Progress On Switch Replacement In Zenith Yard

As I've posted, I have a project in which I've replaced the last twin coil switch machines on my layout, but because I no longer want to climb under the table to do things like this, I replaced those switches, as well as the connecting tracks in the area, with Kato HO Unitrack. The switch machines for Unitrack are remote, but they're contained entirely inside the roadbed, which means I didn't have to do any work under the table.

I've begun the task of bringing scenery up to the level of the rails and ties, which is the biggest step to disguising the look of the Unitrack. I'm using Sculptamold mixed with craft paint to do this.

When the Sculptamold is dry, I'll cover it with cinders and other ground cover. It will be less of a vivid red as it dries, but the color is mainly to keep little patches of white from peeking through the cinders. I'll also experiment with extending a very thin layer of cinders over the Unitrack itself, as well as painting tbhe sides of the rails.

Back To T-TRAK

I've been experimenting with more variations on T-TRAK modules for home use. Not long after I first got started doing this, a fledgling T-TRAK group got organized in the Los Angeles area, but the COVID lockdowns took all its potential venues away for a couple of years, and when meets became possible again, a lot of potential members had lost interest, and then some of the best venues began requiring insurance from meet participants.

Thus I've had less motivation to build modules that follow T-TRAK interchange standards, like the double main line, since it's less likely I'll ever run modules at a meet. So here's a new module, a double track to single, which is not kosher for standard T-TRAK at all:

Conceptually, this is a CTC control point plus a short spur. It uses Peco code 80 switches with Peco switch machines, which I find more reliable than Kato Unitrack switches. Unitrack end sections are spliced onto the Peco or Atlas switches and flex track to allow the modules to be connected with Kato Unijoiners.

The underside of the module shows the Peco switch machines and the start of the numerous terminal strips and other hardware that go under my modules. The switch machines will be controlled by a Digitrax DS52. My modules have a DCC bus that runs through the rails via the Unijoiner connections between modules, and each module has takeoffs from drops between the track and the terminal strips.

There will also be an NCE Illuminator that will convert the DCC signal in the rails to DC current for signals and lighting. The signals will reflect the switch positions via Atlas Snap Relays running in parallel with the switch machines.

The module itself is from Osborn Model Kits. I've seen that vendors for T-TRAK module kits come and go. One problem seems to be the availability of plywood due to supply chain interruptions, but Osborn is still in business, ships promptly, and has a good product.

Athearn 1990s Bluebox 9-44CW

Here's an almost 30-year-old project I started but never quite finished, an Athearn bluebox kit for a Union Pacific 9-44CW complete with metal handrails.

I first wrote about this model last year. Last week I got around to adding a Digitrax DH126P decoder:

UP 9820 would be an ex C&NW unit built in 1994 and renumbered UP in 2001. The lightning sripe pattern and the nose wings were new at that time, but the sill stripe was still red. Considering the date of the prototype Athearn seems to have followed, this must be at the very tail end of Athearn's domestic production.

For companrison with this model, here is my ScaleTrains 9-44CW 9643 that represents an ex SP unit with the straight upper stripe, no wings, but the post-2005 yellow sill stripe. I see that I still need to add Kadees to this loco.

I have parts on order to complete the details for UP 9820, including a set of Run 8 cab windows for the Athearn 9-44CW off eBay. I will probably also add PTC antennas to the cab roof but keep the red sill stripe.

As I compare the two models, I see that there are enough paint and detail differences to make it worthwhile to have them near each other on the layout, but they clearly represent two very different generations of model.

Atlas Erie Lackawanna U33C

As I continue working my way through installing DCC in a lifetime locomotive collection, I've reached my Atlas 1990s U33Cs. These marked several milestones, they were the first commercial models to come with a factory 8-pin DCC socket, and they were also the firstt Atlas locos developed entirely in China. On the other hand, from what I've read, even though the circuit boards included an 8-pin DCC socket, they got the headlight wiring wrong. In addition, these models weren't up to the manufacturing standard of later made-in-China Atlas models.

In particular, I've always been unhappy with how the cab meets the battery boxes with a fairly large gap, which you can see in the photo below.

I suppose it would be possible to investigate exactly what's wrong with the fit and trim things down slightly, but so far, I haven't felt enthusiastic about that task. Maybe later. I do note that for whatever reason, Atlas has never re-run these locos.

Regarding the circuit board, I decided rhe easiest solution was simply to toss it along with the incandescent lamps and replace it with a Digitrax DH165A0. This has the advantage that it has resistance that allows LEDs to be connected without the need for external resistors. This worked out well in this project, and despite the imperfections of the body, the loco runs as well on DCC as later Atlas China locos.

In the late 1990s, these locos could be found at very good prices at discount, and I picked up a number at the time, and I've reached the point where I'll be upgrading at least some of them with DCC and LEDs. Maybe I need to take a serious look at seeing what I can do to fix the gap under the cabs.