TCS Upgrades Their Trolley Decoders !
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The DCC-ready Bowser PCC car was introduced to HO scale trolley modelers a little over two years ago and with sound capability two months ago. Over these last two years, the cars have demonstrated themselves to be durable, reliable performers.

A few years ago, Train Control Systems (TCS) introduced the M4T decoder. this decoder was a plug-in that required no further action of the part of the user unless the car was a TTC (Toronto) PCC requiring one wire to be soldered to the circuit board to enable the Advance light to work. Philadelphia (SEPTA) PCC cars required a T6XT decoder. It was still a plug-in but required soldering two wires to the circuit board to enable both the Subway light and the emergency Beacon to work. everyone seemed to be satisfied with the operation of both the TCS M4T and T6XT decoders.

Of course, operation from overhead wire is a problem even in the DCC arena but in DCC strange things happen including cars going into reverse when dirty wire is encountered. TCS came up with the Keep-Alive™ capability which allowed operation to continue during brief power losses. This permits much slower, smoother operation under wire.

But then TCS sent the Keep-Alive™ decoders to the Southern California Traction Club (SCTC) for testing. The first ones were quite large and were difficult to fit into the Bowser PCC but when the installation was complete, we could not believe the difference. At first, we removed eight inches of overhead wire on one of our test modules and replaced it with fishing line. The car ran right through it. It began to slow down when it had traversed five to six inches. But the lights stayed on and the car made it every single time and at normal streetcar speeds. But then we noticed something spectacular. The car ran so slowly and smoothly at very low speeds, much lower than we could ever run even in the two-rail mode or in the old DC mode. We marveled at the cars running at what we calculated at 15 scale miles per hour (smph) throughout the entire module without any stalls. Train Control Systems (TCS) reported the SCTC (George Huckaby) experiences with the Keep-Alive™ decoders on their web site testimonial page. "...The Keep Alive almost totally eliminates the dirty overhead wire problem. We recommend that trolley modelers have one in at least one car to clean overhead wire prior to operating sessions. You could advertise this benefit if you like. We have a section of track on our test track that is rarely used. It usually takes 15 minutes of cleaning and running to operate on it. Our unit with the Keep-Alive™ decoders ran flawlessly the first time without a hitch. This will be great for those who operate on overhead wire and do not run often..."

During the Pacific Electric Weekend reported in column 2, the SCTC demonstrated the Keep-Alive™ decoders in several Bowser PCC cars being operated on their City Streetcar Line. Their 16' by 26' layout is shown in the Museum Town Hall during that same weekend with members (left to right) George Jones, David Lyman, Pete DeBeers and John McWhirter manning the display.

The new units are the KAT14P-1inch for most of the Bowser PCC cars. These are intended for the same cars currently using the M4T. For the Bowser Philadelphia PCC cars with two operational roof lights, the decoder would be the KAT16P-1inch. Custom Traxx should have their stock by the time you read this. Both decoders are $49.95. The same installation procedures used with the M4T and the T6XT apply here except that this decoder is a little larger and will fit after some preparation and coaxing. The KAT12/14/16 decoders are a little larger than the TCS T1 series of decoders. Click here for a comparison photo of the decoders. Also click here for a photo of the KAT14 installed in a Bowser PCC. TCS will be eliminating the JST plug in some future KA series decoders which will reduce the size of the decoders.
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Orange Empire Railway Museum Changes Vendor Swap Meet Policy!
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For many years now, the Orange Empire Railway Museum has held spring and fall swap meets in March and September, respectively. For many years, it has been the custom of a few vendors to set-up on Friday evening and remain on the property overnight until the swap meet began early Saturday morning.

A few years back, several security concerns erupted when parts from the Ventura County #2 2-6-2 steam engine which was under renovation, suddenly disappeared. During the investigation that followed, several security measures were instituted, including a ban on the overnight stays.

After completely studying the entire issue, the policy on overnight stays was revised. To remain overnight on the Friday before the swap meet, vendors must first be members in good standing for at least a year previous to the swap meet and comply with some restrictions on movement around the museum during their stay. They must submit the attached form in advance, get it approved and have it on their person when they are approached by security personnel. For your information, here is the entire Museum policy on this matter. We would advise vendors not to ignore this policy as they could be evicted late in the evening when motel rooms in the area may be scarce.