New DCS Explorer Wi-Fi Interface Unit Firmware Available For Download

March 13, 2018 - A new version of the firmware used in the DCS Explorer Wi-Fi Interface Unit has been released and is now available for download. The downloads are FREE and can be installed into the Explorer via the LuCI interface accessible through an IP address. Details for reprogramming the Explorer's firmware are included in the DCS Explorer Operator's Manual which can be downloaded by clicking HERE.

The new Explorer firmware corrects several issues detailed below and is especially relevant for Explorer operators using the device with RailKing Ready-to-Run Train Sets purchased in 2017 forward.

EXPLORER FIRMWARE NOTES

• Corrects an issue where the Explorer could shut down when track switches are powered from track power using the DC Power Supply found in 2017 and later RailKing Ready-to-Run Train Sets.
• Increases current timeout for DC input power to enable track-powered switch operation.
• Corrects a condition that could result in a rare crash of the firmware.

  You can download the new Explorer Firmware by clicking HERE.
  
  

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  2017 Premier 4-6-2 USRA Heavy Pacific Steam Engine w/Proto-Sound 3.0 Now In Stock

  
  
  

  During World War I, Uncle Sam nationalized the railroads when they proved unequal to the task of moving massive amounts of men and material for the war effort. The agency that ran the trains was the United States Railroad Administration or USRA, and one of its chief accomplishments was the creation of 12 steam engine designs that lasted for decades. According to the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, USRA locomotives were "the first successful standardization of American motive power" — and the only standard designs until the diesel era.

  In the World War I period, the 4-6-2 Pacific was the favored mainline passenger engine in relatively level territory, so the USRA designs included light and heavy 4-6-2s. The heavy version, designed for trackage that allowed a heavier axle load, was similar in most major dimensions to the existing Pennsylvania K4s and Chesapeake & Ohio F-17 Pacifics. Both had been designed around 1913 and were considered powerful and fast locomotives for their time.

  Only 20 government-issue heavy Pacifics were actually built, all of them going to the Erie Railroad. But like most USRA designs, the heavy Pacific was so good that a number of railroads ordered copies after government control ended. The Erie bought 11 more, and at least three of the most successful heavy Pacifics built in the 1920s were based on the USRA design: the Baltimore & Ohio P-7d "President" class, the C&O F-19, and the Southern Railway Ps-4. A survivor of the latter class resides today in the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of American History in Washington, D.C., resplendent in the Southern’s famous green livery with gold striping.

  The USRA heavy Pacific returns to the Premier line for 2017, upgraded with wireless drawbar, quillable whistle, cab-to-tender deck plate, and additional details (not all details are shown in photos). Relive the days when these high-stepping Pacifics led mainline passenger runs, or their later years when they were relegated to local passenger trains and even freight service.

  Did You Know?

  William E. Woodard, V.P. of Engineering at Lima Locomotive Works and one of the designers on the USRA Locomotive Committee, went on to inaugurate the "Super Power" concept that guided steam locomotive design from the mid-1920s to the end of the steam era.

It's Easy To Add WiFi To Your DCS Layout

Click HERE To Learn More About DCS and WiFi Control

Weekly Five Or Fewer Remaining Inventory Spotlight

March 13, 2018 - Each week, M.T.H. releases product lists spotlighting quantities of Five Or Fewer items that are remaining in our on-hand inventory. In many cases, these items will NOT be re-run in the future and these lists could be your last chance of ordering them before they're GONE FOR GOOD. Don't miss out on these items!

RailKing One Gauge

M.T.H. HO Scale

Lionel Corporation Tinplate

Premier O Scale 2-Rail

Premier O Scale 3-Rail

RailKing O Gauge

M.T.H. S Gauge

Tinplate Traditions

Each of these items are available for order now. Direct accounts can order via the M.T.H. Dealer Portal by selecting the Instock Order Form while indirect accounts should see their favorite M.T.H. Authorized Distributor.