Menards Santa Fe F3 Diesel Locomotive 3945 Beta 1 ERR upgrade

@RSJB18 posted:

I re-wired my beta 1 in series and it made a huge difference. Good enough for me for now.

I heard that makes a big difference. I didn't try it.

@TB440 posted:

I heard that makes a big difference. I didn't try it.

Here's before and after videos.

@TB440 posted:

Thank you. Yes, I feel It is something anyone can do, just take your time, and lay it out first.   The instructions on the website are very good at explaining how to install.  see below parts I purchased.

Cruise Commander Kit      - Cruise Cmdr, R4LC-C08

149.95

Steam RailSounds Medium Steam Listen on Sound Cloud

124.95

Dual "Fat Boy" Speaker With Baffle and WIre Leads for Railsounds Board ( 3.5" LONG X  1.75" WIDE X 1.5" HIGH)

40.00

That's kinda the rub here. If someone bought a Menards F unit for $150-200 they would have to add $275 retail to it to get TMCC control and Railsounds. All of a sudden that $150-200 locomotive has more than its costs in electronics in it. That turns it into a $425-$475 locomotive if someone buys all of the stuff retail. Most people would be money ahead buying a brand new Lionchief Plus 2.0 GP20 from the 2022 catalog at $499.99 MSRP (probably less through a dealer) or a used TMCC diesel locomotive.

Not that what the OP did isn't cool. I've put TMCC in stuff that makes no sense cost wise as well (2343 F3). I know it's not all about the math in the end.

Lou1985 you are correct for people who are not to serious in the hobby. But what about O scalers and Die hard modelers who WANT a FP unit and either missed or couldnt afford the 3rd rail version back in 2013? Are we gonna wait for another 3rd Rail unit where Scott Mann didnt seem interested in making another run and/or if he did, it would be a few years away from completion at best plus pay $900.00- $1000.00 per unit.

Sorry but i got my unit for this custom purpose and im just waiting for another unit so I can get a pair.

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

Lou1985 you are correct for people who are not to serious in the hobby. But what about O scalers and Die hard modelers who WANT a FP unit and either missed or couldnt afford the 3rd rail version back in 2013? Are we gonna wait for another 3rd Rail unit where Scott Mann didnt seem interested in making another run and/or if he did, it would be a few years away from completion at best plus pay $900.00- $1000.00 per unit.

Sorry but i got my unit for this custom purpose and im just waiting for another unit so I can get a pair.

Oh for sure. Go ahead if you want a FP7, as there isn't really another option.

I'm just saying for the average hobbyist who just wants a locomotive with TMCC features there are cheaper ways then converting an already cheap Menards F unit to TMCC.

@RSJB18 posted:

Here's before and after videos.

Amazing difference!

@BobbyD posted:

Amazing difference!

Sure is. Look at the time on both videos. Both were shot with 14v to the track (IIRC) and the remote on the lowest possible setting to get the engine moving.

Thanks

RSJB , Can you post some details on how to wire in series, including which wire to disconnect

and reconnect? Basic wiring/sodering I can do, beyond that, not so much.

Thanks UnclePeteRR

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

Lou1985 you are correct for people who are not to serious in the hobby. But what about O scalers and Die hard modelers who WANT a FP unit and either missed or couldnt afford the 3rd rail version back in 2013? Are we gonna wait for another 3rd Rail unit where Scott Mann didnt seem interested in making another run and/or if he did, it would be a few years away from completion at best plus pay $900.00- $1000.00 per unit.

Sorry but i got my unit for this custom purpose and im just waiting for another unit so I can get a pair.

so agree!