Do you have a track cleaning pad on one of your freight cars?
Recently one of my DCC's was doing the same as yours.  When I lifted the cleaning car, I discovered a sliver of metal - like a portion of a staple - which when removed solved the problem.  Apparently a "short circuit" was occuring.
Ed

I have two independent tracks - mostly parallel - one controlled by Digitrax in a continuous loop with feeders.  It has been working great since it was finished a year ago.  The second track had no bus/feeders until I was inspired by the above writers to add an "extended arms" bus/feeder line with an E-Z
Command controller.  Now neither system works though there is power going to the controllers. 
Can there be a "harmonic interference" condition since one track has a loop and the other has extended arms with fingers ten feet apart?
We are fortunate to have electric/physics wizards available to address these issues.
Thank you in advance for your response.
Ed

Nathan - Many thanks -Yes, this does help.
Ed

Mr. Bach-man,  I would appreciate receiving a definition of "sound value".  How does it differ from having a "sound decoder"?
Thank you,
Ed

PBS Newshour uses a BNSF diesel loco in its ad.  Anyone know what this engine is?
Thanks
Ed

Price at "trainworldonline.com"
$7.99 for a card of 4 nickel silver gray road bed plus shipping. #44511

wiz - Register for e-mail sales.  You may be in time for their Christmas in July sale.  After you signup all you need to do when calling in is give the password "Christmas"  (if my memory is correct) and the added discount will be in effect.
Good luck.
Ed

Check out "www.trainworldonline.com".  Their prices and services are hard to beat.

Trainworldonline.com in NY sells all Bachmann products (as well as others).

Thanks for the interesting exchange on 22" curves. ACY, no need for photos as all responses convince me to put aside this interest in adding to my Bachmann PRR Keystone set and perhaps be lucky to find a diner and/or pullman at a show.
Ed

Bachmann's passenger cars run fine on 22" but Branchline's car derails though they claim in Walther's catalog to be made to operate on 22".
Anyone have experience with Branchline passengers on 22"?
Unfortunately, Bachmann seems to have left the PRR passenger era.
Ed

jwbr - I know the grief you have experienced.  Ialmost gave up myself but the power of encouragement through this discussion board is great.  Now you will need to go beyond the level of effort used with more hand power on your needlenosed pliers.   A slight twisting on the joiner may be necessary but care needs to be taken obviously - as you see often on these matters such as with filing.
I just removed 24 joiners this week to replace them with Atlas terminal joiners.  It can be done.
However, Oldtimer, D,  Jeff or someone else may have something else to suggest rather than "more hand grip and pull power".  I'll be listening as I have 24 more joiners to go.  Although I'm satisfied with my grip.
Ed

Thanks D. and Jeffery,
Foam wins out as I don't need silence - just a bit less rumbling.
Ed

My tracks rest on a 16 feet by 10 feet U-shaped platform made of plywood and some old hollow-core doors.  The sound is tolerable but  am thinking of sliding some 4x8 sheets between wood and track to absorb some of the sound.  Is there a significant difference between effects of homosote compared to extruded polystyrene foam?  Or is there a better inexpensive alternative?
Thanks,
Ed

D---
Since you expressed interest in hearing my conclusion and end of saga,  I have decided to go the soldering route.  I've just got a new Digitrax Xtra running and new decoding completed and will take on the soldering shortly.
I was influenced by my train shop owner and confidence in my friend's soldering capability.
Thanks for your interest.  We truly have a unique fraternity.
Ed