This brings up a question.  The Bachmann (Model 36508) EZ Command Dynamis Wireless DCC System can handle multiple addresses?  That is, be programmed with long addresses?  Also the Dynamis also can program/control the multiple CV's like other manufacturers.

Inquiring minds would like to know are there any Dynamis users out there?

I ran into this same problem where I wanted the EZ track to match up to a slight incline on my layout.  All of the EZ track short sections were either too short or too long.  This is where the Flex track comes in.  If it's a slight curve flex track can be cut to fit.  If it's a short piece of straight track then the Atlas straight track can be cut down to fit.  The best part is that the EZ track does not need to be modified.  That's right, you do not need to cut into the connector of the EZ track.  The atlas and flex track will attach directly to the EZ using a connector pin piece.  The other connector piece is supplied from the EZ track.
Financially, EZ track is expensive, the Atlas and Flex is much more economical and cutting them up to make EZ track fit in my view, provide the least expense.
Hope this helps.

As always, I'm late to the conversation....

Quote...I have a few DC engines from back in the Jurassic that I'd like to run sometimes....

Quote...I understand why people want to try to keep partial DC, to keep locomotives they've already invested in. But really, it's like graduating from elementary school to high school....

My experience: If you have a large enough layout, you could keep both the DC and the DCC systems.  And yes, you could just install a DPDT switch as suggested, or separate the two electrical systems, DC and DCC from one another.  Two entirely separate tracks electrically isolated.  I wanted to keep my old "steam locomotives" which I hardly run, and the few DC diesels that I have, and they are on a separate (although short length of track).  This is what I call my museum pieces.  I can operate them, it's just that they don't go far.   My DCC track is the mother of all layouts and for the most part, I never left elementary school with the DC, but jumped directly to graduate school with DCC.  I will need you guys to let me know if I ever move from either elementary, high, or higher in this modeling career.

If you decide on the DPDT, make sure it's a "break before make" switch.  This will ensure the two power sources to not make contact with each other.   There will be an instance where someone will forget to turn off the power supplies and switch that DPDT. which is an accident waiting to happen.  Also understand that there are some models of DPDT switches that are made to make continuous contact when switching from one to source to another.  (Like switching systems from say, a DC battery supply to a DC power source.  It's called an uninterruptible power switching, where switching that DPDT switch does not cause a loss of power).
...and if you are wondering did I do that, no, but my kids did.  That's why I now have two separate power systems on my layout.

QuoteCan you imagine what would happen on the real railroads if the engineer had to keep running from unit to unit adjusting throttle settings?

That's why it's so much fun, it isn't a real railroad!  I know... real railroaders need that matching, remember they are doing it for efficiency and well human factors.  But since it's a model, having to make those adjustments manually adds to the excitement and actions that only the few "never been on/worked on a real railroad" can enjoy. 
This is the best part: With two engines addressed differently in a consist, one can speed up or slow down using different throttles.  In my case, I have the EZ controller and the other is the EZ walkaround (discontinued).  This may seem archaic to professionals (those who use those more fancy controllers) but having that basic speed knob makes it quite easy to control during consisting.  It can get really exciting when you hand one controller of  that consist to a kid.

I think I just learned a new term "doubleheading"!

For those who are economically strapped, like myself, there is an alternative to purchasing the "Coupler height gauge".
If you are a user of the EZ track, the Bachmann Hayes Bumper (model 44791) from my experience, the actual bumper is a perfect way to determine if your car is at the correct height.  The Hayes Bumper stop should hit the coupler of the car in the center.  When it does that, you can be sure the car coupler height will be where it should be.
See gauge image in Topic (click for image)
or
use that Bachmann EZ track Hayes bumper.
 

I'll say it again.  Thank goodness the Diesel engine has taken over; two-way radios are the norm, and three points of contact has been emphasized in the safety of personnel.
It's interesting noting the changes in safety of personnel from that time period to today, but we're still fighting today the risks people take in performing work.

Interesting video though.

The quick answer to your question is: Yes, you can daisy chain feeder tracks back to the original power source.

First Question to actually ask is, Do you really need the extra feeders?  If your EZ track is new, and the track connections are quite tight, then you may not need the extra feeders (This is based on how far the oval section is from the power source).  If you are experiencing locomotive slowing down, lights dimming when at the farthest from the power source, then adding a feeder at that far end is needed. (This also means that the track connection resistance is high). 

So, if extra feeders are needed that is easy to do with the rerailer (model 44502).  You may have to use the straight rerailer (model 44510) just before the curve track if you are using curved EZ track other than the 18-inch curve.

For these connections (simple diagram):

                          Track                                Track                                 Track
  Power }  ------- | |--------------------------- | |--------------------------- | |---------------------- for
source }   ------- | |--------------------------- | |--------------------------- | |--------------------- additional
                          Rerailer                            Rerailer                             Rerailer                              Feeders

Also ensure that the connectors are the correct polarity, that is, positive to positive and negative to negative.  Understand that the EZ track rerailers have connections on both sides of the track (roadbed) as shown in the simple diagram above.

Hope this helps.

Speed matching!  Doesn't it take the fun out of railroading?  Now if you talking about having two engines on the same track and you want these two to stay spaced apart as they move around the track, that's one thing.   But if you are using them in a consist configuration, that's where all the fun is.  You can take either the first and/or the second engine and manually control their speed as a part of the fun to keep them at an equal stance with one another.  The real fun comes in descending or ascending a grade where one will engine may need assistance to support the other.  To me that's a lot of fun keeping pace with the movement of the entire train, and it's an artist that can control both engines, keeping them from jerking along, but produce smooth movement. 

Quote....The use of 18" radius curves in an S curve without a straight of at least 6 inches is a well-known source of derailments, yet it is a mistake most beginners seem to be attracted to like moths to a candle.

The reason for that mistake, is that the most used and most available EZ track curve is the 18- inch radius.   For added information, another mistake beginners make (and no one informs them of this) is using that second curved track as a siding for staging cars.  What they don't recognize is that it's hard to couple and uncouple a car in the curve.  The advice is not to use either curve track as a staging for cars.  Should be used mainly for leapfrogging or engine personnel changeouts, or as a second mainline.

You have the new Command Plus controller (Model 44933) unfortunately that newer model the manufacturer removed the ability to have an additional DC controller for other functions.  I have the older models  (model 44901).

In my case, what I have done was to separate my track power from my accessory power, i.e. track switches, track lighting, track signals, etc.  What this does is to allow maximum power to reach the locomotives via the EZ Command Controller, thereby this controller will not see any degradation from switching operations.  If you have a model train transformer (any model will work) it can provide the DC or AC power that is needed for track switches .  Bachmann still produces the  DC power pack controller (model 44212) which can provide power to the switches and other accessories on your layout.

As for your specific question,  how much track and how many turn outs can you use?  It depends.  If you are using the track for power to your switches, and running a train or two the farther the away the switches are from the power source the track resistance (track connections) will increase enough to cause intermittent operation of said switches. If your switches are DCC then power feeders would definitely improve switching of distance switches.  As mentioned it is an expected condition to use power feeders (not use the track for switch power) when switches are at a good distance from the power source.  The EZ command 5-amp booster (44910) is for intermediate users where more than 3 locomotives are simultaneously being run.

It is my belief that one of Bachmanns biggest errors was to discontinue its walkaround controller.  Maybe if more modelers like yourself inform Bachmann of this disconnect, that maybe they'll bring it back. 

Lastly, if your desire is to be a professional modeler then moving to other controllers would be in order.  I'm an intermediate modeler, that is, not quite the professional or club oriented type, but much more than the entry level or beginner modeler.  Bachmann controllers are in that beginning and intermediate level.  Just know that Bachmann does have a more advanced controller, called Dynamis. 

Hope this answers your questions.

For additional controller information click on these topic queries:
E-Z Command Plus I/O Port
Started by RedMt Dave, January 12, 2024, 03:09:02 PM
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Running a DC train with the EZ Command plus
Started by jdeilus, January 21, 2024, 07:16:28 PM
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Ez comand plus as a companion
Started by Emt117, December 29, 2023, 11:41:22 AM

Do you have any plans to connect simulated or actual wires from the substation to the transmission towers? 

QuoteConvert your layout to DCC ASAP.  Trying to run DCC engines on a DC layout is really awkward, literally a square peg and round hole kind of thing, possible, but not truly intended.

I know I'm late to this discussion, but I just could not resist adding my two cents.

Trainman's quote is spot on.  I stopped running my DCC locos on DC, awhile back.  I didn't want to give up my historical collection of DC loco's so I set up a totally separate DC track, just for them.  Although it's quite short, I call it my museum section. I hardly run them since my larger track is DCC and on top of that I'm expanding it.  I only have 1 Bachmann with sound  but having sound doesn't spark any new desire.... I'll say at least not yet. 

My analysis of sound decoders and installing them.  The cost in my mind is still not equitable whether you "do it yourself" or buying a new one. 

Hopefully there is some perspective in this that may help ...or not.

I like your venting.  I, being only occasionally reading this forum, found that your questioning on small switching locomotives interesting.   I have asked that same question in a prior forum discussion, and of course received an answer that a 44 tonner would ship sometime this year. (See "GE 44 tonner by Bapguy 11/23/23")   
Hopefully this locomotive is still on the books and I'm hoping they use the BNSF or Norfolk Southern names/logo.

My old one (still works, image in Bapguy topic) in DC and have visions of converting it to DCC unless Bachmann produces what has been told to wait for. 

Wow, this is cool.... Does anyone know how large his layout was?

March 2024 update.....
For those Bachmann collectors. Here's something to check out.
In my travels around the southwest, I came upon and purchased some more of this (what I call unique) specimens by Bachmann.  The loader shovel by Hitachi below.

Then there is the motor grader by Mitsubishi.


From the back of Bachmann packaging (see above) I'm going to try to obtain the Hydraulic Excavator (probably by Hitachi) and the Hitachi Hydraulic Excavator.   Since my layout will be of the modern era, the bulldozers and shovel I am not going to try to obtain since these three do not have ROPS.   Bad for safety and basically too old for my layout.

P.S. if someone could inform me on how to get the images to space closer together, that would be of great help.