Welcome to the inaugural issue of Tony's Train Exchange's new electronic newsletter,  The Manifest Newsliner . Just as a manifest freight train is a train with a mixture of different types of rolling stock and cargo, you will find that 
The Manifest Newsliner is a newsletter with a mix of product information, model railroading and DCC tips and product announcements. The   Newsliner  will keep you apprised of new product announcements and the expected delivery dates of those products, as well as provide useful information about DCC components and their correct operation, track layout design and wiring, and many more Tony's exclusive model railroading tips. If you do not wish to receive this newsletter, please click on the SafeUnsubscribe link at the bottom of the page. Or, if you need to update your email information, click on the Update Profile/Email Address link below. 

Our intention is to send out the  Newsliner  to all of our customers once a month, right around the middle of the month.  Please make sure this email address ( [email protected] ) is added to your contact list and marked as a good email address so it doesn't get accidentally put into your spam folder. But, if you wish to contact us, please send an email to  [email protected]  or call us at  1-800-978-3472 . Now for the good stuff!

The Jack Wabbit Quad stationary decoder is here: Combining the User Friendliness of NCE and the Reporting Power of Digitrax

The Jack WabbitTM is a Quad version of our popular Hare and Wabbit Intelligent Accessory Decoders. The Jack WabbitTM has four fully functional intelligent decoders on one printed circuit board. The four decoders operate independently and each one has all of the advanced features and much more, compared to the Hare and Wabbits.
 


Pictured above: Jack Wabbit configured for tortoise and snap coil machines, loconet equipped.

Jack Wabbit Quad: 4 Outputs on one Stationary Decoder:
  • Auto Throw
    ™: 
    Automatically throws points when a train is approaching against the points.

  • Auto Throw™ Timer:  Provides for timing the auto throw function to prevent two trains from colliding.

    Auto Return™: Automatically returns the points after a preset interval for any/all operational events.

  • Smart Route™: Sets up to 13 routes by simple address programming in addition to the primary address.

  • Dispatcher Over-Ride™: Allows the Dispatcher to lock out any or all other switch commands.

  • Lock Block Protection™: Overrides the Jack WABBITS operation if a designated block is occupied.

  • Locked Route Control™: Provides for only one route direction response for a Throw or Clear command.

  • Smart Default Ops™: Programmed power up response to either power off position, throw, or clear.

  • Operate Switch Signals or Panel LED Indicators by direct LED connections.

  • Manual Pushbutton or Toggle Switch: Allows button or toggle switch manual control of the points.

  • DCC Reset: CV 63=42, Sets any or all Addresses and CVs to original factory default values.

  • Reset Decoder by Jumper: Jumper selection resets entire Jack Wabbit to factory default Address and CV's.

  • Direct Current Ops: The Jack Wabbit will operate on DC using the Manual Push Button Control Option.

  • Semaphore/Gate Ops: Uses a stall motor and Auto Throw for triggered control of a semaphore or crossing.

  • Automates Reverse Loop Turnouts Using Auto Throw feature.

  • Feed Back, Turnout Position Reporting to:  Digitrax LocoNet, Lenz ExpressNet and NCE Cab Bus (Optional Direct Interface to loconet)

The Broadway Limited Imports HO E Units Are In Stock! 

These impressive locomotives are available in many of your favorite road names and numbers and feature BLI's Paragon2 Sound & DCC. 

Broadway Limited Imports Santa Fe Passenger "Warbonnet" EMD E8A

For more information on these locomotives or to purchase yours CLICK HERE!

Features
  • Paragon2 sound and control system
  • Integral DC/DCC dual mode decoder for ease of operation on any layout
  • Exceptional slow speed operation in DC and DCC
  • Prototypical light operation with headlight, cab light, rear light and Mars light (where applicable)
  • Authentic EMD E-Unit sounds - Controllable in DC and DCC
  • All-wheel drive and all-wheel electrical pick-up
  • Kadee knuckle couplers
  • Factory installed engineer and fireman figures
  • Near brass-caliber detail at a plastic price
Product Specifications
  • ABS plastic body with heavy die cast chassis for maximum tractive force
  • Precision gearing optimized for smooth operation
  • 5-pole can motor with skew wound armature and dual fly wheels
  • Separately applied handrails, ladders, horns, bell, and more
  • Will operate on code 70, 83 and 100 rail
  • Recommended minimum radius: 18 inches 
 
The Broadway Limited Imports HO ALCo RSD-15 Now In Stock! 

The ALCO RSD-15 were built between 1956 and 1960 in Schenectady, New York. Rated at 2,400 horsepower these versatile were known as a Jack of all trades as they were suited for mainline freight as well as passenger service. They also saw duty as yard switchers. Railroads could order the RSD-15 with either a high or low front hood.  The low hood versions quickly donned the nickname of Alligators.


Broadway Limited Imports Pennsylvania Railroad ALCo RSD-15
 

Features
  • Paragon2 Sound & Control System
  • Exceptional Slow Speed Operation in DC and DCC
  • Silky smooth drive mechanism engineered for continuous heavy load towing and smooth slow speed operation
  • 5-Pole Can Motor with Skew Wound Armature
  • Premium Caliber Painting with Authentic Paint Schemes
  • Prototypical Light Operation with Golden White LED Headlight
  • Kadee Knuckle Couplers
  • Factory Installed Engineer and Fireman Figures
  • Near-Brass Caliber Detail at a Plastic Price
  • Minimum Radius: 18 inch or greater recommended
Product Specifications
  • Operates in DC & DCC (use DCMaster for DC Sound)
  • Auto Pilot (ATS) - Records and plays back sound and movement for automatic operation (Macro Operation)
  • 16-bit Sample Rate for exceptional high frequency sound clarity
  • Playback Whistle for multiple whistle lengths and patterns
  • Choice of 3 selectable Whistles / Horns
  • Alternate Whistle / Horn where applicable for locomotive with air horn and steam whistle - both the main whistle and alternate can be easily played
  • Adjustable bell ringing interval for faster or slower bell
  • Numerous user-mappable functions with available keys
  • Demo Mode for display and demonstrations
  • Grade Crossing Automatic Signal
  • 8 Diesel Motor Revs (Diesel Only)
  • Simple Programming with Integral DCC Decoder
  • Automatic Forward / Reverse Signal - When activated, stopping triggers and stop whistle toot.  When moving forward from a stopped position, toots twice.  When moving in reverse. toots three times.
  • Engine sound intensity varies with load
  • Individually adjustable sound volumes for each effect
  • EZ Reset Button for quick return to factory default settings
Soundtraxx Announces New Econami Sound Decoder Line




Available in three formats to suit a variety of steam, diesel and electric locomotives, Econami provides high-quality 16-bit sound, Hyperlight lighting effects, and Hyperdrive2 advanced motor control for enhanced realism. New features of the Econami include Flex-Map technology, an easy method for assigning any function to any function key.
 
The Econami line includes the ECO-100, measuring just 27mm x 10.5mm x 5mm, as well as the ECO-400 4-amp version for models requiring a little more "beef." The 21-pin ECO-21P mates nicely to any model with the NMRA-supported 21-pin socket.

 
Tony's Tip: Track Feeders and Rail Joiners

*Shared with permission of and thanks to Mark Gurries. You can check out Mark's DCC Website Here. Mark's DCC Website Here.



Any discussion about track feeders needs to center on the most common electrical failure point in a track system; the rail joiner. Why? A rail joiner serves two purposes:
  1. Mechanical alignment of the rails between independent rail sections (track). The mechanical problems are most obvious and visually observable. Without proper alignment of the rails, our model trains will derail.
     
  2. The passing of electrical current from rail to rail assuming this is a metal rail joiner.
The electrical problems are not so obvious and hidden from view. The electrical connection takes place between the metal of the rail joiner applying pressure to the metal rail. In other words, the invisible "metal to metal" contact area.  The common type of metals we use to make rail, such a nickle silver, all oxidize. This is the metal chemically reacting to the oxygen in the air. Depending on the type of metal, the oxidation or "oxide metal" that results may or may not conduct. Non conducting oxide like that found in brass track prevents the rail joiner from passing current from one rail to the other and at the same time from the rail to the wheel of the locomotive. But even if the oxide conducts, that does not make it a good conductor. Oxide is a highly resistive conduction that is far less conductive than unoxidized or "raw" metal to raw metal conduction can offer.
 
For locomotives and the top of the rails, we can address this oxidation by cleaning the wheels and track since they are exposed and easily accessible for cleaning. There are many tools and methods to address this problem and we are well aware of problem when we have an engine running poorly on the track. See the CMX Clean Machine.
 
On the other hand, rail joiners are part of the track infrastructure and are installed once as part of a process of laying track down permanently. In terms of metal to metal contact, we will not have easy access to the metal to get rid of the oxide in the rail joiner/rail connection.
There are two types of modelers:
  1. Those who like to solder
     
  2. Those who do not like to solder
Those that like to solder will solder both track feeders and rail joiners.

You can find many great articles in the Tony's Tips section of our website, covering all aspects of model railroading, especially in regards to DCC. 

  CLICK HERE To Read More Tips!

 
We truly hope you've enjoyed reading through the first issue of The Manifest Newsliner. If you want to continue receiving these monthly newsletters, remember to make sure this email address ( [email protected] ) is added to your contact list and marked as a good email address so it doesn't get accidentally put into your spam folder. If you'd like to comment on the newsletter or you have a question or suggestion, please send us an email to [email protected]   or call us at  1-800-978-3472 .

 
It's our pleasure to assist you with all your model railroading needs at Tony's Train Exchange! 

Erik Fiske, President 




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