I finally got my Forney working properly! I've received another package from the UK and have been able to fit a new Rx into my loco. I also ordered a different Tx that can control 12 different locos and has inertia control. I really like this controller and recommend it.
No photos today. I'm still getting used to my new apartment, and don't have much here. But, I'm getting there. Hopefully soon I am going to visit some local layouts.
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I also bought one #831 set of couplers. These are large off-set couplers for truck mounting. I put them on my SRRL caboose. You can see that I aquired a few older Kadees from eBay purchases in the below photo. The original owner had painted the couplers to look rusty. They also cut the trip pins. I've done my best to refurbish the internal workings of these units, but not all of them have worked well. I may have to just replace them.
It's snowing today in Massachusetts, so I hurried up and pulled out some stock. Here's a few of the photos I took!
It snowed last night! Which means that I my first thought was Oh yay! I get to try out my new plow! Unfortunately #7, whom is meant to run with the plow isn't operational yet. My Forney is also having issues at the moment, but it cooperated long enough for me to try out the plow in the dense, packed snow. Here's some photos I took during the testing...
Unfortunately, this test only really cleared a section of straight track. The curve I was headed towards is buried under almost 2 feet of snow, so that clearly wasn't going to happen... I al slightly worried about the clerence this plow will provide on a curve, but at least it gives plenty of space on a straight; as can be seen above. I did take about 4 minutes of video while operating in the snow. Once I get to edit it down I'll add it to this post.
A short video of #10's test run outside on the very roughly laid track. Yesterday I finished my Forney! It runs great, with two minor exceptions... It appears that my smokestack doesn't work right and the charger port isn't working. So, I have to rewire the jack and try to figure out what's wrong with the smoke generator. But, if I can't get that to work it's not the end of the world. The MLS Soundcard works well. I like the way it works overall. The speaker may be a little small and I could probably get better sound with a larger unit. Tomorrow I'll take a video running the locomotive outside and hopefully get a decent sound recording. We shall see... One other thing I have to do is paint the bit of styrene I stuck on the back to fill in the hole where I put the switch for the smoke stack. That hole is where LGB had a multi-purpose port. Here's a few shots during the wiring... It's almost that time! I'll be finally wiring my Forney very soon to operate on battery & R/C control. In the last week I've furnished and fitted a small styrene shelf in the steam dome for the speaker. I've also created a custom housing for the two circuit boards - one on top of the other - that will fit in the boiler where the original LGB circuitry was screwed down. I won't be using screws to attach my circuit boards, but small double-sided sticky pads.
Today I picked up my package from the post office which contained my Rx and Tx from RC Trains in the UK. Hopefully my locomotive will be running by Sunday! It's not much, but today I took apart my Forney and it won't be going back together until I have it all rewired! The only actual thing I did today to modify the loco was drilling a hole and screwing the charging socket into place.
It is May now and I'm still waiting on a few components so that I can rewire my Forney. However, I did buy the MLS Sound Card! I'm not sure if I had the battery last post, but I do now and I'm a little disappointed. Unfortunately it appears that I measured the bunker wrong and the battery doesn't fit. It will have to go into the cab (and you'll be able to see it.). I'll probably cover it with something black so it's less noticeable. Also, due to this problem, I've decided not to power the LED that is in the cab currently. So, in light of such events here is my final (I hope) wiring diagram for my battery powered Forney. Technical Notes:
Please see my previous post on specifications of my parts used, if you have not already. I am very tired. So, this will be a very short post. Today I got the rest of my track supports in - almost. But, I finished enough that I was able to run my Forney at full speed with no issues (except for a slight problem with the grade - which I hope I'll be able to control a bit better when it is fit with R/C). Here's a short video from one of the prettier parts of my garden. Photos to come... |
Hello!My name is John. This is my website dedicated to all things model railroading! I hope you enjoy! Archives
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