It's been said before, but I want to say it myself.
THANK YOU to everyone on this forum who has helped me learn more about trains in 3 weeks than I have my previous 42 years. I've learned so much (especially on the electronic side).
The advice and instruction on this board has allowed me to learn how to:
- Check out a Postwar KW transformer to see if it's good
- Rebuild that transformer, clean it out and install a diode to replace the whistle disc (whistles, and more importantly, programming my PS1 boards, works much smoother now!)
- Learn about protecting the MTH electronics using TVS diodes across the KW outputs
- Learn about PS1 functionality, to the point where I've been able to build a small fleet of locomotives (6 in all) using essentially garbage locos and cast-off PS1 boards. Now I have 3 fully-functional diesels and 3 fully-functional steamers (that have the soul of Dash-8's) for what I would have paid for half of a single new locomotive retail. (This is easily the greatest value that this forum has brought!)
- Learn about installing LED lights to replace or augment existing lights in locos or passenger cars
- Figure out how to re-wick and get a smoke unit operational again
- Build my own whistle-bell button box so I can have BOTH whistles AND bells with my KW transformer
- Understand the basics or repainting a loco. (This is an upcoming project, where my Santa Fe GP40 will become a Norfolk Southern soon)
- Understand switch machines and wiring them properly for non-derailing options
- Build my own BCR's to replace all my MTH batteries on the fleet
I'm not even sure that's it. But the point is, there are so many people here who have shared so much in the past and are willing to answer so much in the present that I've come 100% back into the fold of trains after leaving them behind for almost 30 years.
Keep it up guys! And once again, thank you!
Jeff
