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Messages - starmeister

#1
HO / DCC turnout control
July 13, 2013, 12:19:10 AM
I am planning a layout using Bachmann EZ track.  The plan has two reverse loops which will require reverse modules.  One of the loops contains a diagonal track run between two Left hand DCC switches.  I would like to control both switches with a single command.  I would like both to be 'straight' in the default position, but when I activate the turn, I would like both switches to activate to the turn position, with a single command.  Is this possible with the Bachmann DCC turnouts?

#2
HO / EZ track sources
May 09, 2013, 02:43:20 PM
Using Anyrail, I have designed a proposed first layout.  The layout will be DCC and before I begin the project, I want to have all the track components on hand.  I have a fairly long list of items, including a number of DCC turnouts and crossovers.  Browsing various websites, I get the impression that not all items might be readily available.  I would like to find a reliable source who stocks the complete EZ Track product line.  Does anyone have recommendations for a good on-line source of the Bachmann EZ track N/S?
#3
HO / Re: Track Planning Software
May 09, 2013, 02:37:52 PM
I want to thank everyone for their helpful comments.  I decided to purchase the Anyrail software and I find it to be a superb product. I am learning that it is no simple task to convert the lovely plans offered in the magazines to real layouts. However,after a few evenings with Anyrail I was able to produce several fine layouts for future consideration.  I am considering using EZ Track N/S and it requires some clever use of the individual track components to get a plan reproduction, but with Anyrail I know things will fit properly.  David Hoogvorst is also a fine, helpful representative for Anyrail.  He answered my questions within hours.  I highly recommend his product.

Now for the next question, which I will pose in another thread.  I now have a list of about 20-25 different EZ track items that I will need for my layout.  I sense that it is difficult to get all the track items, especially the DCC turnouts and crossovers.  Many of the on-line sources that I have checked have only limited items.  Does anyone have recommendations for a reliable source of all the EZ track products?

Ron
#4
HO / Track Planning Software
April 30, 2013, 08:26:45 PM
I am new to model railroading and just bought a Bachmann set equipped with the Dynamis control system.  I am now trying to plan a simple layout.  I bought the Bachmann book "EZ model railroads" and I also downloaded two software packages...SCARM and Anyrail.

My concern is the accuracy of the software and its use as a tool for planning and in purchasing track components (I will use the EZ track N/S and DSS turnouts). As a trial I decided to duplicate a couple of the published layouts from the Bachmann book..  I copied the track components and placed them exactly as published in the book.  Unfortunately neither software program was able to duplicate the published layout.

The basic question remains...are the published sectional track layouts accurate and reliable, or are they tweaked to fit?  Alternatively, are the software programs accurate and can they be depended upon to produce accurate layouts.

I would be most appreciative if some of you experienced folks could share your experiences in this area.

#5
HO / DCC turnout control
April 05, 2013, 12:45:42 PM
I am new to model railroading.  I just acquired my first Bachmann train set with a Dynamis DCC system.  I am now in the process of planning a small 4 x 8 layout and I am debating what type of turnouts to purchase.  I would like to take advantage of the DCC-controlled turnouts but I recently heard that there is a problem with these devices.  It has been reported that the turnouts loose their settings when the system is shut down, requiring reprogramming for each operating session.  Is this report factual???

Is there an operational advantage to using DCC turnouts or is it simpler to go the less expensive route and use standard turnouts?