Model Railroad Organizations

 

Hi folks - due to the recent weather here in the Maritimes of Canada, my model railroading season has been extended. Although we have had a couple of nice days, it seems like rainy cool days have been more the norm this spring so far. My modeling is continuing and it seems like there has been just enough decent weather to get most of my outside jobs done so far - so yes a happy balance. Recently I decided to join the NMRA National Model Railroad Association (nmra.org)   As of 1 May 2021 , I am officially a member. I have always known about the NMRA, even when I was a young modeler in the late 70's early 80's. Back then I was a member of the TAMR - teen association of model railroading and wrote an article on my  layout for the Canadian Division  newsletter (The Intercolonial) that was published - I still have a copy of the old black and white newsletter. I found it on the archives of the TAMR website as well:
8103.pdf (teenrailmodel.org)
 I have been a member of the MFMR Maritime Federation of Model Railroaders (mfmr.ca)  since around 1998 when I got back into the hobby. When I joined that organization, the NMRA was inactive in this region of Canada, so joining the NMRA then was not something I considered. That being said, the region has been "reactivated" approx 3-4 years ago and having recently become curious about it, I decided why not. Eastern Canada Division – NMRA ~ NER (wordpress.com) I attended my first on line meeting this past week - it was the annual general meeting and I must say I was impressed with what  saw ( and heard). I am looking forward to becoming an active member and have already volunteered to do a product review for the newsletter. Stay tuned for an update on my layout work -big project! Till next time...

New DCC System Part 2

 Hi Folks. Since my last update,  I have installed the new Digitrax DCC system a couple of weeks ago and as well have found a buyer for my old Lenz system. The installation was pretty straight forward and getting it up and running didn't take much time. I must admit having wireless throttles is a cool new feature for me! That being said, as with any new DCC system, there is still a lot to learn and become proficient at. I have joined a Digitrax support group and have already been able to learn a few things from that. Along with the new Evox D system, I installed just one UP5 fascia mounted jack ( powered) so if a visitor brings an older plug in Digitrax throttle, it can still be used - also gives me an outlet if I have to synch any duplex throttles - avoiding crawling under the layout to hook up to command station. Shortly after I ordered the new system, I decided that I wanted to add wireless capability for visitors by means of adding the Digitrax LNWI module to my system. Most folks have smart phones nowadays and a lot of the model railroaders I know have a throttle app on their phones. The added benefit of this is fewer throttles to buy ( they aint cheap!!). I have a Samsung tablet that can be used as a throttle as well, so that was tested with the new LNWI Module.  Initially I kind of wondered if having both the Duplex (UR93) module and the Wireless module (LNWI) operating at the same time might cause issues. I went on the Digitrax forum and was able to see that some users of the older UR92 duplex module did indeed have issues. Part of my installation process was to load the newest firm wear updates to both the modules in hopes that Digitrax had figured out any bugs and that I would not experience any issues. Well I am happy to report , that after installing the LNWI module, and using my Samsung tablet ( with the Engine Driver App), that things worked just fine and I was able to control one loco on Duplex throttle and one on the Samsung tablet (LNWI)....Till next time - happy railroading.

Digitrax DT602D throttle (Wireless) and New UP5 Jack

New UT6D utility throttle (wireless)

New Digitrax DCS210+ Command Station

UR93 Duplex module (Left) and LNWI wireless module (Right)

Engine Driver App on Samsung Tablet