New Atlas C424s

[wmcbride]

I guess it does still look like it's up on stilts -



-Mark

I bought my one Reading figuring this would be the case and it is. I also have some plastruct angle that I will add to the frame to reduce the see-through effect.

And, yes, as mentioned above, the handrails are not the thinnest but not the worst in N scale.

[sizemore]

"Buddy board"?  Sounds like you are using a name for the aftermarket replacement "motherboard" for H0 models replacinig the factory PC board.

No, that connector is not for a keep alive.  It is for a headlight connections.  The connector is labeled "FL" (front light) and "V+" or blue common positive voltage.  This is actually lingo used by ESU.  As far as I can tell at a quick glance, there are no connectors or even solder pads for the ground or common which are needed for a keep alive.  I have 3 of these models for decoder installs.  Time permitting I'll do my reverse-engineering of the circuit board to see how easy it would be to connect a keep-alive to the motherboard.  I really wish manufacturers would feature solder pads for ground and V+ on those boards.

Yeah both have the same "function" connect stuff to stuff. Potato...Poe-tah-toe.

The official word from Soundtraxx is soldering directly to the diode matrix on the board...dont really like that idea after riding the struggle bus putting a KA on a ESU 59820. I could probably solder into the V+ connections for any of the lights the problem is the ground from what I can tell so far. If the female socket has exposed solder connections to the "motherboard" might be able to get away with it there. Looking forward to what you may find.

The S.

[sizemore]

UPDATE: I took a quick peek at the motherboard and it appears that Atlas is using a logic level output for some function (don't knwo yet - maybe number boards) so  they had to include an "amplifier" transistor on board to convert logic to power output.  That requires a ground signal from the Next18connector and thus provides a place to connect the keep-alive's ground or negative wire. More details when I dive deeper into this board.

Probably runs out to Pin5 or Pin14.

The S.

[peteski]

Probably runs out to Pin5 or Pin14.

The S.

Yes, it does. Then it goes to a transistor and couple other components. You can probably trace it yourself.  "Rerverse engineering" is not too doifficult, especially if one knows electronic components, has a bright workbench light with good magnification, and a continuity meter with very sharp probes.   

[sizemore]

Yes, it does. Then it goes to a transistor and couple other components. You can probably trace it yourself.  "Rerverse engineering" is not too doifficult, especially if one knows electronic components, has a bright workbench light with good magnification, and a continuity meter with very sharp probes.   

It was a lightbulb moment when you mentioned something on the mo-board, had to be a pin on the socket. What are your thoughts on using the V+ for lights for the positive leg of the KA? I’ve seen some posts (not here) where using the V+ for bulbs with Soundtraxx was not a good choice for the positive leg of the KA.

The S.

[peteski]

I have zero experience with contemporary Soundtraxx decoders. I'm an ESU/ZIMO (and earlier Digitrax and TCS) guy.  Generally the U+, V+, or  "blue" (12 Volts) common positive voltage source for decoder functions is where keep-alive connect. But I can't can give you a definite answer with Soundtraxx.

[dandopinski]

Not the best picture but I've added an underframe similar to the prototype.

[spookshow]

I still need to run some more tests, but so far I'm not super impressed with the pulling power. Mine can only manage around 20 assorted 40' freight cars through curves on level track, which for me is about the bare acceptable minimum for a diesel of this size. What's been your experience?

-Mark

[spookshow]

Oh, and I did put tape over the bottom of the speaker to make it sound better.  It was a little too tinny for my taste.

Great suggestion, thanks. This made a noticeable difference in the sound quality on mine.

-Mark

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I guess it does still look like it's up on stilts -



-Mark

Just like the prototype!

[Mark5]

Just like the prototype!

Yup, just need to "simulate" the frame. 

https://www.nwhs.org/archivesdb/detail.php?ID=157514

[robert3985]

Since this engine is out of my 1947 thru 1956 layout era, I wasn't too familiar with it.  However, every time I take a look at this thread, I say to myself "That has got to be one of the ugliest, most ungainly looking diesel locomotives."

I am aware that ugliness is often part of the charm of a particular piece of equipment, so, with that in mind, this engine is one of the most charming engines I have ever seen! 

Ahhh...I feel much better now...

Cheerio!
Bob Gilmore

[Dupesy]

I am aware that ugliness is often part of the charm

same holds true for TRW members....

[dandopinski]

Here's a really good picture of the underframe