So while I was getting info, the fruit etailer sold out of the TCS decoder for the P42, rats. Oh well just hope now the P42 is still there in the future? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
For consisting you want all the locomotives to have the same decoder manufacturer so they will play well together because they are all seeing the same messages and react the same way. It gets complicated when you mix say a Digitrax decoder with an ESU decoder because the have different algorithms for speed control. Zimo decoders also support RailComPlus and are amazing decoders. RailCom is a true communication protocol. You can send the locomotive a command and have the locomotive confirm the command was successful. It is a bi-directional communication capability. True Command and Control has to be bi-directional. It can ask the locomotive what speed step Digitrax, NCE and MRC do not have a true command and control system because the communication is only one direction. So it can be sent a question like what is your current speed step.
I think I found the TCS decoder on another site at a better price plus Free Shipping. Does the Amtrak P42's have reverse lights? I can't find a photo of them any where, model or real life working? But the decoder has both forward and rear light's.
P42s do actually have reverse lights, a pair right above the rear door, and the Kato model has them accordingly. I doubt they see a lot of use on the prototype, but they do exist.
So I found the TCS decoder on another site, think auction site, brand new. I thought about getting the Digitrax decoder from the fruit etialer, but that's not what I want or think will sell if I sell it in the future. It appears the Amtrak people prefer the TCS decoder, I guess. Now, going down the rabbit hole again, I decided to get some Amtrak cars to pull with it. I can go cheap and get the two car set, or the 3 car set which I like better. It appears the 2 car set is the original cars it pulled? I have no idea, as I am just learning about Amtrak. Does anyone know the length of these cars in inches approx? Kato N 106-8013 Amfleet I Coach Phase I Paint 2-Car Set B Kato N 106-6286 Amtrak Amfleet Viewliner Intercity Express Phase VI 3-Car Set in Book-style Case And oh yeah, why not since on a light kick! 3 of these, Kato N 11-211 Passenger LED Car Interior Lighting Kit Version 2 Single Piece! At least I hope that is the correct kit? I appear to be drawn to the 3 car set in Blue, more then the 2 car set? This is the N Scale version. It looks so real. Kato did a really good job on this one And only the locomotive and do they show the rear light's even though it is backing up? Of course not! I can not find a picture or video of the real thing with the rear light's on. Well I saw the back light's when it was going forward but they where not on, dang it! Does the N Scale have 2 LED's on the back?
Alright order placed, got the Digitrax decoder from the fruit etialer. Not planning on a consist anyway. We will just have to see since this is my first Amtrak locomotive. It's all about the looks for me, has nothing to do with prototypical, that's how I roll. Wanted everything to come from the same place since I could! I'm excited! New stuff for Christmas, a gift to myself of course Got a surprise to show you too when I get the order!
Picked mine up at the hobby shop today. As an added bonus, they had the new Amtrak ALC-42 Charger with the Superliners on display. Very nice looking models! These will join my DC fleet. Basically, my main modeling interest in locomotives gets DCC, and the stuff I pick up because I'm a bit of a collector is DC.
So you got the P42 Operation Lifesaver in N Scale, and the ALC-42 Charger? Is that the new Siemans thingy? Pictures if you don't mind?
Yes, that's the new Siemens thingy. The shop is only allowed to display it, and can't sell it before December 29th. The owner says Kato will ship them by year end. As for a picture, I didn't even think of taking one. Sorry. They had the regular scheme and the Day One version.
This must be it, correct? If so, the model to me looks better then the real life thingy Of course it just a photo too, so might not look so good in real life? https://katousa.com/alc-42-charger/
Yes they do, but I still want to see how well they pull. And to be honest, if I was to start all over again, I would only do passenger trains.
Why does my Amtrak Kato P42 not have the 203 number board? Isn't it suppose too? No number just a light! The Real locomotive!
Alright I have an NCE PowerCab. I set the CV code to dim the front light. It does, but now, and maybe before it did, when I go in reverse both the front lights are on. Is this correct. Not how my ES44DC's operate? Decoder Digitrax DN163KOA! All they had left and now those are out of stock at my retailer. Yes I have downloaded the PDF for the decoder.
Well apparently I should look in those tiny packages that come with Kato locomotives. Not only the number boards but longer couplers for my 9 3/4 radius and MU hoses I think. Surprise Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Lighted number board and clear diffuser installed I try to seat it better to get rid of the light leak! Really not noticeable in real life! Anyone know how to put these together and install them?
Well mine finally arrived last night, factory air is still inside until I get the ESU decoder etc to install.
So now you have 61 locomotives? Great, make that 60 more for me to catch up now, NOT Although you and others told me they were heavy, important to me, and great runners. After the initial issue with the decoder installation and getting the contacts to work, I now already want a second one of these, but the decoders are sold out for now, and I want the Midnight Blue 50th, me thinks, with a DCC decoder! I'll have to look around and make sure that's the next P42 I want. And maybe, just maybe, Preorder that Charger thingy?
So was thinking about getting the Amtrak ACL-42 Charger, but after running my Amtrak P=42 Operation Lifesaver last night after working on the lights, me have decided to go with the Midnight Blue P-42 cause they are awesome. Also already know how to install decoder and such, and just love the P-42. Never thought there was anything that could make me stop running my Kato CSX ES44DC's for any time, but I was wrong. I forget who the original member here, there were a few actually, that told me how good they were, and the Kato Amtrak P-42 is even better. I never thought in a million years that I would become and Amtrak fan. Of course if it wasn't for the Operation Lifesaver, I wouldn't have even asked about them Man, I sure hope my next P-42 is just as good?
