The not so hard to find LokProgrammer and Tester Part You Need

If you have a LokSound decoder programmer and/or the decoder tester board. It is advisable to have some additional female wiring connectors just in case.

It is much easier to just unplug the programmer and plug in the testing board than to switch plugs between each of them. In addition, you never know, one may break, get lost, whatever, then you are out of luck.

I found the connectors at a couple of places:

• Digikey - PN 609-4215-ND
• Ebay - KF-2P terminal connector

Get a few before you're left in the cold.

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Digitrax Throttles Replacement Battery Covers

The author has found 3D printed replacement battery covers for Digitax Throttles. They are available at Shapeways.

Last price seen was $10.27 plus shipping.

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St. Louis 2020 National Convention And National Train Show Canceled

As everyone is aware, the coronavirus has had a devastating impact around the world. It has caused the death of tens of thousands of people and that is not something to be trivialized.

The NMRA National convention, Gateway 2020, is scheduled to start on July 12, 2020, in St. Louis, Missouri. That being said, the local host group has determined that they can no longer continue with the preparations and operation of the convention. Among the reasons for this decision is the fact that one key member is ill with COVID-19. The host group requests your prayers for him.

Additionally, some members of the local model railroad community have withdrawn their model railroads from the tours, based on their understandable and valid concerns about allowing persons in their homes who may have the COVID-19 virus. Even if the virus is well under control, that does not mean that everyone who attends the convention would be virus-free.

Robert Amsler, Manager of the Meetings and Trade Show Department has advised the Officers and the Board of Directors of this decision and the Officers and Directors fully support cancelling the convention. Neither the Gateway 2020 crew nor the NMRA made this decision in haste or without careful consideration of all involved. The cancellation is in the best interest of the NMRA members, their family members, and the NMRA. It is noteworthy that the NMRA has never cancelled a convention before Gateway 2020 and that includes during World War II.

For those who have registered for the convention, the refund policy will be published as soon as possible at Gateway2020.org. We, the Gateway 2020 Committee, will need some time to make the necessary changes to the website to process the refunds.

Again, all involved regret this decision but we trust that you will understand the necessity and reasoning behind the decision.

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An Open Letter to the Model Railroad Community From Atlas Model Railroads

Dear Model Railroaders,

All of us here at Atlas Model Railroad Company hope that you and your families are doing well during these challenging times in dealing with the coronavirus. The health and safety of our customers and employees are of the utmost concern to us. We are following federal and state health guidelines and are monitoring the nationwide situation on an ongoing basis to keep abreast of the situation.

For the time being we remain busy shipping the latest products to our authorized distributors and dealers (find one near you with our Dealer Locator) and are working with consumers on a daily basis to answer your questions and provide whatever services are needed. Atlas has temporarily suspended walk-in repairs, pick-ups and all visitors as of this week. If you need assistance, please call 908-687-0880 for a customer service representative (9-5 M-F). Please see both our recently published Spring 2020 Arrivals and Spring 2020 All Scales Monthly Catalogs for all the latest announced and arriving products.

Atlas is committed to maintaining best business practices throughout our entire global supply chain. While there were initial production delays, we are slowly returning to full manufacturing capacity. Atlas is currently testing the ability of our Hillside NJ headquarters to allow our customer service, research and development, marketing, sales and administration staff to work remotely. If required to close the building for a length of time, Atlas will be able to continue these important basic operations so that business will continue as usual.

Atlas remains engaged, and is optimistic in the long run that the United States will come out of this crisis stronger and more resilient than ever. In the meantime, we should all follow guidance provided by leaders and do our best to stay both physically and mentally active. The long term history of model railroaders in the United States assures me that continued participation by community members, in whatever way possible, will be highly beneficial in achieving this goal.

Sincerely,

Tom Haedrich,
Executive Chairman
Atlas Model Railroad Co., Inc.

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Digitrax Halts All Repairs and Replacements

Posted by Digitrax on 1 APR:

For the safety of everyone at Digitrax we will be temporarily halting all incoming deliveries to the Digitrax Repair Department due to the Coronavirus pandemic; this includes both repairs and replacements. We will re-evaluate this after 30-days. If your warranty expires during the time this temporary halt is in effect, your warranty will be extended.

We apologize for this inconvenience.

-The Digitrax Team

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