13225 Thornton Dr. Westlake, TX 76262 Ph: (817)233-5068

Truck Wipers - $10.50 for 3 pair

I admit that I am somewhat particular about stalling locomotives, especially with DCC sound, so I had these wipers made. The contact area between the axle and journal is very small and a little junk in there really hurts electrical contact. Several folks have been using these and everyone agrees they help. Due to the various configurations of tender trucks one has to be rather inventive to make them fit. We have been soldering them to the truck bolster with just a spot of solder and it helps the contact problem even more. On some trucks they can twist without it and possibly cause a short.

This is a PBL C-16 truck.

DCC diode boards - picture - schematic

Lighting Board for 1.5v Bulbs - $14.95

This 1.5V lighting circuit for DCC decoders provides voltage-dropping networks for four function outputs. Removes the guesswork of sizing resistors for dropping function outputs to 1.5V for bulbs and more. Also reduces the amount of wiring needed for lighting circuits making for a cleaner installation. Each circuit consists of a resistor and two diodes to provide approximately 1.4V for each bulb. Measures: 45/64" (.7") Diameter x 5/32" (.15) Thick.

FAQ - Will it work on frame grounded bulbs - NO

It can't work on the track because DCC track is AC(voltage runs plus and
minus) and DC track voltage reverses polarity depending on train direction.
With a DCC decoder output, the blue wire is at +12v. A typical function wire
is at +12v when the function is OFF. When you turn the function ON the
function wire drops to 0v, thus a 12v light bulb will come on. What my board
does is provide four circuits of a resistor and two diodes. The drop across
one diode is about .7v, two diodes would be about 1.4v. A resistor is in
series with the diodes to drop the excess voltage (12v-1.4v = 10.6v). You
have to drop that voltage somewhere. Then the 1.5v lightbulb is placed in
parallel with the diodes which will always be about 1.4v.