How About the blues express?

[Pippuz]

Hello to evrybody
I want to build a trainwreck amp and I just discovered this
forum....

I have find this file

blueguitar.org/new/schem/trainwreck/wreckxpr.pdf

and my question is:
anyone have build the trainwreck blues express?

how it sounds?

Anyone have clips of this amp???

and what version of trainwreck is more configurable/versatile??

thanks

[keithrick]

I would start out with the Franchesca build. Download the pics and Schematic from the files section and try to get the wiring and layout as close as possible.

Then you will have a great sounding "verified" amp! ...and loud!!!

If you don't like that sound then start tweaking. As Scottl would say, "gotta have a baseline!"

FWIW- I started out with Franchesca and moved to variation 1 schem posted by Mark Abbott. Both versions sound great. Variation 1 is lower gain. I am back at Express values but next time I have it open, I am going to try a P.I. mod that JackieTreehorn suggested.

[rfgordon]

I built a Blues Express into a 5E3 chassis-cab. I, however, used only Vol-Tone knobs (the setup from the C. Ghia). Very lovely results. Hated to sell it. Monster touch sensitivity. This preamp worked very well with the 6V6s, dont know about EL84s.

[ODwan]

I built a version with an 12AU7 output stage. Cool sounding little beast. I alway thought that this circuit would be cool with 6V6s. Something like a Hot-Rod DeLuxe.
Greetings,
Timo

[Pippuz]

Thanks for the replies!!!!

And how about this?
https://tubeamparchive.com/files/derail1.jpg

Looks good...

I have around an hammond 125 output transformer and EL84...

It's possible to make a little trainwreck with SE EL 84 output??

and how good is the hammond?

I live in italy and is not simple to get Heyboer and similar transformer

Uhm last question...
How much affected the sound the Power supply capacitor?
because the high voltage Sprague cost so much...
and I have around some Caps from TV that are free...

and how about cathode bypass capacitors?

how much affected the tone?
Anyone use tantalum capacitor in this position?

and anyone have find a commercial caps that
sound good ? for example I have find that philips MKT 250V
in blue box sound not too bad... or WIMA....

Thanks for all and excuse me for my bad english... I hope that
this message is clear...

Nicola

[klingo]

hi!

i'm in Corsica and get F&T 500v power supply capacitor at this place
http://www.die-wuestens.de/dindex.htm?/namen.htm
some say they are good cap and i'm happy with them until now.

ciao!

[ODwan]

Ciao,
I've used F&T caps to a good result, too. In PS caps I think that size matters more than type. Try different values and experience how much they can affect the feel of the amp. Mallory 150s signal caps are prefered in TWs. You can get them at these vendors:
http://www.banzaieffects.com/
http://www.tube-town.de
They ship to Italy, too!
Personally I have no experience with the Derailment, sorry.
As cathode bypass caps I used both normal electrolytics and bipolar ones. I think the bipolar sound just a tad more open. Tantalum are said to sound "bad", but nevermind! Give them a try!
The Hammond 125E is not a bad OT for 2xEL84 or 2x6V6, despite the many people who say that Hammond OTs are crap. Sure there are better sounding OTs on this earth, but in cost/value/availability ratio they are good.
Timo

[klingo]

hi!

yes both Banzai & tubetown will ship to Italy as they do to Corsica.

feedback:
-i've got a quartet of jjel84 not accuratly matched from tube town...prices & stock OK.
-i've not ordered tube from Banzai but still waiting for few parts(as soon as possible they say...) ...prices OK and the boss answer emails and said he will provide the Polyester (6ps/418p/225) cap in 400/600v as i requested...not before october though.
-die-wuestens..one order... like ordered.

I like the bipolar in the cathode too, i've tried 100uf/-100v/~35v F&T with power tube(18w) and the 22uf with preamp.still in
I've heard(but not tried) Tatalum to be good if you use the tubular ones(not the drop ones)

my blues jr OT is crap...not sure for the Hammonds'

ODwan, i have a question as you live in germany.
i've tried to order in english there(i don't speak German)
http://www.oppermann-electronic.de/
but they never answer my email

Ciao!

[ODwan]

ODwan, i have a question as you live in germany.
i've tried to order in english there(i don't speak German)
http://www.oppermann-electronic.de/
but they never answer my email

Ciao!

Hi Klingo,
I have no experience with them but can translate (from english to german) if you like.
Greetings,
Timo

[klingo]

THANKS ODwan check your PM!

cheers