If you're comparing to my live-steam Shay, this IS another Shay, just a larger one (3-truck version); this one is electric model with sound & smoke (by Bachmann). The smaller locomotive doing the switching at the mine is a type called a Climax.
I'm running DCC for track power, which keeps a constant DCC signal on the track; I've actually removed the batteries from my Phoenix 2K2's, they're not needed for DCC operation (& in the Climax, space was at a premium). BEFORE I converted to DCC, I had installed charge jacks, wired in parallel with the battery packs (usually under the tender water hatches on a couple of my Shays; the Climax didn't get sound added until after I had converted to DCC.
Yes, I am (NCE PowerHouse Pro 10-Amp system). Most locos (including the Climax) are using Digitrax DG-583S Large-Scale decoders; 2 exceptions are the Bachmann 3_truck Shay (which came factory-equipped with Tsunami sound decoder) & my Bachmann 2-6-6-2T Mallet, which uses a QSI sound decoder. Sound in the Climax is a Phoenix 2K2 board. ;)
Most of my sound boards are Phoenix 2K2's (in the Climax); I have a newer P5 board (VERY loud!) in Rio Grande Southern Mogul #11. The Bachmann 3-truck Shay has the factory "Tsunami" sound (not quite as good or loud as the Phoenix boards). ;)
How do you recharge the Climax's sound since there is no polarity off switch for it (which the newer shays, and the heislers have), and unlike a tender engine (where you can remove the locomotive and recharge the sound in just the tender on a full power transformer) you can't remove it off the tracks, and if the transformer is put on full power for an hour, the running gear will wear out. What is the best way to recharge the sound in the Climax?
NOT fast, they're designed for low-speed operation on rough, poorly laid track; typical speed is 6 ~ 12 MPH. Fastest I've heard of one running was 16 MPH. in an emergency situation (trying to get a crew to a sawmill fire). What they lack in speed, they make up for in pulling power - can haul heavy loads for their size. ;)
If you're comparing to my live-steam Shay, this IS another Shay, just a larger one (3-truck version); this one is electric model with sound & smoke (by Bachmann). The smaller locomotive doing the switching at the mine is a type called a Climax.
I'm running DCC for track power, which keeps a constant DCC signal on the track; I've actually removed the batteries from my Phoenix 2K2's, they're not needed for DCC operation (& in the Climax, space was at a premium). BEFORE I converted to DCC, I had installed charge jacks, wired in parallel with the battery packs (usually under the tender water hatches on a couple of my Shays; the Climax didn't get sound added until after I had converted to DCC.
A Very informative video. I would like to add that I've had good success mating Kadee's with LGB & Aristocraft couplers as well.
Nice layout and cool two truck shay
Yes, I am (NCE PowerHouse Pro 10-Amp system). Most locos (including the Climax) are using Digitrax DG-583S Large-Scale decoders; 2 exceptions are the Bachmann 3_truck Shay (which came factory-equipped with Tsunami sound decoder) & my Bachmann 2-6-6-2T Mallet, which uses a QSI sound decoder. Sound in the Climax is a Phoenix 2K2 board. ;)
Yes, so have I. :) I tend to do the Kadee conversions in batches, so I'm frequently mating them with other brands.
Most of my sound boards are Phoenix 2K2's (in the Climax); I have a newer P5 board (VERY loud!) in Rio Grande Southern Mogul #11. The Bachmann 3-truck Shay has the factory "Tsunami" sound (not quite as good or loud as the Phoenix boards). ;)
How do you recharge the Climax's sound since there is no polarity off switch for it (which the newer shays, and the heislers have), and unlike a tender engine (where you can remove the locomotive and recharge the sound in just the tender on a full power transformer) you can't remove it off the tracks, and if the transformer is put on full power for an hour, the running gear will wear out. What is the best way to recharge the sound in the Climax?
Beautiful sound system! Which is it?
great video, so not every coupler is the same.
NOT fast, they're designed for low-speed operation on rough, poorly laid track; typical speed is 6 ~ 12 MPH. Fastest I've heard of one running was 16 MPH. in an emergency situation (trying to get a crew to a sawmill fire). What they lack in speed, they make up for in pulling power - can haul heavy loads for their size. ;)