create a national pool of engines that could be operated anywhere they were needed. Common parts simplified construction and repair. Among these designs was a heavy 2-8-2 for roads where track and bridges would support an engine slightly larger than a light Mikado. While 233 were built under USRA control, the design proved to be popular and over 900 copies were built with minor variations. Some 27 different railroads owned heavy "Mikes," many of which were later upgraded and rebuilt, and served until the end of steam."   Features - Beautifully Packaged in a Jewelry Style Plastic Chest! - Die-Cast Metal Boiler, Cylinders, & Frame - Knuckle Coupler Equipped - NEW Tender Pick-ups - NEW Pilot Truck Pick-up - NEW Improved Driver Wiper Pick-ups - Traction-Tire Equipped for Extra Pulling Power - NEW Notched Driver Axle - NEW Golden White LED Lighting - Precision Brass Fly-Wheel and Worm Gear - Superior Painting and Authentic Schemes - Separately Applied Details - Road Name Specific Details (Trailing Truck/Tender) Industry Leading MRC DCC & SOUND - Dual Mode -- Operates in DC & DCC - 16 Bit Sound -- Volume Control - Back EMF Load Control - Pilot Light Operation - Auto Brake sound Feature w/Brake Activation - Choose from 17 Whistles w/Individual Volume & Rate Control - Choose from 8 Bells w/Individual Volume & Rate Control - Choose from 10 Chuffs w/Individual Volume & Rate Control - Prototypical Non-Articulated Sound - Individual Sounds VOLUME CONTROL FOR ALL THE FOLLOWING AND MORE!... - Brake Squeal - Air Release - Blower Hiss - Water Injector - Coupling - Water Filling - Rail Clack  Now onto Intermountain. Intermountain plans to release new EMD FT's with ESU lok-Sound decoders in various road names in late 2016-2017. They also plan to release EMD SD-45-2's with Lok-Sound decoders in several road names as well. EMD SD45-2 Features of the EMD FT's Both locos are powered! Locos will be packaged as an A-B set. Both A and B units are individually powered! Five-pole motor with flywheel for reliable operation, silky smooth Regal-Line drive. Installed Accu-Mate® Couplers Photo etched see-through metal side grill details See-through, blackened metal roof fans (similar to Atlas FM Train Masters). Three "A" unit distinct body styles. Two "B" unit distince body styles. Phase I, Phase II, Phase III DB's, Non-dynamic versions - match prototype! Free standing hand rails which will be prototype specific!. Multiple road #'s available for each roadname. (4 sets of road #'s) Will be offered in DCC Ready, DCC Installed and DCC LokSound versions.    As one can see the N scale modeler has many choices if one desires sound in N scale steam locomotives and diesels and the new choices are expanding rapidly.  Stay cool and run steam..... Denver