Super Chuffer and Chuff Generator in Lionel TMCC N&W J Class- Update 7/17/2018

The boards are small and the space inside the shell will be ample. You’ll have no trouble fitting them in

This is my TMCC 3751, different engine but same frame size and electronics inside. I added both upgrades myself and they fit it there just fine, it's just a matter of organizing all the wires after testing the installation 

Thanks guys.  Seeing it installed in the video definitely helps show how things will fit.  I wasn't worried about the chuff generator as much as I was the Super Chuffer board as far as size.  I'm sure it'll make more sense when I have the parts in hand and take the shell off the engine.  I'm looking forward to the improvement.

I've put one in that engine, plenty of room.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I've put one in that engine, plenty of room.

Nothing like hearing it from the man himself.  Thanks!

The video is great! What great sound and smoke. I take it this can be put into an MTH Proto 1 system somehow? I have an early MTH Big Boy and Cab Forward.  Just wondering.

Laidoffsick posted:

This is my TMCC 3751, different engine but same frame size and electronics inside. I added both upgrades myself. The fit it there just fine, it's just a matter of organizing all the wires after testing the installation 

I love the "beat of this beast" from -0.58 to -0.42

Jeff B. Haertlein posted:

The video is great! What great sound and smoke. I take it this can be put into an MTH Proto 1 system somehow? I have an early MTH Big Boy and Cab Forward.  Just wondering.

This is for TMCC systems only (either standard TMCC setups or ERR Cruise upgrades).

However, after replacing the Proto 1 boards with ERR boards, this should be easy. I did that with my 1998 Blue Comet locomotive, and there was plenty of room.

I have actually put this in a conventional locomotive. though you do have to have access to the chuff signal to make it work.  I add a large capacitor to the input of the power supply to allow operation down to 6-7 volts on the track.  PS/1 is a problem as there is no chuff switch or output, so there's nothing to sync the chuffing to.

Thanks for your information. This also got me to thinking about a K-Line 2-8-2 K-3343.... that I have as a Milwaukee Road engine. It is running terribly, and the sounds aren't any better. I was wondering is this engine possible to upgrade it to something much better than what it is now? If so, what would you suggest, would you be willing to do the work, and an idea of costs. I guess I could sell it as a best offer, as is, so...........Thanks.

Jeff, it all depends on what fits where.  Is that TMCC or conventional?

I think this is conventional, I will have to look at the box again to find out. I'll try to do this Wednesday. Thanks.

My Super Chuffer board is finally on hand.  I'm very impressed with how small the boards are in person.  Now I'm questioning my ability to solder in such a small space   I'm looking forward to digging in soon.

Does anybody have a recommended mounting/insulating method and location for the Super Chuffer board?

My method of "mounting" the board is to simply use 1" heatshrink to insulate the whole package, then I can tuck it wherever it fits.  I rarely "mount" them, that almost always takes more space. 

The spacing on the pads on the S-C are .1", they're actually fairly large as PCB connections go.

I was wondering about the heat shrink route.  I'll have to procure some larger stuff.

Thanks for your suggestion!

Works great, I was thinking I should include it in the kit for any new production.

Is there a wire gauge you recommend for use with these?

Anything you have on hand, I don't use anything larger than #24, nothing that happens on the board requires any significant current.

Thanks John.  I'll have to double check to see what I recently bought for wire.  Either way I'll be making a trip to the recently opened LHS tomorrow for more heat shrink tubing.

I finally got around to doing the installation and it all seems to work great!

Sounds great, but I didn't see much smoke.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Sounds great, but I didn't see much smoke.

That was taken pretty late last night.  I rebuilt the smoke unit this morning and it's now working.  The original resistor and batting were pretty burned up.  

I was worried there for a minute, we need a new video.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

I was worried there for a minute, we need a new video.

I'm holding off on another video until I have the time to dig out a loop of track and some cars.  Hopefully sometime in the next couple of weeks if I don't get to it today. 

I may need some track myself to do some testing, but I was holding out for the official benchwork.

Here's a quick update video of the 611 pulling a train with a rebuilt smoke unit after the Super Chuffer and Chuff Generator modifications.  It seems to smoke very well, though the lighting in my apartment doesn't highlight it very well.

Lookin' good Jake, nice job.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Lookin' good Jake, nice job.

Thanks John.

And thanks for creating such great products.  Having dealt with reed switches and magnets, this produces a much better effect in a much easier way.  The lighting and smoke enhancements make it that much better.

Well now you've gone and done it.  I've already Super Chuffer'd mine but now I think I'll have to add the Chuff Generator.

The Chuff-Generator grew out of my frustration with magnets and reed switches.  After doing probably 40-50 upgrades with magnets & reed switches, I got really tired of trying to get all of it working.  Sometimes getting them properly attached and 100% functional to some steamers was next to impossible!  If there was any play in the axles at all, the wheels would move just far enough away to cause missed chuffs, very annoying! 

I had thought about something like the Chuff-Generator for several years, finally I decided to just do it!

GRJ, You have really come out with some great innovative stuff that filled big voids and the needs of many. They also work quite well! Great for the hobby and the hobbyists too! Not to mention all the help you provide to us. 

Except when I lead you astray?

MartyE posted:

Well now you've gone and done it.  I've already Super Chuffer'd mine but now I think I'll have to add the Chuff Generator.

It's only a matter of soldering a few more wires, mounting the board and paper strip to the motor and programming it.  John even made the paper part easy because it's printed on self adhesive paper.  I had to trim mine to fit the narrow flywheel of the J class, but otherwise you just peel off the back and go on your way.