I am also interested in the total engine & tender wheel-base measurement. Having a smaller turntable, I have to limit my engine purchases to that length limitation.
Fred

It appears that something is happening, as the 4-8-4 Northern, 4-8-2 Light Mountain and the 2-8-0 Consolidation all have disappeared from the Bachmann list on their web-site. They still show them on the steam locomotive overall view but not on the individual engine list. ( "There are no products to list in this category." )
Fred

Thanks for response but this decoder is in the N scale EM-1 and your sales info makes this a Lenz decoder.
Fred

Hi Mr. Bach Man.

do you not know about this new decoder or is this site not moderated anymore?

Fred

EM-1 decoder question:

does anybody know the supported CV's on the new decoder that Bachmann is using in the EM-1.
It appears that CV 5 (-max voltage i.e top speed-) can now be programmed which was not available on the older decoders.
Bachmann still shows the old decoder in their on-line literature.

Fred

thanks for info on the digitrax sound group, Skipgear.
Was not aware of its existence.
Fred

Digitrax at the moment has 10 steam sound files one can download.
Fred

the Digitrax decoder is a little narrower than the Soundtrax so the installation is easier. It also comes with a speaker.  The Soundtrax needs a separate bought speaker.
The Digitrax decoder & the controller is about equal in price to the Soundtrax and speaker.
I have no regrets to getting the controller and equipping most of my engines with Digitrax decoders.

Fred

I have both installed in my 2 heavy mountains.
The Tsunami does give you a better sound, but at $60 more it should.
I got hold of a Digitrax PR3 Controller and am now able to program different sound files into the SDN144.
You however need a computer to work the PR3 controller.
If you only have a couple of sound decoders it is probably not worth the extra money for the controller but the different sound files available from Digitrax makes the original sound file on the SDN144 seem very poor.
Fred

Any news when the new 2-6-0's will be available?
They were scheduled to be here in September

Fred

I think it is 13062

Fred

The Athearn Challenger will also do 9-3/4" radius.
Doesn't look to great, but it will work.

Fred

The 2-8-0 will do a 7 5/8" radius.

I'm in the process of testing all of my steam power as to the minimum radius and all three 2-8-0 did this without problems.

I also use 9" Peco turnouts and again there is no problem.

Unfortunately I do not own a 4-8-4 Northern, so I can't comment.

The 4-8-2 Bachmann Light Mountain needs a 9 3/4" radius.

Fred

looked into the electromagnet uncoupler but its size (to large) did not fit my layout.
I try not to park over a magnet for that reason. (motor influence & coupler being in the uncoupled stage.

Fred

am using the standard MT permanent magnet mounted between the rails.
Have no problems using the MT couplers.

Fred