DCC Workshop

 Hello folks. Recently I received a package from Amazon that enabled me to complete another small job that had been on my "to do" list. Here's what I received:

VCE (10 Pairs) 2.1x5.5mm DC Power Cable Jack Adapter for CCTV Camera and LED Strip - 10 Male&10 Female: Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

I used these to wire all my DCC programming components at my DCC work area to enable me to rapidly switch my programming track back and forth between my 2 DCC programming systems as well as regular DC. I also am now able to quickly change over from my programming track to my ESU decoder tester as well - no longer will I have to use alligator clips and screw and unscrew wires into the terminal blocks on various components. Originally I was going to make a small panel with a couple of rotary switches , but decided I didn't want to go through all the soldering and such. By using these quick disconnect plugs and neatly using wire clips and zip ties, I was able to make the wiring neat and out of the way for the most part. Here is my DCC work area:

In the above picture, you can see my 2 DCC programming systems 1. Digitrax PR3 (with DCC Specialties Power PAX booster) and 2. ESU Lok Programmer. Both these systems connect to the Netbook PC with  USB Cables ( both neatly coiled and hung on wall hooks in the picture above). I use the PR3 with JMRI and the ESU with the Lok Programmer software. I purchased the Netbook PC ( 10 inch screen) several years ago specifically because of its size and what I intended to use it for - it wasn't brand new, but was reconditioned and had Windows 7 installed on it. Because it is circa 2010 vintage, it sure isn't the fastest PC, but it works great for what I use it for and I love its small compact size. The only software loaded on it is the Lok Programmer software, JMRI and Digitrax Sound Loader software. It still has enough speed that if I want to look something up on the internet that I can without going upstairs to my "normal" laptop. On the shelf above the hardware, I have both HO and N scale test tracks which not only allow me to program decoders, but because both JMRI and ESU Lok Programmer have throttles built in , I can test any changes as well on the fly. In the picture above, my ESU Decoder tester is currently hooked up to the Lok Programmer and the PR3 is connected to the HO Scale test/programming track. I have a small vertical stack of drawers under the left side of the desk and my soldering station on the desktop. Having a well lite area and everything that you need for decoder installs close at hand sure makes for a more relaxed work environment. Till next time....

New Loco

 Hello folks - no Freight Car Friday this week - however I did receive a long awaited package in the mail yesterday afternoon from Pacific Western Rail Systems Pacfic Western Railway (pwrs.ca)

In August of 2019 Athearn announced a new release of their Genesis GP 7 model in Maine Central Harvest Yellow paint scheme. I had not purchased any of the Athearn Genesis locos since the late 90's when I purchased one of the lines first releases - a Canadian National SD70 (sold off years ago), so I was curious as to the quality of the line after 20+ years. I opted for a non-sound equipped version. They are offered in four road numbers  - I picked # 567 , as 2 of the offered road numbers were the same #'s as the Atlas models released back around 2005 in the same paint scheme of which I already have on my roster ( which I must say still work great!) The model was well packaged with a heavy box and foam inserts with a plastic tray that the model is secured with along with all the associated paperwork (exploded parts diagram, etc.). I did have a small disappointment when I opened the model  - one of the etched metal radiator side grills at the back end had fallen off - not a big issue as I quickly (and carefully ) glued it back in place - just a little disappointing when you pay this much for a model! Several months ago , I picked up a new 21 Pin TCS decoder (EU621) to have on hand when I received the locomotive  EU621 | Train Control Systems (tcsdcc.com)   Removing the shell of this model was straight forward - only requiring the removal of the couplers and coupler boxes and the shell lifted easily off. I installed the EU621 decoder and replaced the shell and installing a new set of Kadee #158 ( scale head whisker couplers). Removal of the shell on the model is much easier than doing that on the Atlas GP7 models. I placed the loco on my programming track in my workshop and used JMRI to change a couple of settings including the address # and to have independent control of the front and rear lights ( something I prefer). That was about it and then onto the layout for a test run - It runs very nicely with smooth slow speed performance. It seems to be slightly lighter than my Atlas models, so I would suspect that it might not be able to pull as much, however i don't think that will be an issue as I don't run long trains. Their has been a lot of discussion on the MEC Facebook page about this model - seems some folks are disappointed in the paint color - it definitely is a different shade of Harvest Yellow than the comparable Atlas models and that has caused a fair amount of negative comments. That being said ,I think it is a very well done model esp. with the MEC specific detail parts ( nose bell , horn , etc.)and am glad to have it in my collection. Till next time folks.....

Athearn Genesis MEC GP7 #567