Kato DCC Custom Conversion Won't Run! Will I Have Any Luck?

[@swimjimsvideos5244]

Started my layout with my son 27 years ago. It completely took over the basement. I'm really happy with the DC block system. It's simple and it works well! I think it's funny that the DCC locomotive tries to replicate track sounds. My DC loco's do that for free. Lol. Nice video as always!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for sharing!

[@brentpodoll5848]

Way to go Ron good job. But it's DC for me.

[@LordKahless910]

I like the weathering myself, maybe it's because I'm a older guy who grew up with SP and their sooty grimy diesels, it was always nice to see them pulling heavy tonnage, I miss seeing them. Great video!

[@classicmodeltrains]

a vote FOR weathering. Thanks for your input

[@ruagoof2]

Nicely done Ron....you have the patience of a god...

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you

[@michaelandria4855]

Ron - You make the trials, tribulations, and frustrations of the everyday train lover come to life. DC vs DCC is every novice’s dream and nightmare. Great video my brother!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Appreciate it! It's a challenge to get them going sometimes.

[@DavidJeggo]

Fantastic video Ron…exceptional patience…the bonus is that loco runs better than factory…well done…cheers from 🇨🇦

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much!

[@robertgrothey2429]

Just received it the other day. First run was today that thing is smooth runs and sounds great. Know to figure out all the other sounds. Thanks again and thanks for signing it.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Robert, Glad you got it and its performing well for you. I enjoy when Fellers ask me to sign a loco. Maybe someday that loco will be worth much more because of it ;-)

[@BradWB]

Quite a steep learning curve you had with this one, but you persevered. Well done..

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks MC. Were getting snow here today. ick!

[@randydobson1863]

Hi Ron & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Ron & Friends Randy

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hi Randy! Thanks for watching :-)

[@alaskarailroad3996]

I so love every video you make Ron. Your humor is so uplifting. I use a NCE power cab too. I love my power cab. Ohhhhh and that old Chevy in your intro is oh so pretty. It's my favorite style.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you for all your kind words :-)

[@jonpowell-ov3yh]

Knowledge is the key to growth and learning is often painful. Embrace the pain, grasshopper... Oh yeah, DCC rules!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jon :-)

[@chuckythedoll4815]

It does! It opens a whole other dimension. Sound.

[@dalefraschetti1874]

Great video Ron!! I have 4 Katos in my collection,and the learning curve was steep but worth it they run soooo smooth

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes they are so smooth!!

[@MrJojowasaman]

I admire your nerve being able to open up and disassemble that complex Kato. They have the best mechanism in the business, IMO. KEEP the videos coming. I found your eBay store, too.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree Kato's are really really nice!

[@mikefronczek7862]

you have mad skills, and a pleasure to watch

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Mike

[@bigwoz78]

Awesome Video Ron. That was quite a challenge. I love your approach to these repairs. My vote is for unweathered.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks! Another for NOT weathered. So far thats in the lead

[@hakannilsson9490]

Great work Ron! DCC with sound certainly is a challenge and on top of that adding lights everywhere with all the cabling. Thank you for keeping the steam up on the projects. I always learns something new.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks 👍

[@dancrane2]

Hey Ron, I’m really enjoying your channel from down here in San Diego, California. I’m just getting back in to model trains after not touching them since my Tyco set when I was a kid in the 1970s. Keep up the great work!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Hello Dan, Glad your enjoying my vids and glad you've made your way back to the hobby Sir!!

[@FrankOConnor-x1j]

I admire your perseverance. Thanks for what you do !

[@classicmodeltrains]

You're welcome, thanks for watching!

[@gmaneis]

33%er here. Great video as always. Looked better weathered, but you gotta do stuff to make it run, and you did a super job! No way I will EVER have your patience.🙂

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you! 2 votes FOR weathering. DCC makes my patience run real thin

[@gmaneis]

@@classicmodeltrains For this loco, I am really not in favor of weathering, so you did it right, in my humble opinion. Weathering can be done later. Main thing is: you got the doggone thing rollin' and soundin' when it wasn't before you started! Bravo!

[@JeffHanna-f3d]

Another great video Ron. I never had any interest in moving to DCC and this is another example of why. No enhancement to my train experience needed. Take care, Jeff

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jeff

[@maindip]

Another epic video Ron. Thanks and keep it up.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you

[@timothyrose4052]

Oh man, all those wires and you talking about them was stressing me out along with the little voice in my head screaming "don't break the plastic tabs"! I always think those diesels are so cool with their lights and sounds when they are running at train shows. They can be pretty impressive. So much that I think I might buy one but then I remember that I am mostly a geared steamer at heart. Shays, Climax, and Heislers are more my style. Those diesels are still kind of sexy though. Did not get Grace Slick this time. She looked familiar but could not place a name with her. Another great video! Keep up the good work!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Timothy

[@jebbohanan2626]

Man….that thing runs smooth… And got its’ own “Creep” speed category! I have 6 locos with DCC all from different makers. But, I don’t have sound and lights and 14.4 meters of wire soldered inside. I just keep it nice and simple…way more satisfying that way. Good job, Ron! A++ for figuring the DCC thingy out!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Jeb. Yeah it had crazy creep speed for sure!!

[@peterhiggins3329]

know its not often I see someone try to do what you have done in this video. You acknowledge not knowing very much about DCC but have done a great job to show people how to find out. Sound decoders are the most complicated of decoders as the manufacturers not only not completely comply with NMRA because of the added complexity of sound but also have their own proprietary programmer hardware and software. QSI, ESU, Sountraxx, and Zimo are the only companies that do them (though they do manufacture decoders under other brands like Bachmann etc). QSI went out of business probably because they were the worst at non conformance. ESU began struggling during COVID when the Chinese manufacturer started using sub standard components on the V4.0 range causing huge issues. Thankfully ESU is past that and reliability has improved dramatically. Sountraxx has been in it for a while but you have to live with what Soundtraxx gives you on the decoder. Zimo is a relatively new player in sound. Both ESU and Zimo are programmable by the user (provided you have the proprietary hardware and use their free software and sound files. Both are very easy to program when using the proprietary equipment. Usually there will be at least one member in every club that will have an ESU Lok programmer to help others with their ESU fitted locomotives as its been around now for a lot of years

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank for this good info Peter. Too bad they make it where you have to use proprietary hardware to program. My perfect world would be a USB port on a piece of 18: track you set your loco on and jack it into a computer and program away, but "They" wont let "Me" make any of the good decisions.

[@peterhiggins3329]

@@classicmodeltrains Slowly working through all your videos. I do find them entertaining with the odd bit of genius thrown in now and then. My focus is Australian and British outline from 70's thru 90's doing my clubs servicing and repairs though I do have a couple of 20's and 50's Hornby wind up and an odd and very rare Australian made 3 rail electric steamer to restore

[@SantaFeBob]

Another awesome teardown and rebuild. I like it better without the weathering. You made it run really well. It’s odd that the number boards are missing on the engine. Someone forgot to put them in the box for you. Keep up the great videos.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much!

[@bobmp3832]

You are more patient than me with dcc. Mine usually end up in a loose box of parts. Great video

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Bob

[@johnbanicki7232]

Another great video. That thing sure had a lot of wires in it. Thanks for sharing.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on! Tons of wires for sure!

[@briandonovan9560]

Such a nice locomotive with a LOT of potential, it needs the correct attention to address every problem you have encountered. Then it will be complete. Really dig your videos there Ron.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you very much! Yes it needs a new ditch light and a Guy with a programmer

[@JeffHanna-f3d]

I have always heard such good things about Kato and their fine craftsmanship, but wow what a pain to maintain. I think you are on to something Ron when you mentioned that it was bone dry inside and maybe these are not maintained because of the hassle. I believe I saw beer nuts? One has to keep his energy up!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Spicy hot peanuts, makes me and the dog happy!

[@EricSmith-ve7qi]

As Always Great Video Sir! Great Work you are without a doubt the Train Whisperer!! Lol when you got the shell off it was Good Night Nurse for Me! Love the "New Look you gave her!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Eric

[@ecidaho]

Great video Ron! Thank you so much for confirming my decision to avoid DCC like the plague! I was thinking it might be Grace Slick from Jefferson Airplane, but was not positive. Take care Ron!! Enjoy the snow! Yes that was sarcasm!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Good to see your back on your game Erick. Your the first Feller to guess her so far.

[@williamsantangelo]

Thank You Ron great show

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@gordoncripps345]

Nice one Ron, that took some patience and perseverance. With you on the weathering, I much prefer it without. Cheers, Gordon

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you enjoyed it another vote for NO weatherization

[@DGHodgson-o8z]

Hi Ron, you're a lot braver than me to tackle all that spaghetti in the locomotive, when I buy a loco with a digital chip in it, I replace it with a blanking plate and run it on dc. Great show as always 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

I should have changed this back to DC. Would be a lot easier for sure :-)

[@JPaul60]

Nice work on the loco. I don't like the weatherizing either. I'm not into that patina thing in my other hobbies either. When I started my train model collection as an adult I started with O Scale and now I'm wishing I had gone to HO scale instead. When I was kid we had HO and wished we had O scale. Hokey Smokes. That is a lot of small parts in that one. One thing that has always helped me fix stuff whether it was trains, cars, motorcycles etc... is you have to imagine how it was assembled at the manufacturer. I don't know how good that works for small stuff like HO Locos. Great video, thanks.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks!!

[@davidkaralus7464]

I absolutely loved this video! I have some Kato non-DCC locomotives, and that all have a slow creep speed. I also have a few locomotives that do have DCC, that I ran on club layouts that required that.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad you liked it! That slow creep is a good thing indeed.

[@ianbeeston2881]

Great video Ron as always, I think guys like us of a certain age like the concept of DCC with all its flashing lights and sound, but we’ve still got the analog child minds from our youth 😂😂.Keep up the good work restoring and renovating all the great models of yesteryear 👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on

[@TheRobertSterling]

Hi Ron, good to see you, we just got over the flu, man it was a nasty one. This one seemed like it was going to be straightforward..but noooo. DCC is kinda nice for creeping speed, but only so many times you can play the bells and whistles. All those wires 😱 I also have to wash the aging that gets added, not my thing, but to each their own, no hating. I have to admit, it turned out nice. As always, good job buddy 👏👍 Cheers G.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Glad to hear you pulled through. Why does the flu bug keep getting worse and worse every year?

[@Tonyfishtail]

Nice Job Ron! She came out beautiful!!!😊🎉

[@classicmodeltrains]

Appreciate it!

[@joediberardino4419]

Fantastic video Ron

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Joe

[@jimorlando5700]

Wow😮! Great video! That was a tough one.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Lots of learning took place

[@noneyabusiness4564]

You're a brave man. I wouldn't ever take something like that apart.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I didnt know what I was getting myself into ;-)

[@elsdp-4560]

Thank you for sharing. Like my DCC made my trains come alive, the main issue 80% of the time is dirty track and wheels you have to keep them clean.👍

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree

[@thomasmoroney4993]

Kato actually makes a pretty good product…owned a couple…thier tracks systems are very good especially the N scale..great video Ron…

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup I agree

[@MattKonsol]

Woah that is such a awesome kato southern pacific emd sd40 right there! Nice job working at it and servicing it too! Kato did a nice job at that loco. I only own 2 kato ho scale locomotives in my collection a gp35 and a sd45. One in csx and one in Union Pacific they run pretty good. 33%er

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Matt

[@fresnojason]

Cell Phone Speakers are typically the go to unless you build your own enclosures. When I was doing this in N Scale I commonly just built my own enclosures with some styrene. DCC is fun stuff but yes a learning curve for sure. I am on the verge of making the jump to HO scale from N scale as my hands and eyes do not work like they used to. Only the sheer amount of N scale stock and my wife have is holding me back from making the switch. Love your content keep up the good work.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoy my videos!

[@johnnydeville5701]

My N-Scale Kato DC engines creep nicely! N-Scale Life-Like does pretty good, but the levels of Kato. My N-Scale Bachmann locos wont even leave the station until the power pack says "30 MPH"! 😂

[@classicmodeltrains]

Dang Bachmanns anyway ;-)

[@Crookedriverandeasternrr]

Nice work Ron.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you

[@garykellerup3470]

I like DC. Although all my locos are DCC ready. I like the clean look vs the weathered look. I have had a couple the I rebuilt and cleaned up. Thanks, Ron G

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Gary, another for FOR Unweathered

[@rickdee67]

I love what sound brings to scale railroading! DCC can be a challenge for certain but it adds so much realism. Today’s locomotives are much more intricate and detailed requiring a a certain finesse as well. When I’m pulling a part off like the lower retainer that keeps all the axles in I have a couple of toothpicks handy that when the first part comes loose I just kind of gently stuff a toothpick between the two pieces so it doesn’t snap back together. I have an atlas gold locomotive that is dual mode and a Broadway Limited diesel locomotive that is dual mode and I really appreciate both ways. it’s definitely not your Tyco locomotive huh, Ron?

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes I agree the newer ones do have a lot more engineering to them making them a bit harder to take apart but once you do one or 2 you kinda know what to look for. This was probably one of the newest HO ones Ive ever worked on

[@rickdee67]

@@classicmodeltrainsgreat job! I was on the fence about the weathering but you chose the right thing cleaning it up. It looks better! 🤜🏼🤛🏻

[@dannyjones3840]

Man I love my kato engines! They are absolutely the smoothest running locos you can buy. I run soundtraxx tsunami decoders- but loksound is arguably the best sound in the market. I love running dcc- but when it gets fussy it's hard to not Godzilla an engine across the room 😂

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree with you there Danny

[@silvertrain7945]

Thanks for the great video. Just had a thought, for your intro, add a little Fall Guy stunt or jump with the old Chevy. If that seems a bit risky, a R/C clone would be neat. Thanks again for the video. Keep having fun! 33%!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for watching

[@caboosech]

Great video ron ps I got the gotten belt 8-40b in the mail today thank you

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks! WOW! That was fast shipping

[@grenadier1943]

LOL! Yes the joys of DCC. I once got so made when I was working on a dcc locomotive, I threw it across the room. Still have to fix the drywall damage.

[@dannyjones3840]

😂😂😂

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@classicmodeltrains]

I hear ya!

[@robertmyers5269]

Four minutes into this. NCE systems like your PowerCab differentiate between 2 and 4 digit addresses. '3' is two digit 3 -- the default DCC address; '03' is interpreted as a four digit address of 3 -- something else entirely. Also, it's simple to use a PowerCab as a programming station and read back the configuration -- just make sure no other engines are on the track.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I never have more than 1 engine on the layout. Too hard to keep track of 2 ;-)

[@jk180]

I believe that green and orange wire is for a capacitor to function as a "keep alive" so that sound lights and motor get through small shorts on the track.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for the info!

[@darrenrawlinson6344]

Phew! Good job!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you

[@rickestabrook4987]

Very, very interesting Ron. Don't let the trolls get to you; they live in darkness. I'm very interested in DCC now, though you clearly point out its quirks, but it seems the payoff is great. Thanks for another great video.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on

[@n4pwx]

Ron loved the video.🤠

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you Dennis

[@adventuresinmodelrailroading]

Good job. You got lucky. It didn't have the SP's standard light arrangement. Then it would have more lights than a Christmas tree. 😂 For a truly bullet-proof locomotive, try a Kato N-scale F unit. They'll run till the wheels fall off.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks

[@randystrunk9774]

Hey Ron, your a analog signal in a digital world! Me too, but I am learning!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup, Have to keep up with the times they say ;-)

[@gregandrus1015]

Excellent as always...DCC in N scale...thats a spicy meatball

[@classicmodeltrains]

It sure can be!

[@FostoriaOhiomodelrailroadclub]

You need a loc programmer hooked to your computer and you can add more functions in it . Awesome job on the video. My brother Nick has a KZbin channels called n scale division and he has a lot of information on about Lok sound stuff

[@classicmodeltrains]

My computers are Mac's. I bet they only support windows OS just to spite me even more ;-)

[@johnmalley4355]

The kato locomotive looks great, better without the so called weathering. I’m not a DCC guy at all, the stuff drives me nuts. DC is so much simpler without getting all frustrated with electronics, just my opinion though. I’m sure others love the stuff… Great show Ron…

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks John, another vote FOR unweathered, which is in the lead by a lot now.

[@jdubs78]

The first thing I always do when getting a used locomotive that is dcc equipped is factory reset it. It saves a lot of headaches. Also I like sound and dcc but it isn’t for everyone. Lastly, like you mentioned, track cleanliness and wheel maintenance is a must.

[@classicmodeltrains]

I agree

[@terrytraina6080]

Great job Ron👍👍👍👏👏👏😁

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Terry

[@phillipisley9693]

Ron. Pretty sure that it is an early Apple phone speaker. Tey are excellent for their size

[@classicmodeltrains]

A few Fellers have mentioned that. Anywhere from iPhone 4 to 6 is the range ive heard so far. Wish they were still available

[@bigcstrainsthings6149]

Classic model trains is so much better and more satisfying to watch than SMT mainline. The process is so in depth I can relate to a lot of his trial and error. This channel is definitely a perfect channel for anybody that tries to repair any model train.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Big C!!

[@bigcstrainsthings6149]

@classicmodeltrains your welcome my man!

[@regisbraga3833]

Ron, your B&M GP7 is (Was? Did you sell it?) an Atlas model made in Japan by Kato. So, I assume this SD40 is not your first Kato (although she’s the first running on your layout under the Kato brand). Congratulation my friend on your patience… DCC definitely is not for everyone - at least not for me, I can assure you. I do not have the knowledge, the will, the nerves - and the money, of course - to mess with it. Till today the Kato mechanism is one of the best that you can find under a HO shell: stupidly well engineered, absolutely smooth, quiet, extremely reliable. The HM-5 motor is nothing but superb: even these days many ol’timers like me choose it to perform their repowering works due to its high quality (put one on an old Blue Box, clean and lube her and you’re gonna have a machine that is equal in performance to any fancy - and absurdly priced - new loco). Hope you make a good money with her!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Greetings My Friend, The Atlas GP7 was sold a few weeks after the video came out. A Feller I refer to as "East Coast Dave" was the one that brought up that Atlas had a Kato drive in it. Interesting how Kato was making Atlas loco's. So much I do not know about some of these brands. Guess I will have to do a video history on these two brands and find out why they're in bed together. Thank you once again for your kind words. Good to see your name pop up in the comments.

[@regisbraga3833]

You post a video? I post a comment. That’s the way it is! If I recall correctly Atlas start selling its “own” line of HO locomotives in 1974, then made by Roco (the first one was a high nose GP38). After that, Roco made other models to Atlas ( EMDs GP38 low nose, GP40, SD24, SD35, FP7 and the ALCos switchers S-2 and S-4) till the begining of the eighties. In 1983 Atlas launched one of best locomotive ever made (till today, IMHO), the Kato made RS-3. Atlas and Kato worked together until the nineties, launching many models (ALCos RSD-4/5, RS-11, RSD-12, C424, C425, RS-1 and EMD GP-7). After that Atlas transfered the production of its locomotives to China, remaining there until these days. The models made initially by Roco and Kato are/were produced by the Atlas Chinese partner(s). You can obtain some interesting information of Atlas locomotives (as former production schedules) at www.atlasrr.com. I do not know many things about Kato, besides the fact the their locomotives are spetacular, even for today’s patterns! They worked with Atlas, with Con-cor (EMDs SW7 and MP15-1), with Stewart Hobbies (now Bowser; its initial EMDs FTs, F3s , F7s and F9s line) and put some remarkable beauties on the market using its own brand: EMDs NW2, SD40, SD45, SD38-2, SD40-2, SD70MAC, SD80/90MAC, GP35, F40PH, GEs C44-9W, AC4400W, ALCos RS-2 and RSC-2).

[@classicmodeltrains]

@@regisbraga3833 You have a lot of good info there Regis. Thank you!!

[@regisbraga3833]

⁠Here to serve you! I’m one of your earliest fans and faithful 33er!

[@jdenm8]

Programming the 'Advanced' CVs on an ESU decoder really is a task. I concur with the advice you found, JMRI's DecoderPro on a Computer (or an ESU LokProgrammer, which is *very* expensive but needed to upload new Sounds) is the way to go to program these. They make programming them really easy. Needs a compatible DCC Controller though. The USB Interface for the PowerCab you already have would be easiest, though it has limitations if your PowerCab has an old firmware (older than v1.65). Biggest one is that you can't read values from the locomotive, only write them. All of them mean spending more money, and it's up there whether it's worth it for a single decoder.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for this great advice. I Guy can really get into the fancy stuff with this if he wanted to.

[@eottoe2001]

"It's going to be a hassle because that is just how life is." 😄 (Mom was half Swedish and that was her view of life.)

[@classicmodeltrains]

Seems to get more truer the older I get ;-)

[@pathvalleyrailroad9277]

DCC is good for large layouts and multiple operators, but if you are one guy on a small layout you don't need it. I have it because the club I'm in is all DCC. Sound is something that is fun for a while, but gets old quick (especially with the extended start sequences). Where DCC is really good is when you have more than one operator on a large layout, you don't have to be constantly flipping block switches. In the early days of NTRAK each block had it's own throttle, so you had to follow your train around and adjust the throttle. DCC lets you run your train, not the layout. It also makes it a lot easier to crash trains into each other if you're not paying attention, like when you're at a show and someone wants to ask you some questions. Kato makes some really nice stuff, at least in N scale, but sometimes it's a pain to get it all apart. Wired decoders don't help any at all. The newer stuff have drop in decoders that makes things a lot easier.

[@classicmodeltrains]

You make a lot of good points. I hear ya on the sound though.

[@w.rustylane5650]

Feeding the monster, that's the very reason I don't do DCC. First time I heard UFTA was VGG's Derek Beri. Love Grace Slick; she was a model before the band. Cheers from eastern TN

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks for feeding the monster! Did not know Grace did modeling.

[@jacobpfeifertrains1998]

ESU is my favorite decoder brand. I love ESU V5 decoders they are so customizable and i have my own ESU programer to get te best of each decoder

[@classicmodeltrains]

I hear there the cats Meow

[@alanhostetler9673]

Looks best without weathering…..great job

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks, another vote FOR Unweathered

[@keepamericayisraelgreat5708]

Yep Saw it all and the eBay store tooo.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Right on!

[@josephwoehlerii2855]

Better your end wit than mine!

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@johnknippenberg-LandmarkYards]

Ron, I stick to O Gauge because that DCC is too complicated for my conventional brain. 😉

[@classicmodeltrains]

I hear ya

[@XBOXShawn12thman]

I'm 4 min. into the video and I'm already glad I'm DC 🤣🤣🤣

[@classicmodeltrains]

He He!! I hear ya :-)

[@HARPO1ME]

Never herd of a Kato that won't run .FIGURES YOU GOT ONE LOL!

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup. If it shows up here it aint working right :-)

[@vancestrains]

it has a iPhone 4 speaker, another of modelers use em as they cheap,sound good and fit

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you for the info!

[@robertpetit57]

Kato locos can be a big headache. The early ones had like a plunger on the trucks that contacted straps under the walkway. I'm a DCC guy, and I really hate magnet wire for lighting. On the axles, we're any of them split like we find on most Life Like Proto 2000 units?

[@classicmodeltrains]

No split gears in this one.

[@eschnitger]

Grace slick, Ya gotta love Jefferson Airplane...

[@classicmodeltrains]

2nd Feller to get her!

[@mthhandyman]

yes.

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@arrow1414]

Slightly off topic: Please make a dedicated video on how to "de-weather" a plastic or metal piece of rolling stock including locomotives.😊

[@classicmodeltrains]

Well I did talk about what I did to this one in the video. I didnt show any progress that was made. Submerge in simple green and hold at 105 degrees f. 5-10 minutes and see if the paint is loosening up. Heck this is the first one I did. could be I just got lucky

[@eddiejoe5928]

I don't do weathering just not my thing and my layout is strictly DC and I have a lot of fun!!!

[@classicmodeltrains]

I like the way you think

[@WWIIREBEL]

I just run DC, but even I get power cut offs now and then.Polishing the rail heads and wheels till mirror shined is the order of the day, every 4 other days in my case,lol.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yup! I have to clean my track every week if I want them DC's to run nice

[@414cyclerider2]

Not me yelling "THE BELL IS 1"

[@classicmodeltrains]

Yes I agree with you

[@4everdc302]

Great effort, Ron👍 But we all know what happens to bad acting DCC locomotives here🚆🪓🪄✨️Your DC now😅

[@classicmodeltrains]

he he YES! No decoder for you!! :-)

[@jacobpfeifertrains1998]

For Kato you should just be able to take the couplers off and the shell should come off

[@classicmodeltrains]

I just learned that. My Kato novice is showing :-)

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

Aliens, that's it. :)

[@classicmodeltrains]

I figured thats what it was :-D

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

@ never promised to give you something Easy. 😜

[@classicmodeltrains]

@ them trucks are built real nice but learning curve was steep. Next one will be easier.

[@lynnmccurdythehdmmrc2561]

@ I’ve never seen a clean and shiny Southern Pacific engine.

[@classicmodeltrains]

@ in my fantasy land railroads make enough money to not have to defer maintenance

[@jimorlando5700]

The tree needs a little trim! 😂

[@classicmodeltrains]

I knocked a few down. somehow they moved a bit

[@tracktorred7570]

I have a BLI sd40-2 n scale I can’t get apart to figure out why the front truck isn’t driving right then when you hit a turnout or cross over it pops the front axle on the front truck off the high iron because the rear truck is shoving and the front isn’t doing much. Any ideas before I take it to the train store to be fixed?

[@classicmodeltrains]

I have not worked on BLI N stuff before so I'm not going to be any help for you here, Sorry

[@darrellr267]

I'm old School. I'll stick with DC

[@classicmodeltrains]

I hear ya

[@markwakeley3835]

The speaker is from an iPhone 4 or 5. Not sure which. They used to sell for $5 buck or so and sound pretty good. Now you can't find them.

[@classicmodeltrains]

That figures, Find something good and then cant get it anymore.

[@jacobpfeifertrains1998]

Im a dcc sound guy. I started in dc but once i got my first sound i never went back

[@classicmodeltrains]

A lot of Fellers have the same story as you. Its amazing to me how many people will put up with the quirkiness of these things. They remind me of windows 3.2 back in the 90's :-)

[@jacobpfeifertrains1998]

@classicmodeltrains these things can act like children sometimes and darn right anger me but when things go right they bring so much joy. Especially when i recreate trains ive seen where i live. There is a coal train and 2 locals i like to recreate

[@mattomon1045]

Rob The speaker Is from A i phone 7

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thank you for that. Its quite impressive

[@mattomon1045]

@@classicmodeltrains yes they are that loud and they are cheep !

[@amyreynolds3619]

I have many Kato locomotives but all are DC without sound. I am a deaf disabled veteran who does Southern railway.

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@markirwin7677]

33%er here, Super Looooob, over and out, until next week.

[@classicmodeltrains]

Thanks Mark!

[@markirwin7677]

@classicmodeltrains your welcome Ron

[@AppalachianMountaineer1863]

Anytime something arrives for repair and there’s no note to say what’s wrong with it, send it back because it’s cursed. 😂

[@classicmodeltrains]

:-)

[@JerseyBill-x9r]

Well, Ron that was a journey and a half. The sound fitted DCC locomotives cost about a $120 more than the DC locomotives and as you gleaned to the track, wheels, and electrical connections need to be perfect. I do like the sound when it comes to diesel locomotives but the steam locomotives sound so bad I'd rather not hear it. DCC is great for the hobbyist but how do young people afford to get started when the locomotive alone cost $300 to $500 and more. The decoders cost the manufacturer about $5 to make and then we pay the R&D and packaging costs but $115 or more is too much. Sorry for venting I should have stayed away from that Lion, I'm a bad boy, lol. Great repair, Jersey Bill

[@classicmodeltrains]

Used Bachmann DCC w/ sound about $50-$80ish lots of levels of quality out there. 3 to 5 hundred dollar loco is for the rich people. I like the $20 garage sale finds myself ;-)