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Post by sdivtim on Jul 27, 2024 1:25:40 GMT
Several Months ago, I picked up this SP 4-10-2 from 3rd Rail thru Trainz. It is now operating with Blunami DCC. As myself being mechanically and Electronically inclined like wreck it Ralph, I had to pass along the work to Brendan, a member of the San Diego 3-Railers as he was up to the task. As you all know, Blunami has been a big game changer in the O Scale market. Newer sounds, different types of features and other settings you may not get on a Legacy, TMCC or DCS locomotive. Everything worked on the engine, but I was more interested in having a one of a kind 3 Rail 4-10-2 and changing up the sounds. The old components will get a second lease on life in another locomotive. But if Blunami wasn't in existence, this engine would be getting a PS3 Upgrade with other features. But now with Blunami DCC you can take SoundTraxx sounds bringing them to life 3-Rail O Scale. You can add sounds and customize more with Blunami rather than what Legacy, TMCC or DCS sounds have to offer. So a huge thanks to Brendan for this conversion.  |
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Post by harborbelt70 on Jul 27, 2024 1:43:27 GMT
I know next to nothing about the technology you mention except that it is DC power, including from onboard batteries. I have often resented the sound limits and of certain light features of Legacy compared with DCC but can’t give up on novelty smoke features like whistle and pop-off valve smoke. Still, nice to see a fine 3rd Rail steamer repurposed in the way that you have done.
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Post by sdivtim on Jul 27, 2024 1:59:20 GMT
I know next to nothing about the technology you mention except that it is DC power, including from onboard batteries. I have often resented the sound limits and of certain light features of Legacy compared with DCC but can’t give up on novelty smoke features like whistle and pop-off valve smoke. Still, nice to see a fine 3rd Rail steamer repurposed in the way that you have done. I could of put smoke in it but it won't be like Protchuff or any synchronized chuff. The smoke units in these engines around 2004 and not the greatest at the time either. I forgot to mention that it has a bridge rectifier. |
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VBR
New Member
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Post by VBR on Jul 27, 2024 11:33:43 GMT
Nice, smooth operation! Good sounds, too. It will be interesting to see how Blunami plays out in the 3-rail world going forward.
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Post by Adam on Jul 27, 2024 12:15:32 GMT
This is very neat. So it sounds like with the rectifier you can run it on an AC track. Sounds like a perfect solution for older engines. I’ve been thinking about adding command to some of my Williams engines and this just might be the ticket.
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Post by ron045 on Jul 27, 2024 12:30:30 GMT
VERY NICE!!! I love Blunami also. I run all of my O Scale equipment deadrail.
Are you using IOS or Android? They are a little different for the time being.
If you are using Android, try the outdoor throttle. I absolutely love it. The way the engine spools up and starts to creep out is great.
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Post by harborbelt70 on Jul 27, 2024 13:07:50 GMT
If you are using Android, try the outdoor throttle. I absolutely love it. The way the engine spools up and starts to creep out is great.
I can only illustrate the engine where I worked this out, a fantasy scheme Santa Fe Warbonnet AC6000. I've had it a few years and it's probably seen the most run time of any of my little fleet:
The CAB2 also has a sort of vibration function but I've never found that it adds anything much to operating with the handheld because it's tactile enough as it is.
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Post by sdivtim on Jul 27, 2024 13:34:30 GMT
VERY NICE!!! I love Blunami also. I run all of my O Scale equipment deadrail. Are you using IOS or Android? They are a little different for the time being. If you are using Android, try the outdoor throttle. I absolutely love it. The way the engine spools up and starts to creep out is great. I use IOS. |
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Post by superwarp1 on Jul 28, 2024 7:40:38 GMT
I’ve been watching the Blumani craze for awhile now. It’s has great possibilities but a few negatives that for now keeps me from diving in.
1. No synchronization of the smoke unit for steamers
2. Have no interest in running my trains with my phone
But with that said the was you can customize the sounds is a huge plus, and I truly believe DCC could be the future for 3 rail. With limited electronics upgrade choices, this is a great way to revive dead engines.
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Post by ron045 on Jul 28, 2024 12:35:40 GMT
2. Have no interest in running my trains with my phone I have to agree 2 years ago this was a drawback to me also. It's why I also at the same time jumped into the RailPro pool because of the dedicated controller with a large spinning knob. I even experimented using a game controller vice my phone and I got it to work successfully Maybe my change in behavior was somewhat due to me also being deadrail. But frankly getting started in running trains is just easier with a phone. Turn on a loco, grab the phone load the app and run. I know where my phone is... Always in my pocket. My phone is always charged. Many controllers while having tactile buttons also have screens which are smaller and more challenging to view than a phone. So I have slowly transitioned. I grab my Blunami engines much more often than my RailPro engines. I'd say 80-90% more often. Even though the layout is capable, I do not run track power any longer. I leave that for my son and brother in law.
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Post by Adam on Jul 28, 2024 12:44:39 GMT
I have a tablet that I use with DCS. Since I’ve never had a remote before I don’t know what I’m missing. I’m also technically included so an app is natural for me.
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Post by superwarp1 on Jul 28, 2024 13:47:07 GMT
2. Have no interest in running my trains with my phone I have to agree 2 years ago this was a drawback to me also. It's why I also at the same time jumped into the RailPro pool because of the dedicated controller with a large spinning knob. I even experimented using a game controller vice my phone and I got it to work successfully Maybe my change in behavior was somewhat due to me also being deadrail. But frankly getting started in running trains is just easier with a phone. Turn on a loco, grab the phone load the app and run. I know where my phone is... Always in my pocket. My phone is always charged. Many controllers while having tactile buttons also have screens which are smaller and more challenging to view than a phone. So I have slowly transitioned. I grab my Blunami engines much more often than my RailPro engines. I'd say 80-90% more often. Even though the layout is capable, I do not run track power any longer. I leave that for my son and brother in law. How’s the Bluetooth range?
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Post by dennym57 on Jul 28, 2024 14:27:18 GMT
This is all very cool. It's nice to know this when the day comes my Cab2 stops working.
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Post by ron045 on Jul 29, 2024 3:28:31 GMT
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Post by cornerfieldrailfan on Aug 3, 2024 2:04:01 GMT
Wow, beautiful!!
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