The caption on one of the photos of the Bombardier coaches (N scale Athearn, November 2003 issue) doubted if a GO coach ever ran with a Metrolink coach. I can tell you that for several months, they did run in the same train! Southern California’s Metrolink was experiencing such profound growth that there wasn’t enough equipment to go around. The Southern California Regional Rail Authority leased GO coaches to fill the deficit.
It was always fun to see these trains pull into the station because the passengers would quickly adjust on the platform so they wouldn’t have to board one of the GO coaches. The seats were not as comfortable, the floors were not carpeted, and the restrooms were like an outhouse.
With so many auto/train collisions occurring, Metrolink is again facing equipment shortages. Perhaps we’ll see this consist again?
Ed Harrison
Corona, CA ( 9 year Metrolink rider )
Just read the review of our Prodigy DCC system in the October 2003, Model Railroad News. I just have a few corrections to make of note: We knew the output was a little too high for N scale, so we devised our #AT880 — universal voltage reducer, which lowers the voltage output approximately 4.5 volts, putting the Prodigy in range for N scale top voltage needs. This is better than using a resistor, which can heat up. The AT880 uses diodes to lower the voltage. I used this with the Prodigy on my own N scale layout and found out I also had better throttle response in the lower speed ranges. This device can also be used with any power pack, (DC/AC/DCC).
Also the Synchro sound 750 does not need to be consisted to the loco you are using. Just program to the address of the loco you are using and it runs with that loco. You can adjust its starting voltage, momentum, and top voltage so it’s in sync with the loco.
All in all, we here at MRC appreciate the review and look forward to future workings with you and Model Railroad News.
Thank You,
Frank Verrico
Product Manager-Model Rectifier Corp
Edison, NJ
To Train Tech Forum’s Danny Rittman:
First, I would like to congratulate you for your column’s comeback! I can say that I am one of your column’s fans and look forward to reading about high-tech news in the railway world.
I have a general question regarding wireless technology. As technology progresses, would you say that we will see more wireless features? What type of new features can we expect? I am currently using the NCE ProCab wireless system, and I am pretty happy with the system’s performance.
Recently I purchased a mobile computer that is equipped with Intel’s Centrino wireless technology. Can we expect something in this direction? It would be nice to control my layout directly from my laptop computer. I appreciate your time and nice to see you back!
Fox Morgan
Commerce, CA
Thank you for your interest in the Train Tech Forum. We are always trying to do our best for our readers’ enjoyment. What a coincidence! While the answer to your questions are to be addressed in next month’s installment of Train Tech Forum, I’ll mention a few points regarding the next generation of wireless technology.
As wireless technology progresses, we can anticipate major improvements along with fancy additional features. The main improvements are expected to be in the range and quality of wireless characteristics. New fancy features that are coming down the pipe include better feedback to the cab unit, more control options, and a better user-friendly control interface (ie. gauges, sliders, knobs).
I predict that the wireless approach will eventually become a standard similar to DCC. With the passing of years, we are witnessing DCC systems becoming the industry standard, especially when it comes to serious train control. The ability to run our model trains like the prototype using DCC systems makes them the obvious choice for more model railroaders.
Another aspect is software control. Your vision is actually here! Kam Industries offers a software called LocoCE Suite. LocoCE is the first product of its kind that allows you to control and operate your layout using a wireless network. More information about the software at www.kamind.com
In the next month’s Train Tech Forum I will provide more information about the future of wireless technology. Thanks again for your loyalty. — Danny
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