QuoteThis falls under compromise area of the hobby.  The available space issue.

I second this response.  One can also add that doing the compromise you add a puzzle to your layout.  That is, having long train cars can add that switching puzzle to your layout.  You have to remember that the long train cars cannot travel on say the "A" main line, but they can travel on the "B" main line.  This is no different than areas where containers cars cannot be double stacked due to the mountain tunnels not having adequate clearance for them.

If space is an issue, then maximize the main line to support the long cars.  Use the short radius for the smaller cars.  One thing to note is that if you have plenty of short length cars, the puzzle is much easier to work with.  If you have more longer cars than short ones, not so much.

This is my compromise.

There is a simple solution to this problem.  Instead of spending time using two (fairly expensive DCC locomotives to pull one train, try instead by obtaining an FT-A diesel (...can be identical) that is a dummy version.  That way, you can have two separately running engines DCC in other areas of the layout and still look very presentable.

Of course, that's the way I look at diesels and it's a whole different story if you need to pull long trains and need two powered locomotives to support the pulling power needed.

Just adding my 2 cents, hope this helps.

Note: I usually log in about once a week more or less, but this was one topic I am fully engaged in. 
So, I if got this correct, real railroads actually do bank some of their curves.  The images and actual observations that I've witness (because I couldn't actually verify that the track was banked) that curved and banked track is not an illusion.     

Now, I have enough room for this inclined curve.  Your experience with 24-inch radius I'm thinking may be to tight.   I have the 33.25-inch radius 18 Degree (model 44504), or should I use the 33.25-inch radius 12 degree (model 44509) or should I use the 28-inch radius 18 degree (model 44506).    Of course, I could use flex track, but that would bring up issues that I'd prefer not to delve into, like cork bedding, nailing track to prevent movement, etc.

The illustration below shows how maybe the EZ track would be angled just enough to give that impressive look of the train leaning in the curve.  The question I haven't been able to resolve is the difference in the rail height compared to the other rail (orange question mark ?).   My mathematical calculations can't seem to solve it. Therefore, I must be missing something.  I'm going to try to do an actual measurement once I get the incline setup.

Lastly, if all else fails, then I'll take your recommendations and move to flat unbanked, unimpressive track curves.

If Yes, then has anyone tried to run their HO scale trains on banked curves?

The reason I'm asking this, ... I'm working on an incline that is curved and wondering if I bank the curve inward toward the curve, and the incline is 3 to 4 percent, then placing the train in a moderate speed (before the incline curve, in order to get the loaded train to the top of the incline), will the train and its cars fall over at slow speeds, or will the momentum of the train at moderate speed be maintained and the train cars make it to the top of the hill.

I believe it'll be quite an intrigue to see the train cars leaning as they go up the incline.  If I leave the incline tracks flat, it becomes none sensational (same as any train curve).

I've seen images and watched many trains moving in curved sections that look like they-re on a banked curve, but isn't that an illusion cause -aren't train tracks always set flat, even in curves?

Great product the Digital Commander (I have two of them) model 00501.  As for the controller "E-Z Command Digital Command Control System" (model no. 44901) (backside shown below middle image in light grey).  It is believed that the two other models 44932 and Command Plus 44933 are similar.

As for that I/O port you mentioned, it is made for only three Bachmann items. 
1) the Bachmann walk-around controller (44907) (see below backside top image made in dark grey)
Unfortunately, Bachmann discontinued this fantastic dummy controller.  Why it was discontinued, is open for debate.   I blame Bachmann's sales analysis which I believe was miscalculated by a large margin.

2) the Bachmann walk-around connector panel (44908) (front face shown below bottom image)

3) the Bachmann smart interface (44928) (not shown, cancelled production as far as I know)
 I have an image of its advertisement, if interested.


Moving on, the locomotives that came with your set, does not have sound.  I love mine without the sound, so far.   Yes, you can install decoders that will have sound, but this is where you will need to be electrically and mechanically inclined since it will take some soldering, modifying for sound (installing a speaker) to accomplish what you are asking for.

Lastly, you are correct, Bachmann doesn't provide the best instructions for some it its products.

Hope this helps.

QuoteThe situation you describe would be perfect for a couple of EZ App locomotives controlled by old cell phones.

Interesting!  But after a financial analysis of my current situation, i.e., owning walkarounds, and command controllers (all still functional).  Comparing what I already have with what the EZ App would require, i.e., EZ App loco(s), EZ app software, and smartphone(s).  From that comparison, the cost of purchasing EZ App locomotives, finding old smartphones from Verizon, T-mobile, etc. is not... in my analysis cost effective. 

 So to conclude this topic, I'll just state that "Bachmann when they stopped production of their "Walkaround companion" missed an opportunity to include those of us "intermediate modelers". 

Okay, intermediate modeler here!
 Can someone explain how this "timesaver layout" is suppose to save time?  If the cars are on the tracks, moving them around from one track to another how does that add up to saving time?

By the way, I looked up "John Whitby Allen" and there is mention of this "time saver" layout by or from him.

Your experience in modeling of railroads is similar to mine.  I wanted friends to be able to run separate trains.  Problem back then was that Bachmann did make the "Bachmann walkaround companion".  The walkaround has been discontinued and finding one is very rare today.  I still have my walkaround companions (4 of them) and along with the EZ commands, run trains with my friends and kids without having to move to the more advanced systems. 

Everyone beats up on Bachmann for not supporting the intermediate users (which sounds like where you're headed toward).  Most serious modelers will push or state that moving up to the advanced controllers will provide more than the limitations of Bachmann.  This is true, Bachmann is limited.  But!  (as in my case), being around small kids (less than 4 years old) handing an advanced controller to these little guys will create more problems and headaches for you and the kids.  The  EZ Bachmann controllers and walkaround perform and satisfy these little ones with ease. 

Important: Do not connect two EZ commands and/or EZ command Plus controllers together.  They are not designed to operate that way.  Doing so will damage one or both controllers.    There are ways to connect them but involves many issues that need to be addressed that would fill up this forums topic in order to explain. 

Finally, my advice: Keep the EZ commands separate, even use separate track for each command controller.  You may be able to find the rare walkarounds but what I found, you may find it cheaper to buy the advanced controllers.

This is great news....  That at least someone else thought about or performed such an operation.  That gives me the feeling that I can do it to.  I know that sensors will need to be placed appropriately and that some physical connections by some sort of electrical/mechanical device will need to be used, but now I know it can be done with some finesse and patience.

As always, if I am able to accomplish this I'll be like Len and show images of how I did it.  ...but don't hold your breath. 

Here's my two cents: 
The quality control on the plastic molding isn't the best.  So when I ran across this problem, I shaved the molded plastic just so it would fit into the connection, and still be tight. From my point of view it's the plastic molding and the switch connection's molded plastic that holds the connection together. 

Hope that helps.

Well, bless my Fritos!
Didn't know that Bachmann and Bradford exchange have a common interest.  I am contemplating getting another winter crossing.

Thanks, new info for the new year.

QuoteQuote: "0-9 on the EZ command is either a function or a changeable address, not a CV.  EZ command cannot alter CV's."

Owning three Bachmann EZ controller's , I was trying not to confuse the single bachmann EZ command operator but instead by being basic to the Bachmann EZ command operation.

The quote above is not exactly correct.  Your wording of function, changeable address is actually a CV.  A CV or "Configuration Variable" is an address.    In the case of changing a locomotive address, you are actually changing the very first CV or CV1.  The Bachmann controller can change only that CV.  The problem most Bachmann EZ command owners find out the hard way is that the Bachmann EZ controller can only change a single digit of the CV1 address.   Other controllers have the ability to change from a single to a double digit.  Once that double digit CV is entered, the Bachmann EZ  may or not recognize it.

What the originator didn't understand is that the model club's controllers can recognize that double digit, and he may not have understood why that same locomotive would not operate on his EZ command layout. 

And yes, I believe that once a double digit is entered into CV1 address the Bachmann EZ command sometimes can reset that CV to 03, but only if it's prefix number is 0.  If the CV address is greater than 10 or above, definitely the Bachmann EZ command sometimes will acknowledge that it changed it, but in actuality it does not.   It may go to 13 if it was originally 15.
Again the 13 is not recognized by the EZ command.  EZ commands recognizes that CV1 as 00 thru 09 only.   

It you want to read more about CV's check here.
https://www.locgeek.com/2013/07/dcc-cvs-configuration-variables-explained/
or
https://dccwiki.com/Address_Range

I agree that the locomotive decoder should be reset at the model club, basically to remove any prefix number 1 or above that.

Hopefully, I didn't confuse everyone.

This may or may not help.
Bachmann's EZ Command controller (44933 and 44902) can only acknowledge a CV that's 0 thru 9, single digit.  Digitrax and other controllers can handle basically double-digit CV's, 10 and above.  My suggestion is that you need to reprogram your locomotive to a single CV digit, that is 0 thru 9.  The Bachmann controller can handle single digits but not double digits.

Hope this helps....

I will make a slight modification to what 'trainman" stated.  I personally do not buy any locomotive from e-bay new or used.  For one they cost too much, and you would have to deal with the electrical issues, if any.  With that said, I do and still buy EZ track DC switch versions.  I do not buy the DCC switch versions from E-bay.   Yes, I do own some DCC switches, but they came from a dealer, where I drove 150 miles to buy.  I do buy none electrical items such as freight cars, maybe some lighted cars but that's it.  I do not wish to troubleshoot someone else's electrical problem.  It's bad enough when you have to troubleshoot some brand new electrical components directly from the dealer or manufacturer.   

Now back to the topic: I went through the Bachmann catalog 2023 and did not see any reference to "Hawthorne village".  Is this a separate Bachmann product or associated with Bachmann?  What am I missing?

I'm asking this since I just posted a train crossing topic in HO
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,38671.0.html
, and noticed that the winter crossing that I bought from e-bay states its Bachmann but I cannot find this winter crossing in the Bachmann catalog (only the green version in the catalog).  A search in Google found this winter crossing on Bradford Exchange.
https://www.bradfordexchange.com/products/1409121085_winter-train-accessory.html[/url
Again what am I missing?

That's great, but what really is on most hobbyist minds is will Bachmann bring back this workhorse switcher in DCC (sound or no sound, doesn't matter to me)? 
I believe this model is at least 30 years old, still runs on my layout and can pull 4 weighted cars with no effort.  Moving more than that does cause wheel slippage prior to moving.
If it is going to be made available in DCC in the near future, I won't try to modify my baby from DC to DCC.  Which by the way, has been done.