Switching the Marlborough Branch Part 1 (Atlas GE B23-7 ESU Loksound)

My latest small switching layout. Marlborough MA is on the CSX Fitchburg Secondary running from Framingham MA to Leominster MA. Back in the day, a short branch line ran from Marlborough Junction to downtown Marlborough. I've imagined the line is still open with customers served by CSX local B724. In addition to CSX, the layout will feature 'Heritage' power from Conrail and Guilford/Pan AM.

[@ModelRR3102]

If you don't have access to a Lokprogrammer, I would suggest investing in one as long as you own a computer that supports Windows. You can upgrade your sounds to Full Throttle that way and customize sounds if using a V4.0 decoder. You can even change what function does what and so on and so forth. I bought mine for $150 and they retail for $180. It is by far the easiest way to program a Loksound decoder. It will only work with ESU decoders, but in the long run it will save you money.

[@njRRtrainer]

Great job, enjoy the quality... Switching projects are great.. Thanks again

[@Gaz3801]

Excellent switching layout. Nice track plan and plenty of operations.
Cheers, Gary.

[@TonyFleetwood]

nice work, got my subscription!

[@csxrensville5105]

Great video. Sound on the loco is very nice, gonna have to get some of those decoders for my units. Keith

[@Alcanman1]

Thanks Keith.

[@conrailbostonline6048]

I really enjoy your layouts. After being idle and not having a layout for several years, (due to being stuck in planning) I'm going to be building the Palmetto spur! Your videos are great motivation for me! Thanks!

[@Alcanman1]

Thanks Joe. The Palmetto Spur is still my favourite and was the most fun to operate. In fact, I've now rebuilt Marlborough using the Palmetto track plan. Good luck with building your new layout. You won't regret it!

[@conrailbostonline6048]

Thanks! Are you posting updates on a forum, like you did with the palmetto spur? As a native Masshole I like the theme of your Marlborough and Westborough projects!

[@Alcanman1]

Yes. All my layout blogs can be found on RMWeb. You can follow the latest on Marlborough here -www.rmweb.co.uk/community/index.php?/topic/121892-the-marlborough-branch/page-1Nice to know you are a native of the great state of Massachusetts. I'm very fond of New England railroading.I'm hoping to do a video of the new Marlborough layout soon.

[@conrailbostonline6048]

Ok great! I'll sign up and talk to you over there!

[@markrickard4795]

Hi great video very nice scenics 1 question yr loco is running on gm trucks hows that

[@Alcanman1]

Thanks. I hadn't noticed but you are correct. It appears some B23-7s were built with traded in EMD trucks. A prototype photo confirms the Atlas model is correct.

[@ThomasKlimoski]

Hi Mal, I enjoyed the new video, nice slow speed switching as you always do. The ESU LokSound decoder sounds awesome. Are you using the drive hold feature? It adds a new level of realism being able to notch up the throttle while keeping the speed low, like when the locomotive began pulling the loaded hopper cars would be a perfect time to engage the drive hold. Thanks again for posting the video, I always enjoy seeing your layout and operations.-Tom

[@Alcanman1]

Thanks Tom.I love the sound of the GE prime mover The decoder doesn't have drive hold, it only features manual notching. Hopefully, Atlas/ESU will include drive hold in future releases with factory fitted sound.

[@atsf3780]

You could always just load it with a Lokprogrammer?

[@Alcanman1]

I've just discovered the Dash 7 does have the drive hold feature! No mention in the instructions or on the Atlas website. I'll post a new video soon on the newly rebuilt Marlborough Branch