First off I am using an NCE powercab and I did change the whistle sound and that works. I didn't try increasing the volume.. Secondly only got off the phone with Soundtraxx an hour ago since Bachmann was of no help. The tech there said to download the discontinued manual for the original Tsunami and follow that since they were very similar. Upon reading some of the manual you can see that some of the CV's are the same and yet some in the Sound value were missing which leads me to believe that this decoder is the step child of a Tsunami. I will try things out in the next few days and see what happens. Thanks for your responses. If anything significant develops I will report it.

I am trying to understand what CV's can be changed on this engine and what values to use. I printed the CV list page from the Soundtraxx site for this engine. They suggested contacting Bachmann for info but when calling Bachmann there is no customer service and they suggest using this forum. I know that the decoder is a detuned Tsunami but I need to know what functions are changable with the CV's. I tried some changes but could see no visable change in operation. Some values are listed as a default value of ZERO ---are these addressable or just dead? Thanks for any help. Paul

Thanks for the answers. It seems that I should wait to hide the inclines until after the track in laid on the road bed.

When using WS inclines or risers do you cover them with plaster cloth or something else prior to installing the track?

Thanks Hunt the manual was very interesting and I think I will give Anyrail a try tomorrow.

I have a 4x8 that I used EZ Track but since it is now complete I am hoping to build a larger layout in my basement once I clean it out. I hope to use regular track with cork roadbed. I am looking at Atlas, Peco or whoever makes a good selection of code 83 track. Right now I am trying to figure out a layout to fit an 8x11 area that I have available in the basement. I was hoping that the trackage programs would be easy enough to use but I am somewhat digitally challenged. I hope to come up with an L shaped layout with some level changes. Any ideas???

Thanks for the replies. I looked at the tutorials from Rudd Boer and they seemed simple although he was using Marklin track and that was somewhat alien to me. If you use Atlas or Peko track does the program give you a materials list when you finish the design? Downloaded the free Anyrail program and that seemed more confusing since it didn't offer any trackage that I was familiar with. So I uninstalled it. Also I didn't see any tutorial offered for Anyrail.

Has anyone used Scarm to design their layout and is there a tutorial available?

Thanks for the great photos Wiley. I like what I see of your layout and can only guess at the dimensions and track layout. Would you please provide a layout sketch or photo from above with some basic dimensions?  Thanks, Paul

Thanks for your reply it certainly makes things easier. The track I need should be coming in the next few days. Thanks again, Paul

Thanks for the Azatrax info it explained alot. I am still not sure if the layout is considered a reverse loop and I still don't know where the 22 degree radius tracks fit in the plan. Still need help!!

I am in the beginning stages of building my first layout and would like to follow Plan #19 on page 115 of Bachmann's E-Z model RR book. Can anyone indicate to me where the 2 -22 degree radius tracks go. Also is this plan considered a reverse loop and will I need some special wiring? I plan to use DC and only run one train at a time. I already have or ordered most of the track. Thanks for any help. Paul