Hello Backshop Buddies,

I hope this finds you well and modeling hard!

I always love the way the sound of the air horn and clickety-clack of a passing train carries so well in crisp morning air of a sunny Saturday morning in January. I still get to enjoy that dance here in north Alabama believe it or not.

Hmmm, I think today is a good day to sound out another shelf queen that has waited patiently for her turn to dance... an Atlantic, a Pacific, a Hudson... F-unit, E-unit, GPx... Question is, will you ask your queen to dance today?

I will have limited availability from February 8 through February 14, 2023. The cutoff date for shippable orders is February 7, 2023. The web store will remain open and you may continue to place orders. I will resume regular shipping on or about February 14, 2023. Thanks for your patience and understanding as I cheer on the Athens, Alabama 6D State Champion Cheer Team as they compete for a National Championship title.

This edition of The Backshop Limited features the latest news and product announcements from DCC Specialties, ESU, SoundTraxx, TCS, and ZIMO.

Chief Backshop Installer Steven Fields is dancing all day at the install desk and frankly fellas, the ladies are swooning over his moves. Shoot us an email to request a quote to turn that shelf queen into the pride of your fleet!

As a reminder, the SBS4DCC website features Real-Time Stock Status. Please remember that orders for out-of-stock products will be delayed and restock information will be limited. The shipping status notice applies to in-stock product only. As a reminder, you can place a SBS4DCC No-Obligation Backorder to reserve stock and avoid the need to search constantly hoping to catch one on the shelf.

Be sure to check out the Tutorials, Tips and Tricks section of the website. I continue to add volumes of information about different subjects I think you might find valuable.

I am frequently asked for help and information about the manufacturers warranty when a project doesn't work out the way we expected. CLICK HERE to access the Consolidated DCC Manufacturers Warranty Information page. Of course this information is subject to change and the manufacturers information is always the primary resource.

And finally... Model Railroad Operations are a blast and are a great way to get engaged in this great hobby. Operating sessions are surely limited these days so you can use this time to enjoy the OpSIG Publications - A Compendium Of Model Railroad Operations - From Design To Implementation and get to work developing your own operating sessions. You can find out more by visiting the OpSIG webite or by contacting your local NMRA chapter as well.

Stop Running Trains. Start Model Railroading!

Bryan Vianco

Owner, SBS4DCC

Announcing The New DCC Specialties PSXX-series DCC Circuit Breaker. 

DCC Specialties has released the new PSXX-series DCC Circuit Breaker. PSXX has all of the features of the original PSX. However, the PSXX has a new and unique feature that no other circuit breaker or fuse (to our knowledge) possesses. When you set the trip current, which can be set in integer increments from 1 to 10 amperes, you not only set the current at which the breaker will shut off, you also set the maximum amount of current that the breaker will allow to flow.

New to SBS4DCC, the DCC Specialties FROG-AR Quad Output Frog Auto-Reverser. 

The Frog-AR is a quad frog auto reverser designed and built by DCC Specialties. It is easy to install and will automatically adjust the connected frog [up to four] to the correct polarity. Each frog can be independently set to operate at 1, 2, 3, or 4 amperes. Unlike other frog controllers, the set current not only determines when to switch the frog polarity, but it also is the maximum current that the Frog-AR will allow to flow to the frog. Limiting the trigger current significantly reduces wear and tear on engine wheels and pickups. The Frog-AR can also be configured to control one or two reverse loops.

Introducing the all new ESU 58751 LokSound 5 Micro Direct NMRA DCC Sound Decoder - Atlas Legacy Type.

The ESU 58751 LokSound 5 Micro - Atlas Legacy Type has been specially developed for installation in N gauge locomotives of the Atlas and Intermountain brands: it can be inserted directly instead of the analog board installed there as standard. However, the decoder can also be used for similar models from other manufacturers at your own discretion.

The LokSound 5 micro DCC Atlas Legacy is also a “direct style decoder developed for early (before 2016) Atlas, Intermountain (and others). The decoder was made for locos produced before sound was added during production. This replaces the popular ESU 73100 Select Direct Micro.

Introducing the SoundTraxx BLU-4408 Blunami 2 DCC Sound Decoder.

Blunami will change the way you enjoy the model railroading hobby!

The BLU-4408 is designed to wirelessly operate models with higher stall currents such as some S, O, and large scale locomotives; this decoder features easy-to-use terminal blocks for no-fault wiring and a higher audio amplifier for awesome volume, indoors or out. Blunami decoders can be operated in three different ways: DC, DCC and Wireless mode. Using the Blunami app (iOS versions 8 or later), you can operate your locomotive with incredible ease of use. You will feel like you are in the cab with the amazing new features that Tsunami2 has to offer including: Reactive Dynamic Digital Exhaust, Functioning locomotive and train brakes, injectors, power reverse, and firebox flicker. We also offer a large selection of selectable sound effects including: exhaust chuffs(10), prime movers (up to 12), bells (12), Whistles (90), airhorns (40+), couplers, dynamos and more!

Introducing the TCS CS-105 DCC & LCC Command Station.

The CS-105 is an intelligently-designed DCC command station with LCC integration as well as a built-in RailCom® detector. Thoughtfully designed to outperform in every area, the CS-105 is the perfect DCC command station for newcomers, or layout builders or renovators looking for a highly-capable command station with the latest and greatest technology available.

The CS-105 Command Station from TCS is the new DCC standard for model railroads. This system brings a new level of operational convenience to DCC, especially when paired with a UWT-100. The CS-105 also features a wide range of new features compared to the competition. "Soft Start" as well as configurable short circuit detection for the mainline track output decreases the likelihood of burning up fouled decoders as well. Instead of spending time with your head in a manual trying to understand your system, you can consult the intuitive configuration interface of the CS-105 through a TCS throttle such as the UWT-100, allowing you to focus on the important things - operating and enjoying your trains! We are confident that the CS-105 will quickly become your favorite command station to use.

Also included in the package with the CS-105, power supply, and AC cord are two LCC terminators, detachable track power connector, and detachable programming track connector.

Introducing the TCS B-106 Auxiliary DCC Booster.

The B-106 is an intelligently-designed DCC Auxiliary Booster with LCC integration as well as a built-in RailCom® detector. Thoughtfully designed to outperform in every area, the B-106 is the perfect for layout builders or renovators looking for a highly-capable DCC Booster with the latest and greatest technology available.

Introducing the ZIMO STACO3A Super Cap Stay-Alive Controller w/ 2x Micro 0.3F Gold Caps.

STACO3A is a ZIMO Stay-Alive controller for charging and controlled unloading of 2 mini gold caps, 10 x 7.3 x 2 mm, 2 soldered wires (squid harness...) for hardwire connection.

For reference, the complete assembly is about the size of the 4087 Double Deep 8x12 SBS4DCC Sugar Cube speaker.

I received a surprise sample of this product in a recent shipment. The STACO3A is recommended for use with ZIMO MX or MS decoders of "category 1 " (i.e. without provisions for energy storage connection) or "restricted category 2" only but you know I just had to try it... In testing here and in the install lab on a ZIMO MS500 and other brand decoders we were able to get a solid 2 seconds, maybe even 3 out of this micro package.

I call that a true N-Scale Keep-Alive Device. I do not have a date of availability yet but a No-Obligation Backorder would be helpful to gage interest in this product.