Welcome To The 7th Street Shops

"We CARE about brass; it may be your Hobby but it is our Business"

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We are now an authorized TCS Installation Dealer

We are now an authorized Soundtraxx Installation Dealer

7th Street Shops Policies Please Read Before Placing Order

Standard DCC Installation includes all lamps provided for in a model. In other words if we don't have to drill holes we will light all lamps on the model. In this case a PBL C-19 was lit with two different types of luminaries. The headlamp is a standard 1.5v incandescent bulb and the markers are surface mount LEDs.

The cab light is also a 1.5v incandescent bulb while the fire box flicker light is a 14v incandescent light. The functions for these lights are controlled by a TCS FL4 and either a TCS VR 1.5 or a 4700 ohm resistor.

This view shows how our harness and plug assembly from the engine connects to the tender. Removal of the front truck is recommended to easily access the plug. Note how the cable is snaked around parts and under bolsters. This helps keep it from fouling the front truck.

Here the front truck has been replaced and the locomotive is ready to be put on the track. Note the red dots; these help indicate the polarity of the trucks and the plugs. In this case the locomotive has not had split power pick up installed so both trucks should be polarized to the fireman side.

Derrell Poole's Overland 69, backdated to 1909 stands behind Keith Hayes' Overland 71 as a stock model. Note that both sets of markers have been lit. C&S markers are some of the smallest found on Sn3 engines and they must be cored in order to take a very small light source, in this case surface mount LEDs. Both engines are fully lit and close examination of the photo shows a reddish cast under 69's firebox - the flicker lamp in the engine's firebox. The 69 also possesses a turned polished headlamp reflector that has been focused.

This pair of P-B-L C-18s are DCC equipped with Soundtraxx Tsunami TSU750s and Train Control Systems TSC FL-4 decoders. Each has functioning headlamp, Marker Lamps, Cab Light and Fire Box Flickers. 319 also has a Backup Lamp. The QSI 1.1" speakers produce a rich ton from the tenders. The entire installation is clean and orderly and the tenders break away from the engines easily. Installations like these start at around 150.00 each and price depends on number of lamps and other services offered. Each locomotive has our basic programming applied.

There appears to be a lot of activity in an undisclosed yard near the 7th Street Shops. We count as many as seven locomotives as well as a number of other interesting pieces of equipment. Note the marker lamp installed in the cupola of old C&S caboose No. 308.

One can imagine the amount of hissing and huffing in this evening view where every lamp is lit. The only thing missing is the aromatic smell of smoke only a true rail fan can appreciate. In reality these engines are in a testing stage of our installation of DCC.

Split Power Pickup

One of our services is available and beneficial to both DC and DCC equipped locomotives. We call it Split Power Pickup. It isn’t a new idea but we do it well and it’s benefit is that it spreads both the Engineer side driver pickup in the engine and the Fireman side tender wheels in the tender over the majority length of the entire locomotive. Here’s how it works:

we install wipers inside or underneath the Engine frame to collect power from the Fireman side drivers. As you probably know these are the insulated drivers.

we flip the polarity of one of the tender trucks so that one set of wheels will pick up on the Engineers side.

The result is that the length of pickup on the Engineer’s side is at least 1 ½ times what it was before and the Fireman’s side as much as twice the original length. Pickup from both rails is now available from both units of the locomotive. While drawbars are fairly reliable this insures that connection isn’t the only means of getting power picked up by the tender or engine to the motor – or decoder. Overall the locomotive becomes substantially more reliable with fewer stalls thru rough or dirty track. We can’t guarantee all stalls will be eliminated but we do see a true reduction in our own equipment.

This service requires a number of parts that we create here at 7^th Street Shops and are not available separately.

Price ranges between $100.00 and $200.00 depending on Scale and type of engine. Most medium sized HO locomotives can be converted for $100.00 Please request “Split Power Pickup” when 7^th Street Shops does other work on your equipment.

This is the chassis of a Key Import HOn3 C&S No. 58. It is equipped with insulated wipers to three of its fireman's side drivers. This type of added pick up can be installed in just about any locomotive frame. It is our own design and parts are manufactured here.

These special mounting screws are used to insulate one of the tender trucks from any electrical conductivity. The bushings are cut from black Delrin and threaded onto steel 2mm screws. These parts are only available with our Split Power Pickup Service.

When split power pick up is installed we add wipers to the truck axles. This by passes the problematic contact point of axle to journal box. Note the wire and plug on the rear truck.

Split power pick up is complete for this tender. Note the red dots; these mark the polarity of the trucks. Split power pick up isolates the rear truck and reverses its polarity so that it picks up from the engineer's side. Together with the wipered fireman's side drivers the span of pick up is extended on both sides to nearly the length of the entire locomotive.

We also use tender truck wipers from Mikes Narrow Gauge {http://www.nyrs.com/specialitems.htm} on the insulated truck where they can be adapted. We can add a wiper to the other truck at your request.

Our standard Sound Decoder Installation Service includes the following:

1) An evaluation of the engine and how it runs. We check for engine balance as well as floating drivers (**see explanation below). Our fee will cover a minimal amount of adjustment or repair but if a driver is out of quarter or the engine is out of balance or other major concerns are found additional fees may apply.

2) Careful disassembly to ensure the safety of any paint and delicate parts. WE do NOT loose screws!

3) Removal of old sound system, speakers, lighting units, smoke units or decoders. If you want these parts returned to you, you must request this specifically. Otherwise we will not be responsible for their disposition.

4) Isolation of the motor. This is Very Important and can VOID the manufacturer's Warranty of their decoder. Older brass engines are notorious for leaky motors - yes even can motors. Sometimes the leak is not detectable unless the motor is running. We arbitrarily isolate the motor (even P-B-Ls) to be on the safe side. In most cases our standard fee will cover this task but there instances where isolating the motor will require machine work. Our shop rate of $35.00 an hour shall apply to isolate motors that require machine work. The client will be notified in advance with an additional estimate. All parts required shall be billed to the client.

5) Professional Installation of decoders, wiring harnesses, speakers, wipers and cams, VR units and resistors. All harness are tied for neatness and all joints are completely insulated so there is no chance of shorting. We prefer that you allow us to obtain the speaker since the size will have to fit the location (typically the tender). We will measure and find the largest high bass speaker we can install without extraordinary modification.

6) Two lamps or lamp sets (i.e. headlamp and firebox). If an engine already has lamps or the provision for lamps (such as drilled markers or train boards) we shall install these lamps at no extra charge. Any installation of lamps that require machine work shall be installed at the rate of $35.00 an hour. In most cases this should not exceed $35.00. This work will be done only upon approval of the client. We routinely replace existing bulbs (except axial bulbs in markers). We do not know the history of existing bulbs and since we don't charge for bulbs in a standard installation we think it is to everyone's advantage.

7) The installation of the mechanical wiper for the chuff. Even if a cam is not present and there is no special modification required to install a cam we will install the mechanical chuff at your request - you must request this. However you will be responsible for the cost of the parts. This will include the cam (approx. 20.00) and the wiper with mount (10.00). (Please note that anytime a driver is pulled from it's axle we must requarter the driver set at a minimum of $50.00 or more.)

8) Basic programming (Address, lamp buttons mapping and other fundamental CVs to ensure the engine runs normally and everything works properly). We will provide CV data sheet with your model. Please keep this sheet as a reference and if the model needs to be serviced please return a copy with the model.

9) Our standard installation includes two decoders, over sized stall capacitors and break away plugs this is how we do it and we feel it is the best service and arrangement available. If you wish to hard wire your tender to your engine we feel we are not the proper service for you. It is very difficult to handle a locomotive that is hard wired and we often must handle the locomotive after installation is complete.

10) We can no longer offer multiple engine discounts.

11) All wires, screws, resistors and consumable supplies. Lamps, special plugs, decoders, VR units, cams and wipers with holder (if not present on the engine already) will be charged in addition to the installation fee at our retail prices. You are welcome to supply any of these new parts under the condition described in "client provided parts" above.

12) A guarantee of our work (not the decoders or VRs as they are the domain of the manufacturer) for 90 days - you will only be required to pay the postage both ways.

Decoder Installation Fee - $160.00 per engine plus parts (approximately $210.00). $180.00 if any major components are supplied by the client.

Please note the following;

Before sending your order please contact us to clarify what parts you will provide and what we will provide, as well as other considerations.

When sending your order please include the engine(s), naturally, parts you will provide, and at least 50% of the fee we agreed upon, plus;

100% of return postage and insurance, cost of part we will provide, and a detailed description of what you wish to have done. (In the future - shortly - we will publish a printable PDF order form for your convenience). For postage determination our Zip Code is 80226.

Our turn around time is dependent on our backlog of work. Currently we have a number of projects on the bench but indicators suggest that this backlog is going to fill up fast. Please don't wait as we schedule engines on a first come, first serve basis.

Naturally it must be possible for the decoder and speaker and other part to fit into the engine. We reserve the right to refuse any job. This description is subject to change as we find necessary. PLEASE read and understand it before each order is placed. We don't want you to be unhappy with our work.

Example charge:

Installation Labor Fee: $160.00 ($180.00 if any major components, ie decoders, VR 1.5, speakers etc)

Parts:
Soundtraxx TSU 750 $130.00
TCS FL- 4 $21.95
TCS VR 1.5 $11.99
Soundtraxx HB Speaker w/enclosure approximately $16.00
One 4 - way and one 2 - way plug $12.00
Stall Capacitor - $3.00

(Ask us about surface mount LEDs in marker and train board lamp holders)

Total Cost of Installation = $355.00

**Floating Drivers Explained

Manufacturers routinely install axle springs that are too strong for the weight of the engine. This often prevents some of the drivers from contacting the rail. In particular we see the two center drivers on a 2-8-0 in this condition. A little thought reveals that if two of your drivers on either side of the engine are not contacting the rail you are only benefiting from 50% of your engines potential pick up ability and tractive effort. Floating drivers cause stalls especially after DCC has been installed. The fix is simple - replace the springs. We can replace springs at $40.00 a chassis. The benefit will be more reliable pick up and better traction.

All Scales HO & Larger - Contact Us for Quotes