dr_spock

Interesting. Looks like the insulation slid off the bare wires from pulling or under tension.

How about wiring a USB connector directly to the 5V rail of a PC power supply? This old PC PSU lists 22A max on the 5V.

Does LegoRCX.py work with Linux?

I prefer cars that I can fix myself. I had to buy a new tablet because the car diag app no longer works on my old tablet. Same with PU App v4, seems kind of e-wasteful. The older tablet still works prefectly fine with very good battery life.

After our LUG's train guys started doing longer tunnels and larger layouts on our events, I switched to PU to run my PF train motors. Bluetooth is great, I don't need line of sight. Physically, I prefer the knobs on the PF speed remote over the buttons on the PU remote. One day I will go down the rabbit hole of Legoino and connect a rotary encoder to an ESP32 module.

I think it is more flexible to have batteries that can be swapped out with charged ones. The train would be no-go while motor module is recharging, unless one has spare charged locomotive ready. I had a track cleaner that was a model of the Plasser EM80C track inspector. Fun times. :-) LEGO track and traction tires could use also cleaning from time to time when there is wheel slip. I pick gunk off the tracks with MOW LEGO cleaner. I like that out of the box I can speed control any PF motors with the PF IR speed remote. Not quite the same with the PU remote and non-train PU motors, without Pybrick reprogramming or PU app or Legoino or diy adapter hack, the non-train PU motors only get the on/off control with the PU remote.

I used silicone lube for years on sliding parts in my old GBC ball pump. They look like they are still ok. Not sure if my lube contains acetone. I don't see the acetone melted look on the parts like when I used pure/high concentration acetone to glue LEGO parts together.

Nice. Doesn't SEPTA have those colors?

Maybe if I don't use LEGO motors which have gear boxes built in them.

My grandfather gave me a HO train set when I was a kid. I ran it on the bedroom floor. Cleaning was part of the routine to keep it running well. Had to teach myself to wire switches from the package instructions. Also noticed that shorts caused the 120VAC to 18VDC power pack to smoke. On the other hand, I have yet to get PowerUP! to smoke or shock myself. I wouldn't mind LEGO going back to PF or 9V. It was simpler and more practical for GBC modules with those stackable connectors.

Sweet. It has the 12v vibe.

They are showing "backorder" on the Canadian site. It's possible someone could have set them to the wrong code in their system. Or Australia decided to stop offer that product for whatever reason.

Merry Christmas!

Artic train could be a road train.

I use a bagless Bissell that has a clear bin. I can see and hear the LEGO pieces. Plus it is easier to get the pieces out than cutting open and digging through a full vacuum bag. There is more maintenance like you said. I have to empty more frequently but it is less dirt to go through should LEGO get sucked up. I blow out the filters with a leaf blower.

There are different strength thread lockers. Blue is medium strength and removable. Red is strong and very hard to remove. Use red if you don't like someone. Orange is strong like red but removable like blue.

I run a linear broach through the 3D printed cross axle openings. Metalworking techniques can be used for 3D printing.

I run a reamer through my 3D printed holes to get them to the desired size.

I tried Solutec grey ABS for connecting rods on my Bley Night version of LEGO's Emerald Night.

Nice Thalys re-colour.

I used a LEGO PF large motor and a PU Hub for my Bley Knight. The PU L motor should work in place of the PF large motor. Plenty of room in the tender for the PU hub.

Speaking of scales, 8 studs to 10 feet

The Powered UP app can control up to 4 hubs. A custom profile can be created to run them at set interval using the motor and timer blocks. Another method is to use PyBricks. Create the programs and replace the hubs firmware with them. Powered UP app would be easier to do but requires a smart phone or tablet to run the display. It would also be easier to make changes on the spot.

Nice work. Took the train a few years ago. There were some stairs to climb at the end of the line.

GBCs are pretty noisy. I think those living with you may get tired of the noise after a while and shut down your fun.