you can simply sink the atlas TT into the benchwork and build a new bridge over the existing one.  It can be any length you want but remember that longer bridges will have bigger track seperation from the pit.  The indexing stays the same.

I believe there was an article in MR years ago describing this method.

how about the spectrum 4-6-0 ?

Also, at 9", will the connie fit?  Does anyone know if the atlas measurement is of the bridge or of the entire length (bridge + "pit")?

It's a shame that the next level up in turntables will cost you an arm and a leg.

I may end up bashing the turntable for added length, and perhaps dropping the pit down for a more US appearance.

I am wondering if anyone can contribute loco and tender lengths - in order to confirm which locomotives will fit on an HO scale Atlas turntable.

This turntable seems to be the most popular choice for most layouts due to the price.

I have been told that the Bachmann Consol can not fit on this turntable...is this true?

Can we start a list of confirmed locos that will fit this turntable?  Lets keep this list growing as new locos are released as well.

Quote from: Hunt on March 31, 2007, 12:10:59 AM
gcodori,
The Bachmann I/O port ...  not Lenz XpressNET protocol. 

Do we have confirmation that this is true?  Would Lenz create a whole new protocol only for Bachmann?  Or would they simply make it not pin compatible by using a 8-pin connector versus a 4-pin connector?  Perhaps they use a different voltage instead of 12v to make it not compatible, but even that can be overcome with a simple adaptor with a transisitor back to 12v.

Seems like a lot of work on Lenz part for a discounted DCC system.   I would have figured that they would simply take the Lenz Compact and remove features.

Using the method I explained previously would find out for sure (If I owned an EZC unit).  I myself am building the DIY Lenz system called NanoX featured on the site I referenced which features the Lenz throttle.  I would recommend it to anyone looking for a simple but feature full Lenz compatible system with optional PC interface.

Personally, I own the EZC....I would love to hear how people get around the programming issues and am really thinking about exploring that little I/O port a bit more. Has anyone done any experimenting on these units?


Well, the I/O port has to be some kind of version of the Xpressnet Bus by Lenz which is open and well documented.  I believe the only issue is figuring which pins of the IO port are what.

The xpressnet bus uses 4 wires, while the EZC has an 8 pin connector.  I'm guessing the 4 wires are duplicated or repeated. 

Xpressnet is-
2 wires are for Ground and +12 volts.  Should be easy to find with a voltmeter.

2 wires are RS-485 (data).  Should be able to locate these with SHOWDCC (a simple circuit that allows a microphone jack of a laptop to "sniff" DCC packets and display then in Windows).  SHOWDCC is here (and free)
http://www.digitoys-systems.com/ShowDCC_e.htm

There you go!  Why not be the first to discover the IO port mystery!  Once you know what pin is what, it should be no problem to wire up a 8-pin to 4-pin telephone adapter.  You can then use plain Lenz, Roco and other accessories.  For example, there is a DIY Lenz/Roco throttle here -
http://www.tinet.org/~fmco/lokmaus_en.html#simplemaus