Servicing my A4 locomotives
Hi all,
I recently acquired 3 A4 Live Steam locos. I started to build a large DCC OO Gauge layout and purchased these to run a a track close to the DCC track. Before I try to work out how to use run these locos I would like to service them.
Does anyone have instructions on how to service these locos, any idiosyncrasies associated with them. I have serviced lots of my DCC locos, but nave Live Steam.
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On your layout, did you think about making one or more circuits of track dual purpose - DCC or Live Steam? I have just done this by using isolating connections between the DCC only areas and the L.S. Track circuits. Supplies to the two now isolated ovals are via a reasonably heavy duty double pole double toggle switch so that can be supplied via the DCC controller or the L. S. controller, but never both, so foolproof. It works! Centre setting on the switch is both supplies off, throw one way for DCC and the other for L.S. As switching from one to the other passes through ‘all off’ then you cannot accidentally supply both colours of electricity to the track. Centre two connections on the switch, which would normally be supply, go to the track, and then one side is supplied from DCC and the other from the L.S. On just DCC all track is DCC and locos can use the crossings between the isolated ovals and the rest of the layout. Or I can have one or both ovals L.S. But then of course the DCC locos cannot be allowed to use the crossings of course! I have run both DCC and L.S. together, but you do need to concentrate! Remember though that the L.S. circuits need to use hefty cable and droppers every section if possible so that you don’t get voltage drops across points or they will get hot. I have yet to attempt two L.S. and also DCC. Technically it works well, but trying to drive two L.S. and watch the others on my own might be too much for my levels of concentration.