[Greg Elmassian]

I agree with Raymond's assessment, all the AirWire stuff is "trying to get" from the rails, is just DC power, if filters are needed, they would still allow DC to power the QSI.

Regards, Greg

 

[Greg Elmassian]

And with a disable switch on the Gwire board, you could switch over to track powered DCC as a further option. I think you might be able to use the AirWire receiver in this way also. I have not come across anyone who has done this yet, so you may have to be the "beta tester" !

Regards, Greg

 

[Greg Elmassian]

The QSI/AirWire setup should ignore any "commands" coming from the rails when the "Gwire" receiver is enabled.

If you are using DC for your DCS system, the signal "rides" on the DC. There's a good chance it would be ignored by the QSI setup.

The only way to find out is try it. I have never seen the specification of the amplitude of the DCS signal, but it has to be at least a couple of volts or it would not work.

You might get some speed variation on the QSI, but it might work.

Regards, Greg

 

[Greg Elmassian]

Yep, DCC outdoors works fine, there are still some old wives tales that came from the early days of DCC. When I started 9 years ago, I was told it was impossible.

I agree on the ball bearings, they CAN help with lowering rolling resistance, but I have seen little improvement with plastic sideframes. They seem to help most on a completely level layout where you are not "lifting" the cars up and down grades. Ball bearings can only help overcome rolling resistance, not the laws of gravity or potential energy.

But on curves, often they are no help. If you use ball bearings on the ends of the axles, the wheels are still "locked" together, and you do not get any "differential action" between the wheels (like a car).

If you have the independent ball bearings (in the wheel hubs), often the extra resistance to get one turning faster than the other (if you have sealed bearings) cancels out any advantage.

Lastly if you have independent ball bearings (in the wheel hubs), you usually get some grit or corrosion that does the same thing.

Like Mike (lownote), I found that properly lubricated axles in plastic sideframes work pretty well.

Regards, Greg

p.s. Even though you have been warned that the road names/paint schemes are out of production, I'm guessing you are easily capable of painting and decaling.

You might also find used Aristo equipment in the proper road name.