Even though I did not start this thread, I wanted to thank every one who contributed. This has helped me a lot. I now have the manuals. I really do not know why, I did not print it before, lots of good stuff in them, although this site saves a lot of time, playing "wack a mole" . I now am installing another Tsunami w/o sound in a Frisco E-8, to run as the second unit. Any tips would be of value. With NCE I think I can consist it, but running it backwards and matching speeds will be a interesting project. Thanks to anyone who wants to continue the thread and discussion. Bill Jackson
Running consist in NCE is really easy. When you set up the consist, just make sure that you identify the rear engine as reverse in direction. From personal experience, make sure you write down the consist and which is the lead loco for reference in the future. You may want to for example, add a B unit for some run. Tony L.
When you are finished with a consisit, be sure you kill it before you remove any of the locomotives. NCE puts the consist number in a special CV in each locomotive. If you do not kill the consisit, the CV stays active, and you cannot address the individual locomotives until it is cleared by killing the consisit.
Bill, please tell us what Tsunami Mobile decoder you will be using. Also is your E8 a first or second generation Proto 2000. The second generation has a light board in the back with an 8 pin NMRA jack.
See, the only time I have to worry about something like that is doubleheading and even then, it's more fun to use two throttles. That's the joy of steam.
The second E-8 is just like the one I put the sound decoder in. It is a first run in the light blue box. I have had it for many years, and with my new DCC layout now running, my first joy of it running. The decoder is MC2H104P9, P.N. 852004. It has checked OK on the Program Track. That is as far as I am right now. I did program the headlight, but right now I must hit the headlight button for it to work. In other words, it doesn't come on, automatically when going forward. This engine, is for consist only. Least that is my plan, I didn't put a led in for the Mars light. I think I can consist it, though matching speed, with the lead locomotive, is the challenge. Bill Jackson
Bill, I think that you wil find that since both locomotive are the same make and vintage, and since you are using Tsunami decoders, the speeds will be fairly well matched without doing anything. By default, the headlight for any unit will only come on if F0 is "on" and the locomotive is traveling in the foward direction. When you set up an advanced consist using your NCE system or by directing programming the decoders in the locomotives, the lighting control should fall into place.
The Proto 2000 "first run" Frisco E8's were done as SLSF 2016, Citation, and SLSF 2020, Big Red. The P2K "second run" Frisco E8's were done as SLSF 2019, Cavalcade, and SLSF 2021 Gallahadion. Even though the second run units were supposedly improved, I always liked the first run units better - more popular units, correct steam generator setup, and more handrails. Ken
Bill, I will throw out there that I think it is easier to set all your locomotives in the consist to the address of the lead locomotive. It's easier to remember than a con consist number. However if you plan on changing your locomotive consists every time advanced consisting is the way 2 go. Ethan
I have two Big Red's and one CItation's. I wii see how they run together. I have not tried to consist them. One guy had told me, at our club, that he had to go to the 128 speed thing, to get them to run together. Thanks Keith you are probably right, they might not have been the same type decoder. He's most likely a UP guy. Their kinda different. I have not seen any of the second run's, guess I will start looking. Thanks for that Ken. I have a couple of the race horse decal set's and plan to re-name one of the Big Red's. I need another GP 15-1, I have the 100 unit. I will let you know how they run. Not sure, looks like someone set up this thread for me. I need to send in some support money, you guy's are really great help. Seen somewhere who collected the donations, I don't do paypal. It's probably ok, I just have not used it, Bill Jackson
Ethan, do you just program each unit with the same address? I did not think you could do that. See I plan to leave the two together as a set. My layout is small, so I can use another engine if I want. About three trains on mine is all I will run at a time. Bill Jackson
Bill, yes you can set as many decoders as you want to a certain address. Think about it like this, when you select an address on your system it becomes like a standard DC operation. Everything set to that address (whether it be 1 loco, or 5) they all move in the same direction they are suppose to (you can reverse the dirrection so a engine will run in reverse in the forward setting and vica versa.) I saw a E8 posted recently on ebay, should still be there. It's number 2019 so it would work for you. Word to the wise, with these you will normally get into a bidding war because they are so rare. Also the Admins and Mods have the ability to remove or transplant off topic post(s). Basically someone saw that your posts while, had a similar meaning, were starting to drift away from the topic at hand. So they set up a new thread and moved your part of the discussion here. By doing so it keeps the original thread on topic, and it makes it easier to get an answer to your question. Ethan
Bill - I made a mistake in my last posting about the P2K Frisco E8's ..... I should know better than to trust my memory when posting while enjoying an adult beverage (or two)! The "second run" Proto 2000 Frisco E8's were done as SLSF 2019, Cavalcade, and SLSF 2022, Middleground (not 2021, Gallahadion as I originally posted!). I didn't like the look of the long name on 2022, and since the Frisco did indeed change 2022's name to Champion after the wreck with the MKT at Ft. Scott, I used the Herald King decals to change my 2022's name as well. It worked out well, as all I had to do was change the name - same number. I removed the original name with the gentle use of a MagicRub eraser and a lot of patience. Now my Big Red and Champion run together, just as I often saw them together in Rolla while at MSM. Ken
Again, something I did not know. Probably easier to set both to the same address. Reversing the rear one. I have used eBay before, I guess that I've not seen the second run, would make since their rare. Nice too that someone seen and changed the thread. Bill Jackson
Adult beverage, almost my same thoughts. Ken, thanks for the correction, I will start looking. I have a couple of sets of decals, so I can change. Nice to have the originals. Bill Jackson
When you consisit locomotives using a NCE system, you can either address the consisit with the first locomotive number or use a the consisit number which starts at 127 and goes down from there. There is no need to address all of your locomotives to the same address, that is what consisiting takes care of for you.
OK, I will try consisting. I have not made the attempt. I was concerned with matching speeds first. Does not sound like I will need to do that part. Bill Jackson
Ok, let the answers fly. Need help. I have Walthers Code 83 DCC Friendly switches. These are curved no. 8. I set both of my Frisco E-8's with the same address, with the rear in reverse. They run good, although the rear runs a little faster than the lead. When they come to the turnout, the alarm sounds and breaker throws. They proceed again after the two second breaker restores. If they are spaced good then sometimes the breaker doesn't trip. Both will run by there self. through the turnouts with out issue. The frog section (insulated) is not powered yet. My thoughts is the rear engine is pushing the lead, sluing the trucks, there by causing a short while under power. What do you think? Bill Jackson
It sounds like your switch isn't isolated properly. I think it may b "bridging a gap" and causing a short. Ethan
Bill, I believe your problem is a combination of things; 1) Take a look at the attached picture. The Walthers/Shinohara turnouts have a tight frog point. In local experience, the area indicated has caused issues on a number of local layouts. The frog must be totally isolated from the rest of the rails should be power-routed. 2) Locomotive axles must be in perfect gauge to make it through these turnouts to avoid shorting issues. 3) If a locomotive is being pushed from behind when taking the diverging route, the above will be more prevalent. Speed matching is more important with these turnouts. All that having been said, the easiest way to accomplish speed matching is by using Decoder Pro with either the Sprog or with your DCC system.
