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F Units
Jun 27, 2015 4:27:56 GMT -5
Post by domi on Jun 27, 2015 4:27:56 GMT -5
Thanks Rob for your analysis. From most vantage points, it appears to me that the overall size difference is negligible, which I find a pleasant surprise. Obviously, the AZL F units, due to technological advances in the hobby, have more detail and upgraded mechanical and electronic characteristics. What I like is that those who have collected copious MTL F units don't have to retire them. MTL's units will look acceptable lashed up with AZL's counterparts. Unfortunately, operating both under DCC is another matter. Steve Maybe that's where unpowered MTL's B units maybe useful, to hold a decoder, even if from the factory they roll like a nanny goat resting on its horns. Otherwise I think it would be easier to do some wiring on MTL F7's motor in order for it to catch its juice from a neighbouring DCCed AZL F in a permanent drawbarred consist. Just my today's two cents, Dom |
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F Units
Jun 28, 2015 9:26:09 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by steveeusd on Jun 28, 2015 9:26:09 GMT -5
Dom--
All good points. Thanks for sharing.
Steve
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F Units
Jun 28, 2015 13:24:44 GMT -5
Post by Rob Albritton on Jun 28, 2015 13:24:44 GMT -5
Maybe that's where unpowered MTL's B units maybe useful, to hold a decoder, even if from the factory they roll like a nanny goat resting on its horns. Otherwise I think it would be easier to do some wiring on MTL F7's motor in order for it to catch its juice from a neighbouring DCCed AZL F in a permanent drawbarred consist. Just my today's two cents, Dom Hi Dom, Be careful hooking up more than one motor to a DCC output. Most decoders come with Back EMF enabled, and they are not going to be happy with two motors attached. If you can, disable Back EMF if you're attaching two motors. Another potential problem: our AZL can motors draw very little power compared to the old MTL motors. Again, this could make any DCC decoder a bit grumpy. I've got zero experience with connecting two motors of differnt design to one DCC decoder, but I did make my own DCC decoder from scratch years ago, and from what I can recall, I would experiment quite a bit on the bench before I set that up as a permanent install. Best, -Rob(A) AZL's resident DCC promoter. |
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F Units
Jun 29, 2015 7:38:08 GMT -5
Post by domi on Jun 29, 2015 7:38:08 GMT -5
Good point Rob, thank you, I'll remember when I switch to DCC.
Dom
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F Units
Jun 29, 2015 9:37:14 GMT -5
Post by charlie on Jun 29, 2015 9:37:14 GMT -5
Good point Rob, thank you, I'll remember when I switch to DCC. Dom Hi Domi, I see that we both are going to fall for DCC! I have no experience yet in DCC, but it seems to be easy for the diesels....just afraid with the steams :s About DDC-ing the AB units, I understood that 2 decoders are needed, one for each, seems logic. But do they get the same decoding address ? Charlie |
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F Units
Jun 29, 2015 10:47:31 GMT -5
Post by shamoo737 on Jun 29, 2015 10:47:31 GMT -5
It makes sense to give them the same address, but you don't have to. you just have to use consist when you run them together. Also, I have use a decoder on two locomotives, but you have to use a wire that is thin enough that will bend on curves.
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F Units
Jun 29, 2015 10:59:28 GMT -5
Post by Rob Albritton on Jun 29, 2015 10:59:28 GMT -5
It makes sense to give them the same address, but you don't have to. you just have to use consist when you run them together. Also, I have use a decoder on two locomotives, but you have to use a wire that is thin enough that will bend on curves. Hey Moo, Which two locos did you wire to the single decoder? Inquiring minds.... Best, -Rob(A) Senior Executive Vice President for Digital Signals, Hybrid Power Systems, and Snacks. AZL |
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F Units
Jun 29, 2015 11:39:17 GMT -5
Post by shamoo737 on Jun 29, 2015 11:39:17 GMT -5
Rob A, it waa a SD40 mother and calf Gerd made. There was no room in the calf for a decoder.
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F Units
Jun 29, 2015 18:47:26 GMT -5
Post by Rob Albritton on Jun 29, 2015 18:47:26 GMT -5
Ahh....
...that makes sense - and two Maxon motors - those are good motors. Almost as good as the Faulhaber, but YIKES did they get pricey over time. When we started on the first run of Geeps those Faulhabers were under $20 - now close to $100.
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F Units
Jun 30, 2015 19:23:55 GMT -5
Post by BAZman on Jun 30, 2015 19:23:55 GMT -5
Besides the Sanda Kan issue, MTL ran out of their 1st bulk buy so had the same added cost issue. In this this case, just 2 strikes and they're out !
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F Units
Jun 30, 2015 22:33:34 GMT -5
Post by tinytrainer on Jun 30, 2015 22:33:34 GMT -5
I am really looking forward to the AZL UP units. I've been waiting for maybe too long to sell my "growlers." Sooner I sell them, the sooner I can load up on the AZLs.
Anyone in the group care to give me a hint on the best way to move five MTL powered UP A's, one UP unpowered B, and two Pennsy powered A's? All run great and are in original boxes with correct box paperwork.
fleabay?
Thanks.
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Post by domi on Jul 1, 2015 4:14:28 GMT -5
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Post by davestubbs on Jul 8, 2015 21:46:09 GMT -5
Hi Hans and Rob, Love the F3's had the D&RGW A-B set running all day at a show in San Diego and they were perfect. My question is about the close coupler. It looks like you would be able to "snap" it on and off. If that's true I would think over time it would get weak. Do you have any plans of offering them as a spare part? The other reason is I'm setting up a ABBA super chief and am short 1 close coupler. Bonnets are stunning by the way  Greg, Digitrax makes a drop in decoder DZ123Z0. you will need to file down the chassis power points. the solder sits too high and doesn't fit. tring to force it will crack the tab off. |
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F Units
Jul 10, 2015 2:19:15 GMT -5
Post by davestubbs on Jul 10, 2015 2:19:15 GMT -5
Either way they look so much better with the close coupler.  |
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F Units
Jul 10, 2015 7:36:30 GMT -5
Post by dave on Jul 10, 2015 7:36:30 GMT -5
When utilizing the close coupler, what is the minimum radius for curves?
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