Hoffman Amplifiers Tube Amplifier Forum

Amp Stuff => Tube Amp Building - Tweaks - Repairs => Topic started by: vibrolax on March 15, 2015, 06:22:39 pm

Title: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: vibrolax on March 15, 2015, 06:22:39 pm: I've been curious about Ken Fisher's (rip) Trainwreck Express design for a number of years. Not quite curious enough to fork out the big bucks for the "correct" transformers and chassis, but interested enough to try building a 6V6 output version using a Weber PT & OT that I had on hand.

Well it turned out pretty nice. I did my own layout, Doug Hoffman style. Circuit is pretty much standard, with a Lar-Mar master volume and high cut control. Power supply is adjusted for my PT.

The front panel is out being anodized now, to be followed by laser engraving.

Yes I know, put up some audio. I promise, it's going to happen. Soon.

More pictures and documentation are available at: http://www.frontiernet.net/~jff/TrainwreckExpressCombo/Trainwreck%20Express%206V6%20in%20combo%20amp.html (http://www.frontiernet.net/~jff/TrainwreckExpressCombo/Trainwreck%20Express%206V6%20in%20combo%20amp.html)

Jon
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: Willabe on March 15, 2015, 07:13:18 pm: Very nice!!!! :bravo1:

And very nice documentation at the link!!!!!!

Thank you for sharing this build with us.

Brad :icon_biggrin:
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: vibrolax on March 15, 2015, 07:41:50 pm: Thank you.

I kind of like the freedom of building in a recycled chassis, because I don't worry as much about making a mistake, and trying to make everything perfect. I can just flow with it.

I like giving back for all the inspiration and great documentation provided by other DIY builders.

I think I could build this in Doug's Stout chassis. I have another set of 6V6 iron to play with, but my next itch to scratch is a build / recycle project that doesn't include vacuum tubes. But it will be of interest to at least some tube amp builders.

Jon
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: TIMBO on March 16, 2015, 12:44:18 am: Those SS are a great doner. :thumbsup:
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: jjasilli on March 16, 2015, 02:41:14 pm: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: EL34 on March 16, 2015, 04:48:16 pm: Looks good!
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: jojokeo on March 17, 2015, 11:52:44 pm: Wow that's a lot of documentation, very time consuming but well done. Did you get your treble bleeds going yet? Recommend you start with a series 47k & 1000pf.
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: lego4040 on March 18, 2015, 12:40:52 pm: Killer build, thanks for all the info. I found this site about a year ago and it had nice info with the Wrecks. They use Edcors, Pacific and Merc's. TrainWreck is on my bucket list of builds
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: MFowler on March 18, 2015, 03:16:40 pm: Looks good and nice use of recycled stuff.

After building so many tradition style Express amps on Ampgarage I decided to deviate and build a couple of combo amps.

I used Mojotone JTM45 low voltage version 300-0-300 and Classic Tone 40-18088 6k6 OT.
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: vicentebd on March 18, 2015, 06:11:38 pm: Great idea, recycled combo cab :thumbsup: thanks for sharing with us. :thumbsup:
I just have a pair of 6v6, waiting for project
vicentebd
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: Colas LeGrippa on March 18, 2015, 06:31:49 pm: very cool !
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: vibrolax on March 18, 2015, 10:54:46 pm: Quote from: jojokeo on March 17, 2015, 11:52:44 pm
Wow that's a lot of documentation, very time consuming but well done. Did you get your treble bleeds going yet? Recommend you start with a series 47k & 1000pf.
Thanks.

No, I haven't touched my guitar yet. Thanks for supplying a starting point. I've got those values handy.

As far as documentation is concerned, I get value from it the first time I want/need to build another one, or something like it. Or ask for advice. It also gives me a place to record why I made various decisions about the build. It also serves as a nice portfolio, and reminds me of the long and winding road toward competence in the hobby.

Jon
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: vibrolax on March 18, 2015, 11:14:36 pm: Quote from: MFowler on March 18, 2015, 03:16:40 pm
Looks good and nice use of recycled stuff.

After building so many tradition style Express amps on Ampgarage I decided to deviate and build a couple of combo amps.

I used Mojotone JTM45 low voltage version 300-0-300 and Classic Tone 40-18088 6k6 OT.

I think those PT and OT choices make sense. What speaker model is that in your combo, and what are your thoughts about TW Express speakers?

I have another Classic Tone 20W PT & OT set, but unfortunately the PT is 330-0-330, too high for the TW thing.
I've lent this build to another player who was smiling a lot when he brought it back.
I need to learn how to play with this amp more before I will have any clue at all about what should be the same/different with the next version.
Title: Re: My Trainwreck Express build in a recycled combo cab
Post by: MFowler on March 19, 2015, 01:22:24 am: Quote from: vibrolax on March 18, 2015, 11:14:36 pm
I think those PT and OT choices make sense. What speaker model is that in your combo, and what are your thoughts about TW Express speakers?

I use WGS Veteran 30 speakers not as bright as the WGS Retro 30 (Celestion Vintage 30). A 412 cab loaded with 25w Celestion green backs works well too.