Mike S's recent post about mixed trains hit home with me.? For the first 50+ years of its existence, the BC&G ran only mixed trains.? A coach tacked on the end of the string of 50+ coal cars served both passengers and as caboose for the crews.? That must have been some ride!? ?The BC&G got their first 'legitimate' caboose in 1958 ending the mixed train service.? I model 1964 on my layout but have used modeler's license recently to reintroduce mixed service.
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The first photo is the thrice-weekly mixed train pulling away from the B&O station.? The second photo shows that at Swandale the coach is spotted out of the way at the far end of town at the two-story boarding house which doubles as a station.? I've recently added the small freight dock to the right of the coach for unloading small freight parcels.? The third photo shows the train departing for the return trip to Dundon running tender first as the prototype did in 1964.
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To add interest to the mixed operations, I always come to a full stop just short of coupling the coach.? 'Gotta be mindful of the passengers' comfort.
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The fourth photo is one of the few color images of one of the two BC&G coaches in mixed service.? It was taken by David Marquis, a model railroader, in 1955.? The BC&G's two coaches, #16 and #17, were ex-PRR cars purchased by the BC&G in 1949 for $1500 each.? I've represented both cars by modifying AM combines, sectioning them and adding porthole windows.
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'Anybody else run mixed trains?
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Brooks Stover
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Re: Caboose location in train
I would not have asked the question if I would have read it in the magazine. I haven't taken the MR magazine in years. I guess I will stay with what I have been doing with the caboose on the end of the train blocking the view off the observation platform. I will drop it from trains that have the passenger cars run the line and come back to the starting point. The rear crew can ride the passenger car with the conductor. By doing this I now don't have to add weight to the caboose to keep it from getting knocked off the track in the middle of the train.?
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Thanks to everyone who took the time to reply to my question here and privately.?
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Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16
https://www.youtube.com/@mikesscale3149
Don't let perfection get in the way of good enough! Keep model railroading fun!
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Hi Bill,
I am not using the Blunami decoders. But, I have been watching the SoundTraxx YouTube videos on the decoder. I recommend that you also watch them. It seems that it’s the best way to go for a new modeler moving to dcc.
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If you were to go with a Blunami decoder you can stay with the DC wiring already installed on your layout. Plus no need for a command station investment or JMRI. Possibly your only investment would be the decoder.?
As I was watching the videos I was thinking of you and anyone else wanting to move into dcc.?
Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16
https://www.youtube.com/@mikesscale3149
Don't let perfection get in the way of good enough! Keep model railroading fun!
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Re: Caboose location in train
Thanks Q used that on the Oregon turn out of Eola.? A mainline mixed train and yes I think it had a pot bellied stove.? Lasted til the mid 60s I think.
Aside to your point re steam lines. Generally hookups and disconnections of steam lines required a steam pipe fitter. Union rules and a safety issue.? Another reason to have the passenger cars up front with the locomotive.
The Burlington has many doodlebugs for branchline operations. The line from Rockford to Rochelle had one at one time. Later went to busses. The doodlebugs were of many configurations including combines, baggage, rpo.? They could also haul a passenger car and some freight cars at times
Not all passenger cars in mixed service had steam heat, they had coal stoves and could be located either in the front or rear of the train.? My "cabbage" model is based on a Santa Fe prototype that was used as a caboose for the local.? Note the stack near the end of the car.
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Also, the CB&Q had a shorty combine that was also used as a caboose.
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Rich G(ajnak)
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Re: Caboose location in train
BTW: This question was also asked on page 18 in the November 2024 issue of Model Railroader (You know, the S Scale issue...)? In a nutshell, the answer was pretty much "it depends."
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Another consideration: if the cars are indeed steam heated and switched out for lineside switching, the steam heat lines have to manually disconnected.? They don't separate like air hoses.
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Rich G(ajnak)
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Good point, Brooks. I am using the one amp in my switchers to save space: 
? Roger ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Brooks Stover via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 10:42 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [S-Scale] Decoders for S??
Are the 2-amp versions about the same size as the 1-amp?? If so, I'd agree with you...the safety factor with 2-amp decoders is likely worth the modest price difference.? My experience with 1-amp decoders may not be representative as I run such short trains and at such low speeds.
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Re: Caboose location in train
Not all passenger cars in mixed service had steam heat, they had coal stoves and could be located either in the front or rear of the train.? My "cabbage" model is based on a Santa Fe prototype that was used as a caboose for the local.? Note the stack near the end of the car.
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Also, the CB&Q had a shorty combine that was also used as a caboose.
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Rich G(ajnak)
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Re: Caboose location in train
Hmmmm,
I did not think of steam heat. Really good point. But, that would mean they would have to be cut out at every stop to work the freight, or they would be in the switching shuffle? Or is there another way??
--
Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16
https://www.youtube.com/@mikesscale3149
Don't let perfection get in the way of good enough! Keep model railroading fun!
|
Hi Guys,
The TSU-2200 is a wee bit larger than the TSU-1100. The TSU-2200 is cheaper in cost than the TSU-1100. I get mine from Iron Planet.
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The loco I have a TSU-4400 in is the first Mikado I built and she weighs a ton compared to the AM Pacific. This install goes back before the TSU-2200 became available.? This is also the issue I have had with the Mutt and the 1525 Mikado. With that said I finally after a month and a half have fine tuning the drive train the loco now works out to my satisfaction. This build is now drawing only 3/4 amp on a 2.5 grade 48" curve pulling the mixed train that I just described in my last post. So I am running a DH 126D in that build during the fine tuning and torturous work outs. Trying to get it to fail.? Eventually she will get the TSU 2200 Steam decoder.?
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--
Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16
https://www.youtube.com/@mikesscale3149
Don't let perfection get in the way of good enough! Keep model railroading fun!
|
Re: Caboose location in train
I think all the passenger cars would be up front behind the locos because of steam heat. The freights would be after and the caboose last.
Quick question.
Yesterday a mixed train was called up. Observation, two heavy ?weights along with 11 box cars and a caboose.?
The program called for the caboose to be on the end behind the observation car. Is this where it would be or at the end of the freight cars in front of the passenger cars? Or, left off all together since they were to wind back up in the yard where they started. But on some the go on through and that caboose needs to be on the train.?
I did put it in front of the heavy weights and they pulled it off the rails because it is so lite.?
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Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16
Don't let perfection get in the way of good enough! Keep model railroading fun!
|
Caboose location in train
Quick question.
Yesterday a mixed train was called up. Observation, two heavy ?weights along with 11 box cars and a caboose.?
The program called for the caboose to be on the end behind the observation car. Is this where it would be or at the end of the freight cars in front of the passenger cars? Or, left off all together since they were to wind back up in the yard where they started. But on some the go on through and that caboose needs to be on the train.?
I did put it in front of the heavy weights and they pulled it off the rails because it is so lite.?
--
Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16
https://www.youtube.com/@mikesscale3149
Don't let perfection get in the way of good enough! Keep model railroading fun!
|
As the old man speaks again, back in my
Dynatrol days (most with all the same factors) most engines were
recommended to use a 2.5 amp receiver!? I think they sold 4
ratings.? My AM PA pair used a tethered 6 amp unit. The main
problem was with the OMI S series switchers--so little room, plus
those guys sometimes required heat sinks.? The owner would almost
yell at you returned a dead unit, and the unit was overcooked!?
When i sold out of that system I was
surprised that a 1.5 amp DH seemed to be okay.? With that being
said, we all seemed to want more from smaller packages.? There are
some studies from the people who make the circuit boards regarding
their life spans and initial factory failures.? Would be nice in
helping picking them ==--like consumer reports for us!? Maybe
that's something for AI!
Bob Werre
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Roger,
Are the 2-amp versions about the same size as the 1-amp?? If so,
I'd agree with you...the safety factor with 2-amp decoders is
likely worth the modest price difference.? My experience with
1-amp decoders may not be representative as I run such short
trains and at such low speeds.
?
Brooks Stover
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Roger,
Are the 2-amp versions about the same size as the 1-amp?? If so, I'd agree with you...the safety factor with 2-amp decoders is likely worth the modest price difference.? My experience with 1-amp decoders may not be representative as I run such short trains and at such low speeds.
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Brooks Stover
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Re: Express reefer trucks
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On Monday, February 17, 2025, 10:35 PM, Brooks Stover via groups.io <bcstover@...> wrote: Bud,
The REA reefer was built from a Ye Old Huff and Puff kit.? I upgraded the kit with some styrene parts, Archer Fine Transfer rivets, etc.? You can see some of the upgrades in the build photo attached.? I wrote an article about the build with the theme of upgrading older wooden model kits with better details that appeared in the November 2015 NMRA Magazine.??
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Brooks Stover
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Mike is right about the 2-amp decoders. I have fried a 1 amp in my AM Pacific and so has one of my S pals. The 2 amp doesn’t cost much more for the peace of mind it gives. Roger Nulton ?
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From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Mike Swederska via groups.io
Sent: Tuesday, February 18, 2025 8:14 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [S-Scale] Decoders for S?? I am not going to get into the debate over which system is better. I believe your question is asking which decoder would be OK for S scale and what system to use. The systems are a decent amount of investment on your part. The investment first is time spent researching before purchase. Brooks gave the best advice, investigate the systems being used in your area. And try to spend time with the hobbies and their system to help with your learning curve. If there is nobody around to help you, there is always us and YouTube.? As for decoders, well I have toasted several of the smaller peak amperage decoders including SoundTraxx.? Those stories are for another time. But Yes, you can cook one. I actually have one loco with a 4 amp decoder in it because of the draw under load.? You have described your layout as already being wired for DCC and that was very smart on your part. I believe there is so much more benefits to DCC than any other mechanism to run your trains and it is worth all the effort on your part to learn everything there is that DCC offers. In your beginning, use the KISS method and grow from there.? I use the Digitrax motor decoder on all my non sound locomotives. The DH127 is IMOP is the best decoder for the money. Average price on the net is 18-19 dollars. Plus Digitrax offers a no ask warranty for a year free replacement if you burn it up in anyway. This decoder has to be wired into the model but that is not hard to do at all. Just follow the wiring diagram on the package. It is a 2 amp peak decoder with all the options that a modeler would want in a very expensive decoder. I have them in all my AM non sound diesels like the ones you are asking about.? Finally JMRI is your friend. It is free, down load it and learn to use it. Most of the new systems have the port on them to plug your lap top directly in to the system. This will make the learning curve of programing your decoder much much easier. Not to have the choice to use all the decoder options is crazy and that is where DCC shines today. If and when? you are ready for sound, I only use Soundtraxx 2 amp decoders. Again this is another conversation when the time would come for you.? Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16
Don't let perfection get in the way of good enough! Keep model railroading fun!
|
Hi Bill,
I am not going to get into the debate over which system is better. I believe your question is asking which decoder would be OK for S scale and what system to use. The systems are a decent amount of investment on your part. The investment first is time spent researching before purchase. Brooks gave the best advice, investigate the systems being used in your area. And try to spend time with the hobbies and their system to help with your learning curve. If there is nobody around to help you, there is always us and YouTube.?
?
As for decoders, well I have toasted several of the smaller peak amperage decoders including SoundTraxx.?
Those stories are for another time. But Yes, you can cook one. I actually have one loco with a 4 amp decoder in it because of the draw under load.?
?
You have described your layout as already being wired for DCC and that was very smart on your part. I believe there is so much more benefits to DCC than any other mechanism to run your trains and it is worth all the effort on your part to learn everything there is that DCC offers. In your beginning, use the KISS method and grow from there.?
?
I use the Digitrax motor decoder on all my non sound locomotives. The DH127 is IMOP is the best decoder for the money. Average price on the net is 18-19 dollars. Plus Digitrax offers a no ask warranty for a year free replacement if you burn it up in anyway. This decoder has to be wired into the model but that is not hard to do at all. Just follow the wiring diagram on the package. It is a 2 amp peak decoder with all the options that a modeler would want in a very expensive decoder. I have them in all my AM non sound diesels like the ones you are asking about.?
?
Finally JMRI is your friend. It is free, down load it and learn to use it. Most of the new systems have the port on them to plug your lap top directly in to the system. This will make the learning curve of programing your decoder much much easier. Not to have the choice to use all the decoder options is crazy and that is where DCC shines today. If and when? you are ready for sound, I only use Soundtraxx 2 amp decoders. Again this is another conversation when the time would come for you.?
--
Mike Swederska
Meramec Valley Lines
Modeling Mopac equipment in 3/16
https://www.youtube.com/@mikesscale3149
Don't let perfection get in the way of good enough! Keep model railroading fun!
|
On Mon, Feb 17, 2025 at 07:48 PM, Michael Fox wrote:
Would you rather purchase and wire engine electronics or clean track, to cite one. ?
It's easier for me to clean track.? Even on my old layout, I didn't have to run my CenterLine track cleaning car very often.? Besides, it's getting harder for me to hold a soldering iron steady these days.
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Rich G(ajnak)
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Hi Bill and others interested in the 2026 NASG convention.
The 2026 dates have been set as August 5-9, 2026 so you can mark your calendars now.
If the dream cruise date of the third Saturday in August hold true for 2026 this should put the NASG convention the weekend right before Woodward Dream Cruise.
Cheers,
Jeff J
Michigan
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For whoever is wrangling the 2026 NASG convention in Dearborn please make it just before the Woodward Dream cruise so I can go to both. I know penalty of people in Michigan I could visit. I like visiting Michigan. ? I sort of have that same plan for this year but have to go to Connecticut first. If that actually happens remains to be seen. ? ? Thank You,
Bill Lane
Modeling the Mighty Pennsy, PRSL & Reading in 1957 in S Scale since 1987
See my finished models at:
Look at what has been made in PRR in S Scale! ? See my layout progress at:
Join the Pennsylvania Reading Seashore Lines Historical Society
It's FREE to join!??
Preserving The Memory Of The PRSL
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Michael ? I have a medium sized layout. I almost never “clean track” and still run pretty well. Because my turnout points are isolated I have to scratch them as time. That is about it…. ? Thank You,
Bill Lane
Modeling the Mighty Pennsy, PRSL & Reading in 1957 in S Scale since 1987
See my finished models at:
Look at what has been made in PRR in S Scale! ? See my layout progress at:
Join the Pennsylvania Reading Seashore Lines Historical Society
It's FREE to join!??
Preserving The Memory Of The PRSL
?
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Roger Nulton
Bob Werre
Bill Lane