Thank You for sharing.

I have also programmed many Loco's with my MRC Express. If you don't know the address of the loco, then you can change it by using the procedure set out in the directions for the express
http://www.modelrectifier.com/resources/trainsound/0001408.pdf
for programming on the program track. You need to set up a separate piece of track and wire it to the express unit. and then follow the instructions.

I have a 4X8 layout that I have suspended from the ceiling on a hoist that I can raise from 2 feet to the ceiling. When I want to look over the entire layout, I lower it. When I want to wire underneath, I raise it to 5 to 6 feet or any where in between. I got the hoist at Costco and mounted in the garage. A 4X8 layout fits between a single overhead garage door. So, when the door is down, I let my layout down and play. When I need access to outside, I hoist the layout up above the door run and open the garage door. It is really neat. If anyone is interested in seeing it, I will take pictures and post same.

Barney R

Jon- My problem turned out to be dirt on the wheels of the tender. I would have sworn that I had already addressed that item. I have been working on this for a while. I would get frustrated and put it away for a bit and then go back and try again. It is running just fine now.

Jon-
I am having the exact same problem with a 4-6-4. So far - I have cleaned the track. Replaced that section of track with new track. Added additional power feeders. Changed the decoder.
I have not figured it out yet, but I will keep looking and checking and reading these forum post, looking for other ideas and solutions.

Barney

I have just had my first experience with the Parts department and I must say that I am just pleased with the experience. I just felt the need to let folks know that I found the Parts Dept. to be responsive to my email, helpful, and just a pleasure to deal with. Thank you to the folks at Bachmann. I have been a loyal customer and you have just given me reason to remain one.

Limey,
I have done three of these types of conversions on older 4-6-2 Loco's. The first thing that I had to do was to isolate the motor from the frame. I installed the decoder and speakers in the tender and used a TCS in line connector JST6 between the locomotive and tender. That connector allows you to disconnect the tender from the Locomotive as often as you like. If you would like to contact me via email, please do so.

Barney

NWsteam- These cars look very nice and they do look like old Rivarossi heavyweights.
If they are and you want to use Kadee, the conversion kits are #505 for 6 wheel truck and #508 for 4 wheel truck. I have installed these on several sets of my Rivarossi and I am very pleased with the results.

Barney

I too would love to see Bachmann put out the 4-6-4 Hudson as well. I really like the Blue Goose.
The Two in my picture are Rivarossi's. The NYC Hudson is an older version and was an AHM import. I converted that last month to DCC and sound via Tsunami TSU-1000. I used the Tsunami, thanks to this discussion board. So many folks on the Bachmann forum had such high praise for the Tsunami in their Bachmann products, that I just had to try it. Thank you all so much for you input and guidance. I am just thrilled with the results. The Blue Goose is a newer version and was sold as Rivarossi. That one I coverted to DCC and sound with ESU Loksound.
Maybe the Folks at Bachmann will read this tread and consider HO production in the future. I would buy one or maybe two (I never seem to have enough Locomotives).

Acy- Yes they are Rivarossi/AHM and the thing that I like about them now is that I have converted them to DCC. I got active again about 5 years ago and started with DC. I have a backround in electronics and was drawn immediately to the Darkside (DCC). Once I converted my layout to DCC, I was conflicted with having beautiful DC locomotives that were sitting idle and considered selling them. I am glad that I decided to convert them instead of selling. I also converted a Heavy Pacific that is just incredible in it's low speed movement. They all work well, however the Heavy Pacific is as good or better than my new DCC equipped units. By the by they are all DCC and sound. Thank you for asking.

Barney

Quote from: Highfiver on February 06, 2011, 11:43:24 AM
anyone have any suggestions as to make some water effects without having to buy the very expensive stuff from Woodlands.

Highfiver-
I don't have any suggestions to make water effects without the expensive stuff, but I can share my experience.
I asked questions on line as you have and I received great suggestions from others as to what they did. I also read several articles in railroad magazines. This combined with some trial and error allowed me to create Tommy's Pond on my layout. Around the upper edge, I used light tan paint and then blended in some brown, then in to some shades of green and finally blue and dark blue. I bought and used Magic Water to create the water and I am thrilled with how it came out.
I hope this helps in some way.
Barney

spanky30 just stated what happened to me, except the river is Tommy's Pond. I have been having a lot of fun.

Barney

Hello Daxdog-
I know exactly how you felt when you first operated a DCC with Sound Loco. To answer your question about favorites, Mine is a PRR K4 - 4-6-2 Steam and it handles 18" radius just fine.

Barney

Wow- I have been following the thread and watching your progress. You did a great job.

Barney

Hi full Max-
I only have experience with MRC Prodigy systems and I am well pleased with the two systems that I have. The price seems right for me. I bought one new and one used from EBay. The first was a basic system and it allowed me to adjust CV'S, as well as the second system which is the more advanced system.
Maybe someone else on the forum has experience comparing the MRC systems with the two previously mentioned by Hunt.