Some questions for Trainwreck Express built

[Movie85]

Hey Guys,

I'm following this community for quite a long time now, and I already really love you all . After watching (I think all possible) trainwreck express clone vids on youtube, I decided that I just have to build one. The sound is just absolutely amazing!
I already researched quite some information and now I get to the point where I want to buy the first parts... So here some questions to prevent me from doing something silly:

1) Resistors: I'd order 2W metalloxide resistors for all "standart" resistors. As I read they should have low noise and since the Trainwreck Express is a high gain amp I think this would make sense.
I have problems finding 3W 9k1 resistors, has anybody a clue where I can get those in Germany?

2) PT: I'd order this toroidal transformer: http://www.ampdesign.de/Trafo%20NT18.htm
It's been used in several TW clones I've seen and it seems to work fine.
Here one (probably dumb) question: What does "0-220-290V" exactly mean? I've read that like a 100 times but I've never seen a description...

3) OT: Hammond 1645 http://www.tube-town.net/ttstore/produc ... -1645.html
There is also an "easy wire" version of this, whats different?

4) Caps: for "higher" values Orange Drops, vor "lower" the Silver Micas, I can get them easily in my shop.
Are these electrolytic capacitor suitable or do I need some with higher quality? I've seen some ten times more expensive then these: http://www.tube-town.net/ttstore/produc ... axial.html

I'll build my amp based on Ceriatones layout and circiut. My electronic knowledge should be enough + after I've build this amp I hope I'll understand every part of it and then try to mod it. A friend of mine already built some amps so I'll also get som help there...

One more question: When you build an amp, what do you buy first? The electronical comppnents, the cassis, the PT and the OT? Where do you start your amp?

So many questions, but I hope somebody helps me


Tom

[Zippy]

Read the build guide and use the bill of materials (BOM).

Swapping out parts such as you seem to be doing is not a great start for an Express. It is not friendly to newbies.

I believe the BOM still has recommendations of Amp Garage members that source complete kits. It would likely save you time and money to do that.

G'luck!

[Movie85]

Hey Zippy,

thanks for your reply, to be honest while I did my research I just didnt notice the BOM! I think at this time I thought it was a Voltage chart or so since its a xls file(shame on me)

Now that I have the BOM everything changes... Wow I really have to thank you!

I'll go through it and see where I can get those parts in germany(that is a real issue, it seems that in the USA you get those things much more easily...)


Tom

[ampgeek]

+1 on the using the BOM and proven parts for this one!

I suggest reaching out to the folks that participate here and provide the "right stuff" to build and express.

RJ Guitars and Allenmey are the first two that come to mind. They might be amenable to shipping to Germany.

Good luck,
Dave O.

[Picker]

Yes. I just finished my build and love the result. Some of the parts I got from Mouser, which I know ships to Germany, but most things I got from RJGuitars.net. RJ was fantastic to work with and not only had the best parts, but was amazingly helpful with all my questions and issues that came up along the way.

I also would certainly recommend following the Build Guide and using the resources here. Everything you will need is posted... BOM, Guide, Layout, Schmatics, and any questions you have you can ask on the board here. The people here are knowledgeable, and patient and I guarantee you will be happy with the result

[overtone]

Would I be right in assuming this is your first amp build?

If that is the case, I advise that you walk very slowly with this project because you have chosen a very challenging amp. Take it one step at a time on paper first. Take a look at the cost of the transformers and shipping, then step back to think it over before you order.

The 0-220-290V means that the transformer you are looking at does not have a center tap and you would need to use a bridge rectifier with that transformer.
0-220-290V should imply: use one output "0" and you choose either the 220V tap or the 290V tap to go with it for your AC high voltage to the rectifier.
The text seems to be saying that it has two 300mA high voltage outputs. I don't see the right number of leads / wires coming out for that to be possible, but then the image is of another transformer altogether! My guess is the cat walked over the keyboard when they wrote that, so there is a glitch in the specification of the Sekundär. Personally, I would not go for that transformer because I like to see a proper data sheet before I order.

As mentioned by other members, I think you really should stick to the BOM and the Amp Garage schematic & layout at this stage.

I am based in Germany and have sourced transformers and caps from RJ in the USA, it was great, except for the Zoll (Customs), but there is nothing he or I can do about that! I am very happy with the excellent parts and the Zoll was very interested in them too.

If you have a Steuer ID Nummer you should be able to order really easy from Mouser or Digikey using their setup with DHL to handle the customs painlessly. Both suppliers run their sites in German, the Mouser site is easier to use.

I got most of my 3W 9k1 resistors from RS, I think they were Vishay. R.S. Components are also shipping out of Mörfelden Frankfurt now, but you absolutely need the Steuer ID Nummer to be able to order from them, even inside Germany. Last time I looked did not like their € prices compared to the UK site pricing in pounds. The new RS site re-vamp puts Mouser way ahead in usability.

Best, tony

[overtone]

woops, double post.

[Movie85]

Hey thanks for your answers!

Mouser Electronics ships to germany, thats right I'll use this shop now since it has like all things I may have to buy. I send an email to RJ, I hope he answeres soon and he probably has the right parts for me.

You convinced me that I'll follow the building guide and the BOM and I think the results will be much better and less complicated! I take your advice and think good before every step I make, I dont want my amp to be messy

And thanks tony for your good information! That really helps me
I already knew RS electronics, but since they sometimes only sell their products with a minimum order quantity you always have to buy 10 resistors to get them, and thats expensive :/
So is it useful to have the cassis first, or can I start with the turrentboards eg. and then afterwards put it all in the cassis?

Oh and yes, its my first amp build, I've already worked on my Fender HRD and my Crate amp and fixed some issues. And I also think that a resonably intelligent guy can build the trainwreck also as his first amp. I am carefully and I try to understand what I'm doing, its not like "well ok, I now want to build an amp"

Thanks for your kind help!

Tom

[Gibsonman63]

Welcome and good luck with your build.

I would suggest getting everything that mounts to chassis in hand before you do any soldering. You will need to drill and tap a hole or two for grounds and for mounting the chassis cover even if you get a pre-drilled chassis. I just like to be sure that I am completely done will all of my drilling and the chassis is thoroughly clean of any metal shavings before I start.

[Movie85]

Okay, so I try also try to get the cassis in time... Does anybody know a good seller in germany for the cassis? I know tube-town, they sell chassis in different sizes, but I think only the raw ones, without any drilling done... Should this be a problem? I have the tools to drill it by myself
The Hammond chassis there is 17''x10'', is this a problem for the layout, since the original is 17''x8''?

Tom

[overtone]

You may find that Hammond chassis just too thin and wobbly. One time I ordered a much smaller one and it was like cardboard, so I had a new top cut out of thick aluminium just to be able to take the weight of the transformers.
Tubetown have all sorts of good chassis, blank or drilled, but I don't recall one that will fit this project without changing the layout.
If you are sourcing your transformers from RJ, then why not take it easy and use one of his chassis?
Best, tony

[Movie85]

Thanks for that information tony! I'll see what RJ has in his offer... It's really a lot of money, especially for the filter caps and the transformers... I think I have to take it slow just because of the money

[overtone]

... especially for the filter caps...

I could not get the link in point 4) of your first post to open, but if you mean F&T electrolytics, well they are a fine product, good value for money and perhaps you can source those locally more economically.
Check the physical sizes, uF values and Volatge ratings against those in the BOM. You should be able to get very close.
But, ordering parts from all over the place increases your costs because of all the shipping charges!

[Zippy]

Thanks for that information tony! I'll see what RJ has in his offer... It's really a lot of money, especially for the filter caps and the transformers... I think I have to take it slow just because of the money

It may be best to just wait until you can buy everything at once. The chassis isn't that heavy and getting a good one is worth the work that you'll put into the project.

As overtone mentioned, shipping can add up really fast if you have to buy from multiple sources.

G'luck!

[Movie85]

Hi,

it seems like at the moment the tube-town is down(I think just some server issues), but in the link the caps were like 5$, but I see some using really expensive caps... And, does the size matter? Is it about temperature or so?

You are right that ordering from different places can get expensive, but shipping from USA is also not the cheapest way And I do not earn my own money yet

I'll take it easy