Quote from: CNE Runner on March 19, 2009, 05:30:48 PM
A little off topic...but related. I understand, from one of the gamer kids that inhabit our neighborhood, that Microsoft is shortly going to release the latest edition of MS Train Simulator. Apparently a couple of the "wheels" in Seattle are train simulator guys and have reserected the project.

That is interesting to hear because the last I had heard the team responsible for Train Sim and Flight Sim had been layed off and both delayed indefinitely. It would be nice to see it finished though.

I hadn't thought of that, if all goes well this weekend I'll have a DCC FT to try that with.

Rick,

That is an interesting find, and looks like a good deal assuming it will work for me. As for the value, I was thinking about it and it looks like it is worth more to me because it is the first one I bought rather than its actual value (though I haven't found a DCC EMD F9 in any of the catalogs I have flipped through).

I'll definitely be looking into this decoder. Thanks for the find!

I agree, I haven't been around long but I always like reading your posts!

I did know that you could run them on DCC but I have read you have to keep a close eye on them to watch for overheating and that you shouldn't leave them parked on a live layout.  As I have a smaller layout right now I doubt I will be running more than two locomotives at a time and I'd rather not have to put it on the track when I want to use it.


I think I will see if its a split frame and install a decoder, otherwise I'll install a siding for it to park when not in use and have it isolated so I can shut it off when not in use. If I leave it DC I can just save it for my son when he gets a little older, he will be three this saturday and loves trains so it would make a nice start for his set.

Thanks for the help!

My understanding is that you cannot use the two on the same track, you would be able to run them on seperate tracks simultaneously but they couldn't be electrically connected.

I've finally convinced my wife to let me upgrade to DCC with the Bachmann Diesel Commander set (Hobby Lobby 40% off coupon helped quite a bit) I'll be getting at the end of the week.

I already have a DC EMD F9 from a Bachmann Challenger set, I was wondering how much work it would be to install a DCC decoder. Would it make sense for me to install one or should I put it aside for a DC track for my son to start out his own layout in a couple years?

Are the tracks all level? I had one switch that was derailing once in a while because the track that was connected wasn't lined up correctly and was creating a small bump.

That is great to hear, I was getting a little nervous as I am just getting into railroading and own exclusively Bachmann products right now.

Thanks for all of the advice, now I just have to get my table built and I'll be ready to start wiring.

I'm a little bit new to model railroading, the last time I had a set I was significantly younger and my dad did my wiring (ahh memories). I'm wordering if it is neccesary to run power to different sections of the track by soldering wire to rail joiners. I'm running a slightly modified version of the layout used in this kit: http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products.php?act=viewProd&productId=1175 with a bachmann dc power pack. I just have it hooked up to a rerailer.

I haven't noticed any slow spots with my EMD F9 (from a bachmann challenger set) but am wondering if I should still wire it up. I'm planning on eventually upgrading to DCC (probably the Bachmann EZ-DCC) if I can convince my wife when we get our tax refund. Are there any advantages or disadvantages to wiring it up this way when I upgrade to DCC?