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- Thread starter Jordan
- Start date
mickoo
Western Thunderer
I may need some help with which way the steps fold up, etc!
Treads on top mate
Sorry for the blurries, but I have a pair of inverse blurred compensation spectacles here if you wish to borrow them!
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
Well, Peter has one... a blue pre-TOPS example because all of the TOPS examples had gone when he was in a position to make the purchase. I expect that we shall be changing the lettering of our engine, who is going to be the first to write about removing the lettering / arrows as supplied?
This model is going to be run as DCC with the possibility of sound. Our DCC control gear is Lenz with 5amp transformer whilst the decoders are all ESU - Lokpilot and Loksound because we use ABC get up and go as a matter of choice. At the moment we use DCC Supplies as our preferred supplier. Something tells me that we are going to have to use something other than Lokpilot and Loksound for the Heljan. What are you using in yours?
regards, Graham
This model is going to be run as DCC with the possibility of sound. Our DCC control gear is Lenz with 5amp transformer whilst the decoders are all ESU - Lokpilot and Loksound because we use ABC get up and go as a matter of choice. At the moment we use DCC Supplies as our preferred supplier. Something tells me that we are going to have to use something other than Lokpilot and Loksound for the Heljan. What are you using in yours?
regards, Graham
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mickoo
Western Thunderer
31 115 is the only TOPS one I can find with double arrows, Kings X 74.
31115 (High Resolution Version) by Tutenkhamun Sleeping, on Flickr
The Flickr comments infer there were others.
31115 (High Resolution Version) by Tutenkhamun Sleeping, on Flickr
The Flickr comments infer there were others.
Steph Dale
Western Thunderer
Graham,
It is a current-hungry model, but the XL variants of the ESU decoders will work fine.
As an alternative I'm investigating re-power options for my Heljan locos, which will have a reduced current draw as a primary objective...
I'm delaying the work on my Heljan 31 in the hope that MMP will do an upgrade kit as has been done for the 47. I'm also trying to persuade Shawplan to do the roof fan and window frames, but I'm very interested in the PHD etches as an option...!
Steph
alcazar
Guest
But wouldn't you think that, for the thick end of half a thousand quid, the heljan model would HAVE the details, and BE correct?
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
Yes... such a discussion ought to be in the original thread, this thread is for how WT-ers have modified their engine(s)
.regards, Graham
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
Thanks, that will be interesting... where are such delicacies are to be found on t'net?
40126
Western Thunderer
31 115 is the only TOPS one I can find with double arrows, Kings X 74.
31115 (High Resolution Version) by Tutenkhamun Sleeping, on Flickr
The Flickr comments infer there were others.
Hi Mick
I like the dark blue underneath the number & at the other end with no number
Steve
Yorkshire Dave
Western Thunderer
I would model this version just to wind up the purists - patch painting over the Dxxxx number and renumbered into the TOPS series. This is my style of loco.
john lewsey
Western Thunderer
Hi what's the difference between tops and pre tops apart from the arrows
BrushType4
Western Thunderer
The numbering system is different...
But as the years went by, they went through all sorts of body modifications. Blanking up of the steps is the most obvious along with losing the skirts. I'm sure there is quite a list and will be very dependent on the loco and when.
But as the years went by, they went through all sorts of body modifications. Blanking up of the steps is the most obvious along with losing the skirts. I'm sure there is quite a list and will be very dependent on the loco and when.
Yorkshire Dave
Western Thunderer
From what I have read (BR diesels are not my main interest) TOPS is a computerised numbering system used by BR from the early 1970s. Before that they were numbered DNNN of ENNN and before that steam style numbers comprising of numbers only NNNNN. I'm sure other members can elucidate.
S
Simon Dunkley
Guest
But not until after they have demonstrated their "expert knowledge".Make sure you print out a copy of the photo, to wave under their smug noses....
No point simply giving them rope: they have to be given the time to tie the noose and put their necks in it, too...
TheSnapper
Western Thunderer
As per DogStar request at post 820 here, I've cobbled together some info on how I fitted sound to my Heljan Class31, which can be seen/heard at post #798 here.
First of all, let me say I’m not keen on working front & rear lights, illuminated head-codes, cabs or noisy Heljan fans. So, if you are looking for full “bells & whistles” install, this ain’t it! What I’m more interested in is achieving a good sound, and of course smooth performance, especially at slow speeds.
I started by parting the body & chassis, revealing the innards…. and the messy wiring loom, and the Heljan PCB…..
…….which I removed, together with the superfluous wiring for lights & fan, leaving just the wires, to the track & motors, unfortunately all red & black
Plan A was to use the rudimentary enclosure supplied by Heljan, between the central tanks, fitted with an oval speaker. Mine was from Alan Butcher Components (ABC), but I think this one is the same: http://www.digitrains.co.uk/ecommer...ker--rectangular--4ohm--2w--40x28x11-5mm.aspx. The speaker actually fits nicely allowing the screws which retain the tank mouldings, to pass through the holes in the speaker frame:
This required a hole to be drilled through the chassis for the speaker wires:
And the speaker was glued inside the tank moulding
When tested, the sound was unsatisfactory, lacking weight & depth, so time for Plan B.
Plan B My favourite location for a speaker is firing downwards, so the intention was to use the whole “box-like” central casting as an enclosure. This required a large hole to be machined in the chassis, which would also allow a larger speaker to be fitted.
Fortunately, I work for an engineering company and was able to get this done foc, but if you don’t have the facilities to do it, I’m sure it wouldn’t be too expensive. Naturally, I had to strip-down the chassis first, to prevent any damage to the bogies or buffer-beams. This may in itself put-off a few people, but it’s actually quite straightforward
What you end-up with is this:
I fitted the speaker using Evo-Stick, leaving it a couple of days to set. The speaker is actually from a Cisco IP Phone 7942, which I happened to have in my possession. (don’t ask..)
Controversially, perhaps, I used a Zimo MX645 H0-size decoder from Digitrains (this one) loaded with Paul Chetter’s muti-drive Class 31 Sound project.
It works well, having been tested pulling a heavy parcels train around Heyside for several circuits. I have also used a similar sized Loksound v4.0 in a Heljan Class20, with no ill-effects. I presume having no lights or fan to drive, lessens the burden on the chip.
I made a small circuit board from Verobard, to which I soldered screw terminals from a redundant Heljan PCB. I carefully unsoldered the unused wires from the Zimo chip and connected everything as neatly as possible:
Next, a cover for the “box” was made, using 2mm MDF
Here are all the bits laid out, including 2 “stay-alive” capacitors, which can be wired directly to the Zimo chip:
Finally, the completed installation, before adding the track & motor wires, bogies etc
Postscript: The MDF cover was sealed with silicon for airtightness, and is now painted black. The grill from the underside of the tanks has beeen removed, to avoid any obstacles to the sound, which is full & powerful.
I’m not fully sure whether I like the recording yet – not sure if it sounds like a typical Class31 – I’ll have to listen to some of my own recordings to compare. I may end up changing change the chip or have it re-blown, or experimenting with different speakers, or additional speakers etc etc.
Regards
Tim
First of all, let me say I’m not keen on working front & rear lights, illuminated head-codes, cabs or noisy Heljan fans. So, if you are looking for full “bells & whistles” install, this ain’t it! What I’m more interested in is achieving a good sound, and of course smooth performance, especially at slow speeds.
I started by parting the body & chassis, revealing the innards…. and the messy wiring loom, and the Heljan PCB…..
…….which I removed, together with the superfluous wiring for lights & fan, leaving just the wires, to the track & motors, unfortunately all red & black
Plan A was to use the rudimentary enclosure supplied by Heljan, between the central tanks, fitted with an oval speaker. Mine was from Alan Butcher Components (ABC), but I think this one is the same: http://www.digitrains.co.uk/ecommer...ker--rectangular--4ohm--2w--40x28x11-5mm.aspx. The speaker actually fits nicely allowing the screws which retain the tank mouldings, to pass through the holes in the speaker frame:
This required a hole to be drilled through the chassis for the speaker wires:
And the speaker was glued inside the tank moulding
When tested, the sound was unsatisfactory, lacking weight & depth, so time for Plan B.
Plan B My favourite location for a speaker is firing downwards, so the intention was to use the whole “box-like” central casting as an enclosure. This required a large hole to be machined in the chassis, which would also allow a larger speaker to be fitted.
Fortunately, I work for an engineering company and was able to get this done foc, but if you don’t have the facilities to do it, I’m sure it wouldn’t be too expensive. Naturally, I had to strip-down the chassis first, to prevent any damage to the bogies or buffer-beams. This may in itself put-off a few people, but it’s actually quite straightforward
What you end-up with is this:
I fitted the speaker using Evo-Stick, leaving it a couple of days to set. The speaker is actually from a Cisco IP Phone 7942, which I happened to have in my possession. (don’t ask..)
Controversially, perhaps, I used a Zimo MX645 H0-size decoder from Digitrains (this one) loaded with Paul Chetter’s muti-drive Class 31 Sound project.
It works well, having been tested pulling a heavy parcels train around Heyside for several circuits. I have also used a similar sized Loksound v4.0 in a Heljan Class20, with no ill-effects. I presume having no lights or fan to drive, lessens the burden on the chip.
I made a small circuit board from Verobard, to which I soldered screw terminals from a redundant Heljan PCB. I carefully unsoldered the unused wires from the Zimo chip and connected everything as neatly as possible:
Next, a cover for the “box” was made, using 2mm MDF
Here are all the bits laid out, including 2 “stay-alive” capacitors, which can be wired directly to the Zimo chip:
Finally, the completed installation, before adding the track & motor wires, bogies etc
Postscript: The MDF cover was sealed with silicon for airtightness, and is now painted black. The grill from the underside of the tanks has beeen removed, to avoid any obstacles to the sound, which is full & powerful.
I’m not fully sure whether I like the recording yet – not sure if it sounds like a typical Class31 – I’ll have to listen to some of my own recordings to compare. I may end up changing change the chip or have it re-blown, or experimenting with different speakers, or additional speakers etc etc.
Regards
Tim
TheSnapper
Western Thunderer
Graham
Should be OK now
Tim
Should be OK now
Tim
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
Which "plan" was recorded for the video on the Heyside thread?
The "original" wiring looks a real mere's nest... any colour you want as long as it is etc...
Thank you for the your effort in posting these pictures and descriptions
.regards, Graham
Dog Star
Western Thunderer
Two good questions, I shall be very interested in the answers.
The ESU keep-alive for the Loksound is more than just a capacitor although just what else is in the package is beyond me - anyone know? Given that the price of the keep-alive is comparable with an entry-level decoder then if a simple capacitor is a viable option then such a possibility is going to be welcome.
regards, Graham