The next generation QSI units are finally being advertised. There are some unique features, like stereo sound. The big difference will be the larger memory, higher recording quality (which is

I found the new Zimo 642 decoder (motor and sound) works great and they have a nice "galloping goose" sound file. The decoder is very small and will handle about an amp. Greg

I've been looking for a small DCC decoder to fit in my Berlyn "Casey Jones" rail truck. I also have a small Accucraft loco that is a model of the Casey Jr. train in Disney world, which is another

Seems not much going on, very few new products in G scale. Aristo Craft released and shipped the RDC-3, like the RDC-1, but now with clear windows and an interior. Well, unfortunately, the

Went the the new show by a new promoter. It was held at the Pomona fairgounds in LA County, and it was small but good, G scale only. 50 feet from the exhibit hall is the Fairplex outdoor G scale

I stayed overnight so I could do Saturday and Sunday. This is the "old" Queen Mary show, which has been moved to the Ontario convention center for the last several years. New this year is that

There have some reports of teething problems with the new aristo system. There has been an overheating episode on a SD-45, which should never draw over 3 amps. The TE decoder is rated for 5 amps with

The new product is almost here, 100 people got an early shipment, and a couple of firmware changes have been made. It's a nice step forward from the old Aristo TE that did speed and direction only.

More information. Seems that the Aristo clone is a poor clone. Several gears that are brass in the original are plastic in the Aristo. There is also a spring to create some "give" when the motor

Aristo-Craft has come out with a "new" slow motion switch motor. It is actually a clone of an existing product from Switzerland. There are some interesting side by side pictures on the MLS

Well, I finally updated my F3 page on disassembly with pictures! It was an old page and no pictures to help. Now it shows the screws to remove the shell, and a separate section on disassembling

I added a page on my web site showing the installation procedure and a couple of good tips for installing these

Aristo, after years of requests, has upgraded the flangeway depth on the frogs for their Wide Radius switches. (They make 3 styles, a very tight "R1" switch, a Wide Radius switch (matches 10'

Well, it was a nice weekend and went to repair the last switch that was not working. I have Aristo SS switches. The throwbars on the turnouts are NOT UV resistant. I remove the manual switch

Well, if you have read my web site www.elmassian.com you would know that I'm a fan of removing the traction tires from locos. Main reason on USAT is the split axle problem, where the plastic

I replaced the axle with the cracked crankpin, so now the rods don't rub each other. I added the shims to limit downward travel of the axles, which would allow the gears to come out of mesh. The

Ahh, turns out that a common item broken on these locos is a cracked crankpin. The great news is that there are still parts available from Lionel, and on line. They have exploded diagrams, and I

Well, I bought one of these finally. They can go for over $200 on ebay, and often are messed up. I got one for $99 in what appeared to be good shape, but further investigation shows several

Finally broke down and decided to replace all the Aristo joiners with SplitJaw clamps. What a difference. When removing all the old joiners, was surprised how much dirt and grit get in them.

I've updated my web site. Updates include: Tips on Aristo wide radius switches A beginners FAQ section Regards, Greg