The Mini Wreck Lives !!!

[sliberty]

I set out to build an amp that used a TrainWreck Express preamp with a single ended EL-84 power amp and a simplified power supply. I expected that it would not be as wild as the Express since there was no phase inverter, but it still had the potential to sound pretty cool, AND IT DOES!

The current (nothing is ever final) schematic is attached, and I'll take pictures later tonight. Clips will have to wait until tomorrow when the wife is not asleep upstairs.

BTW - this amp does get wild when pushed by a clean boost. Then it really is kinda like a TW.

I love it when a plan comes together. Thanks to all those who helped out as this project was coming together, especially Dana and RH for their wonderful support. They are always there to catch me before (or after) I fall.

[sliberty]

Some photos of the Mini Wreck .....

[sliberty]

and a few more ....

[philmanatee]

That looks pretty cool! I'm excited to hear clips. Phil

[rockstah]

very kewl - want to hear it now

[slajeune]

Cool,

another single ended Express! That makes 2 different designs (that I know of). Yours and Jones Amplifications.

I have a variable cathode on the 'clipper' stage. It can go from 1k to 26k. 10k makes it a typical Express stage and 1k makes it a real gain monster.

Cheers,
Stephane.

[sliberty]

Stephane,

Is there a published schematic fo the Jones amp?

Steve

[slajeune]

Hi Steve,

there was a design published in an old yahoo groups forum. Here is the version that I have (with my modifications in it):

http://www.sopht.ca/schematics/derail1-modif-2.jpg

Please note that it is Jones Amplifications design. I simply document a few mods.

Cheers,
Stephane.

[sliberty]

Oh yes, someone just recently showed me that one. Its kind-of an interesting variation since it uses non-standard tubes to accomplish the same thing. My version is more "traditional" if you will, not that its better or worse. Also, it uses much lower voltages. In fact, mine started life as a P1, and I remoevd exactly the PT that he uses to build mine with higher voltage PT

Thanks,
Steve

[slajeune]

Hi Steve,

my derailment started with 1x12AX7 and 1xECL86. I have since rewired it for 2x12ax7 and 1xel84. Much more standard in the tubes used. The 12BZ7 is a slightly gainier 12AX7 type tube. It uses a lot more current than the typical 12ax7.

Cheers,
Stephane.

[sliberty]

Stephane,

The diagram mentions switchable bias mods on page 2, but I don't see a page 2. Am I missing something?

Steve

[slajeune]

Hi Steve,

I hadn't uploaded the second page. Here is the second page:

http://www.sopht.ca/schematics/derail2.jpg

Cheers,
Stephane.

[slajeune]

Hi Steve,

forgot to give you the page about the entire project:

http://www.sopht.ca/mambo/index.php?opt ... &Itemid=42

Cheers,
Stephane.

[funkmeblue]

I built mine with parallel 6v6s and a parallel gain stage.....no change to the express preamp......sounds great.....actually used the angela super single ended output with vox/twang switch......oh ya and an octal preamp....kind of an Allesandro/express mutt.....head cab looks like an allesandro

[zappacat]

Can someone point me to a miniwreck schematic? All the links I find are dead. Thank you.