Labor Day Weekend Progress

Well, I was not able to patch over the screw holes in the backdrop or paint it a coat of Sky Blue paint this weekend.

However, I did get to install an MRC sound decoder in my Walthers Proto 1000 California Northern EMD GP15-1 (CFNR #112). The installation took less than an hour and I did not run into any problems. I made sure that the locomotive ran on DC before I installed the decoder. After the installation, I ran it on a DCC test track. The locomotive ran great and the GP15-1 sounds really cool as well!

In the attached photo, you will notice that the decoder is still associated with the default address of 03. I ran the locomotive on the test track making sure all of the features worked correctly. Once I knew the decoder was working, I programed it to the cab number of #112.

My next decoder installation project will be for my Atheran Blue Box SD 9 kit. I still need to order some parts for the project. However, I have taken the shell off the locomotive and taken apart the motor in preparation for this project. I hope to convert this model to DCC within the next few weeks.

Benchwork for the Lower Tier Completed!

A few weeks ago, I completed the construction of the lower tier of my "Redwood Empire Route" - NWP HO scale layout. The layout takes up about half of my two-car garage. I have even installed the Masonite backdrop material for the lower tier. The next step is for me to fill in the screw holes and paint it a Sky Blue paint. Once this is done, I will be able to start laying some of the subroadbed material and Atlas Code 83 flex track. Be sure to check out some of the other pages of this blog to see some pictures of the benchwork and backdrop being installed.