elite194

Wiring is done and Pug is going to help us demonstrate the final reveal of this programming track. We are using a Digikeijs DR5000 for our programming track.

Using a Digikeijs DR5000 we can make our entire workbench a programming track and an industry with its own power district. Use of the programming track is seamless with the layout. Recently we discovered that the workbench may have exceeded the amount of rail for accurate programming, so now we're installing another DPDT switch on the Master Control Panel to isolate 2 tracks and eliminate programming errors.

Let's do the first step to prevent this HO scale Kato SD40-2 from having another melt down. We're going to use the Klutch Mini Mill with a 2 flute endmill tool.

Cracked Axles are known and frequent hazard. These 3 Bachmann Spectrum GE 44 Ton Switchers, like many Proto 2000 locomotives, all had axles that were cracked and split. We're going to fix them with a 2 part plastic bonder from JB Weld. So far.... success!

Bachmann Spectrum 44 Ton Switcher Disassembly Part 1. We've got 3 of the Spectrum 44 tonners and the first thing to do is figure out to take it apart. Then we'll show the tentative plan to remotor these units.

HO scale Kato GP35 is complete with an NCE DASR decoder and a Details West Rotary Beacon. Let's test it.

This HO scale Kato GP35 is getting a Details West Rotary Beacon wired to and Accu Lights board. The wiring is easy but the assembly can be a bit of trouble. Last look at final wiring on the NCE DASR decoder.

Clean, lube and rewire complete so now we can reasemble the trucks and let's put the motor on the bench tester and see how it performs on this Kato GP35.

We've needed a good tool to bend fine steel wire for a while now. Using the lineman's pliers for bending steel wire is time consuming and each bend has to be carefully examined and often adjusted. So what if I told you that you could build a better tool for this task? Would that be something you might be interested in?

I've always wanted to use Matchbox, HotWheels and Resin vehicles on my HO scale train layout. When done right, they are exceptionally outstanding. This is an intro to how to start preparing for using these vehicles that we all loved way back when.

Let's make a bunch of steel handrail stanchions from .015 music wire really fast and accurate.

Here's a last look at Pug before he goes into the 2023 Diesel Locomotive Contest. He's looking mighty fine for a completely scratchbuilt locomotive.

time to make some fuel tanks the super simple way using tin from a down spout that you can get at the hardware store for a couple bucks.

Here is quick look at what we have to make to get these locomotives operational.

Pug has returned better than before.

Pug's got his Mark XIV v5 trucks and as expected they made quite a bit of difference in pulling ability.

We've upgraded the 2 axle trucks once again and these are the best ones yet.

Pug is fully operational, but he will now be getting an upgrade.

Here is the power pickup plan and the preparation for scratchbuilding sideframes.

Work platforms are an excellent tool you can make and use to clean up your wiring in both DC and DCC.

Assembly of the Mark XIV version 3 3 axle truck.

Let's see if Pug is heavy enough to pull his scrapping train. Also, the 2 best friends, Ferdinand & maus are going to bring the scrapping train to the workbench.

We're going to use our Craftsman Bandsaw, 9" model 124.3299, and cut some aluminum barstock.

A few improvements and it is time to test Pug, our first fully scratch built locomotive in DC.

The Mark XIV trucks are hooked up to the rare earth magnet test motor so let's see if they will work.