My method is to run in as per the instructions, then leave running for 2 hours in each direction. Make sure it has plenty of good lube oil, don't flood it - just enough to keep the gears wet. Gaugemasters basic lube will be fine, as are most other lubes that don't attack plastic.

Hi Ian,

Most would say they run their locos in on DC for a total of one hour (Dapols seem to take a little longer to quieten down). Some run it for ½ hour each way. I run it for a 1/4 hour each way then turn the loco round and repeat. It saves the driver getting too giddy

Thank you for the guidance Jack, much appreciated.

Happy New Year to everyone too.

I am busy surfing for my code 55 track and came across a couple of things I didn't quite understand. 
Can anyone tell me what is the difference between electrofrog and Insulfrog points?  Also what is a Right/Left Hand Catch Point?

A catch point protects the mainline from runaways on a siding by derailing errant vehicles before they foul the mainline and cause a collision.

Electrofrog points have a metal frog, the crossing part. which provide for better running but are a little more complicated to wire up.
Insulfrog points have a plastic (dead frog) which are easier to wire up but may cause loco's to stall at slow speed.
Hope that helps!
Happy new year.
Mark

Nice one Mark, thank you.

Quote from: justintime on January 01, 2013, 03:21:59 PM
I am busy surfing for my code 55 track and came across a couple of things I didn't quite understand. 
Can anyone tell me what is the difference between electrofrog and Insulfrog points?  Also what is a Right/Left Hand Catch Point?

Have a look here Justin for a detailed description.....

http://www.brian-lambert.co.uk/Electrical.htm#Points

In fact the whole website is a mine of useful information...... 

........Ste

As you are going down the DCC route you would be better getting electrofrog points. They also look better in my opinion.

They can work out of the box but you need to use Insulated rail joiners (IRJ's) on the frog, the 'v'. http://www.ehattons.com/7604/Peco_Products_SL_311_Insulated_Rail_Joiners_Fishplates_for_N_009_gauge_12_per_pack_/StockDetail.aspx

(If you didn't know worth noting that you will need to buy seperate rail joiner, they don't come fitted to the points.)

What a cracking link Ste, thank you.  I think I should learn a lot from reading through it. 

Thank you Jack, very helpful information again.  Must say, you chaps on here are so helpful

The Bachmann cheap chip is too long to fit a Dapol 73, so as above tcs or Digitrax dz125in

Paul

Can anyone recommend a supplier of the tcs or Digitrax dz125in, thanks.

I use http://www.dccsupplies.com/ and find their service and price to be very good. No connection apart from being a satisfied customer.

Marty

Quote from: Donkey on January 01, 2013, 05:49:31 PM
I use http://www.dccsupplies.com/ and find their service and price to be very good. No connection apart from being a satisfied customer.

Marty

Same here !

All my decoders and my DCC system came from Digitrains - their impartial advice is invaluable. In fact, if you can get over there (Digby, Lincolnshire) they will happily let you try out all the systems on their test-track to see what system you prefer without steering you towards the most expensive. Only proviso is you arrange your visit in advance just so they can accommodate you 


Paul

Oops your link is wrong Sprintex, I think you meant to post this one http://www.digitrains.co.uk/ Another very good firm that I have dealt with before.

Marty