N scale layout update, scenery, Daylight couplers and controller issues. Lots of railfanning too.

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Hi everyone, thanks for your suggestions with the throttle. I did dig out and old PC laptop and managed to fumble my way through performing a firmware update. It seems to have settled a few of the problems I was having but the throttle dial is still playing up. The right dial is worse than the left. If these an are a replaceable item I may look into that or I will take it back for replacement. I hope I wasn’t too dramatic describing my frustrations but I’m sure you understand how annoying these things can be.

[@mikea0811]

Hello David! The scenery looks great, and things are running smoothly!!! Keep up the great work!!! Also, I caught a glimpse of Bertie!!!

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Yeah, I didn’t realise he had snuck in until I was editing the videos. He believes he has 50% ownership of the train room. He gets annoyed now that I lock it when I’m not in there.

[@Bill_Bogan]

Well here I am all caught up. I hope you enjoyed the weekend and learned a few things. I couldn't build LEGO trees at the start of last year and after a master class I can at least now make passable trees. So the short courses are always fun. Can't wait to see what's around the bend. :)

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Thanks for taking the time to watch the whole back catalogue, that’s a big undertaking. I think I’m up to about 108 uploads.

[@Ruggedrails]

Love the layout ❤scenery is superb

[@rossbasinger4185]

Looks great, the lake could be the Blue Lake at Mt Gambier, a dormant volcano I think.

[@workndad]

Nice update you are always an inspiration for the rest of us

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Thanks, that’s nice of you to say.

[@tommynorwood5184]

Hi David , looks like you have been busy. I do like the lake it looks like it has deep water and shallow water. The area around the lake is very good rail fanning. I liked the different types of trains you were running. Thanks for the update. Have a good week. 😎😎 👍

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Thanks Tommy, It’s heard to believe what the area looked like when it was just and idea compared to what it had become.

[@stephenrickjr.7519]

I really like the lake. Thanks for the tour!

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Thanks for taking a look, I’m glad you liked it.

[@bobfisher5829]

The lake and the new LED's look fantastic!

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Thanks, I’m quite pleased with the outcome.

[@Vman7757]

Thanks for sharing. Call the extension Crater Lake. Check your battery in your throttle. Might be your issues. Or taking the battery out. Then put it back in. Just a thought. That is what I did.

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Thanks for the suggestion, I have done that a few times. I’ll keep tinkering.

[@garryhulshof4383]

Your layout is looking fantastic. Lake looks very nice. I thought long and hard about running a DCC on my HO layout but I hear so many horror stories so I stuck with the old DC. (And it’s a lot cheaper). ❤the CN locos.

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

I hear what you’re saying about DC but to run what I want it would be a bit harder with so many double and triple headed trains. I sounded a bit dramatic in the video but generally it’s been quite easy for me to get set up with DCC. When Rapido did another run of the Draper Taper units I had to bite the bullet. I regretted not getting two the first time around. The colour on the new run is a bit pinker for some reason and they’ve done away with the traction tyres which is good and bad. The traction helps with my gradients but the new unit maintains better contact.

[@Woody8654]

Running fine. Looks great.

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Thanks mate, I’ve been able to spend a fair bit of time in the train room recently and it’s really helped with consistency, it’s all running well.

[@alancowey6577]

Call the extension "the island". Sounds exciting as it does have a lake! Great video

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

I’ve got a few ideas. Actually a little island in the lake could be cool but I don’t know if it would suit.

[@shed66215]

Nice job on the lake. I'd mix up a small amount of clear resin, with a little light blue added, to cover the paint, help to give it that translucent effect.

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

That sounds like a good idea. I’ll look into it.

[@cpflogsubdivision450]

I have not used a Digitrax throttles in a few years. I use JMRI for my programming and engine driver on my phone to run trains. Its a great set up. have a look at it. It alot cheaper than having 2 or 3 digitrax throttles just need the computer interface and old laptop or desk top mine is 15 years old and works great still.

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

I got one of the Digitrax wifi transponders and I do sometimes use wi throttle on my phone, it’s quite good but I still like having a traditional throttle so to speak.

[@MrEnglishford]

VERY NICE WORK TOM IN THE USA

[@bostith2236]

I love the crater or mining lake. If it was me. Id put a small telling ramp that would give access a small curved landing that would creat a small cove. That would break up the perfect circular nature. But awesome work.

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

I would like to put a little fishing spot on the lower banks. It’s far from finished.

[@Sinistar24]

I was debating whether to get a Digitrax or NCE system next month. But after watching this, I may go the NCE route. The newer controllers do look like nice tho, but they seem to have quality control issues.

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Yeah, they seem a bit hit and miss. I’ve had a few suggestions in the past for the TCS controller. Could be worth a look.

[@MrEnglishford]

looks like the tehachapi loop where i live

[@mozzarella-king]

Maybe the battery level is part of the problem? Looks like it's below 50% at about 15:14. Regardless, the throttle should work correctly at any battery level! Wireless or IR? I have a DT602 but it's wired only. When I go wireless, I use JMRI/Engine Driver from my Android phone. I must admit that Digitrax stuff can be a bit buggy at times. Layout is terrific!

[@larryboyer]

Perhaps a TCS Wi-Fi throttle would be a good answer for your problems

[@MrEnglishford]

MY DT602 WORK GREAT IT READY THE UPDATE

[@darylhitchcock7680]

Old Mary's Quarry... For the lake scene... Just my 2 cents...

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Is that a reference I should know about?

[@darylhitchcock7680]

Sorry no, The name is just a whimsical thought... Just my 2 cents, is Canadian slang for opinion

[@charleswalsh9895]

May need firm wear update. Call Digitrax, call Digitrax

[@dkaustin98]

The extension reminds me of an abandoned quarry. Maybe the quarry loop?

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Yep, that could be a good one.

[@Longshadowsmodeltrees]

Hey David, all your scenery work looks great, Digitrax new controllers suck, the old ones work better. Bob

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Hey Bob, good to hear from you as always. Yeah I’m pretty disappointed in it I must say. I like the menu interface a lot more but if it doesn’t do the basics well then what’s the point. I did a firmware update on it and it’s better. I’m currently using the 602 for addressing etc and then my old 402 or UT4 for operations.

[@avlisk]

Did you ever think about getting some Australian N scale trains? I would love to see some of those (thinking Auscision NR class and the Ghan) running around on your great layout. I'm (soon to be) modeling the old Maine Central line from Portland, ME to North Conway, NH as my fictitious Conway River and Portland railway. The owners, being on a budget, found several Australian locomotives being sold on the cheap, had them shipped over here, and NR's, 48's, GM's and other Aussie locos now run through the backwoods of Maine. Just a thought.

[@avlisk]

Hey! Wait just a second. I think I see some A or maybe B class locos! WOW!

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

My B classes. My premise for running them is pretty much as you described. It will be for my little fictitious coal and mineral company. I need to work on a livery for them.

[@avlisk]

@@nessriverrailroad1299 I love it! Thanks for the videos.

[@stpaulisland]

Portland to North Conway, cool choice! I'm modeling further south, Acton, Maynard MA area in N Scale. So much railroad history in these parts.

[@avlisk]

@@stpaulisland I never knew anyone who modeled your area. I grew up in Acton, my Dad commuted into North Station from South Acton, and my Grandfather was a conductor on the Fitchburg line. I even had a cousin who was an engineer in Western MA. My interest in Australian trains came about when we vacationed there in the late 1980's, and they had the coolest, most exotic locomotives I had ever seen. I've got a couple of dozen Australian locos now, but a recent move means I have no layout, just plans.

[@flakstruk-8481]

You could name the lake there for the othee pupper, rather than calling the extention

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

I think I want something non pet related, I’m not sure.

[@timpearson9870]

Looks like the rotary encoder is faulty to me.... can you assign the one on the left as a throttle and try that? Or, can you 'popout' the encoder and swap it with the other one? Sorry I do not have that one so unsure if this is possible, just looking at it from an electronics pov David. Extension and scenery as always looking great... do like the 'extension' how about calling it 'The Lagoon'... or 'quarry pit' ? Your railroad buddy call it what you like 🙂

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Hey Tim, The left dial works better. Digitrax have their no worries warranty so I know I won’t have any issues getting it repaired or replaced I just hope it won’t be an on going issue. Maybe there is a simple fix.

[@BrianF-ug2ne]

Looks like an encoder issue to me too. I just replaced them on my friend's DT402, the replacements cost a whopping US$1.74 each from Digikey. I would also check the throttle OpSw settings and turn off the ballistic throttle feature.

[@rickmiller595]

Or, is it an abandoned quarry maybe?

[@rickmiller595]

Ha! You already said old quarry!

[@muzztheman25]

Might need an altitude rest

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

What’s that?

[@muzztheman25]

@@nessriverrailroad1299 take it to see level and sea of it works there, then you just move house

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

@muzztheman25 ha, yeah, I don’t think that is an option for me 😆 I play the bagpipes and they do behave quite differently hear at 800m elevation compared to back down in Melbourne.

[@D383EDC]

Try a snubber / RC filter on the end of your DCC wiring run

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Thanks for the suggestion but you will have explain that to me?

[@D383EDC]

@@nessriverrailroad1299 Sorry, I should have waited a bit before I commented. A RC filter would only help if it was a case of the DCC signal being degraded on a long run of bus wire, resulting in loss of control. I saw later that the throttle settings were not responding correctly, and that is likely an issue with firmware. BTW, your Quarry Lake extension is outstanding!

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

@D383EDC I wonder if that could still be something I need to look at. I am considering overhauling my wiring, it leaves a bit to be desired.

[@jasonsharpe6505]

The 600 Throttles suck 😂

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Not the greatest, yes 😆

[@tomlander123]

You have been busy

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

I’ve had a bit of down time which has helped.

[@MrEnglishford]

SEND YOUR CONTROLLER IN FOR REPAIR

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

If the firmware update didn’t help I will.

[@N_scale]

I just had a running night on the top deck the other day and I uploaded the vids for who wants to see. I was running MILW steam and Shawn was running Via diesel kzbin.info/www/bejne/imO9q2Ntd7erpKssi=jGJSi2CPNISdKq7i

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Look good mate.

[@N_scale]

@@nessriverrailroad1299 kzbin.infocnHS9jJ1MUg?si=6vTP68rRvpxbbWs3

[@N_scale]

@@nessriverrailroad1299 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fZjOiap4o8x0h5osi=rF8_qRqdExjf5fCU

[@rickmiller595]

How about: "Lake (insert name here)"

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

I’ve have a few suggestions. I’ll decide on something soon.

[@ROCKETKNIGHT-ph7xp]

No ducks in the water?

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Gee they’d be little 😃

[@ROCKETKNIGHT-ph7xp]

@@nessriverrailroad1299 🤣

[@MrEnglishford]

YOUR NEED TO UPDATE THE FIMWARE

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

I have done that now 👍

[@alancowey6577]

Link to the throttle firmware upgrade. I had similar issues and the upgrade fixed them. kzbin.info/www/bejne/o3ukhGaFaNCEh6M

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

I ended up doing a firmware update, I think it’s fixed some of the issues but the dial is still playing up.

[@bearx9031]

Hi All, I think i have a name for you, 'Crater Lake Point'

[@nessriverrailroad1299]

Not bad, I’m worried Crater Lake could be a bit obvious, I’m not sure. The layout is named after my dogs so maybe another pet could get naming rights 🤷‍♂️