Hi.

I would recommend that you look at ESU LokSound decoders as well.  The motor control is precise and the sound is the best in the business (IMHO).

All the best.

Reinhard

These are excellent suggestions should a Bachmann electrical switch fail.  ISO replacing the entire switch, make a retrofit with a Tortoise switch machine.

All the best.
Reinhard

Hi JT.

The fault is not in the drive system or the motor.  The motors found in Bachmann units sold over the past years are of very good quality and, when properly cared for, will last a long tome.  The fault is in the DCC decoder which is of the first generation.  These decoders produce a buzzing sound especially at low speeds.  Changing the decoder to one which has the latest DCC technology will yield a smooth running locomotive with a significant reduction in noise.

All the best.

Reinhard

Hi.

I agree with ACY.  The electrics are beautiful units but the sounds are boring.  The Bachmann Sound Value ALCO 2-6-0 sounds great and runs smooth.  The Bachmann Sound Value diesels (although I do not have one yet), I am told, sound great and are smooth runners as well.  The price of the Sound Value locos are very reasonable.

All the best.

Reinhard

Hi jbrock.

I should have been more specific in regards to AC.  As ACY pointed out the three rail HO AC system is used by Maerklin/Trix.  40 years ago you could not run a Maerklin car on 2 rail DC because the wheel axles on the trucks were not isolated causing a short.  Over the years they may have changed this in order for the cars to be used on standard DC. 

All the best.

Reinhard

Hi.

When you are ready to purchase the track ( I am assuming your locomotive/cars are HO since you posted here) determine what system (DC or AC) your locomotives/cars are.  The DC system uses a 2 rail track whereas AC uses a third rail or studs down the center of the track.  Once determined I would recommend purchasing nickel-silver track such as EZ-track from Bachmann for example since it is much more easy to maintain.  The Bachmann EZ-Track is a 2 rail DC system that comes with either black or gray roadbed.  The gray roadbed will be the nickel-silver track.  Hope this helps.

All the best.

Reinhard

Hi Spencer.

If you can get a copy of the March 2012 Model Railroader, on page 39 Cody Grivno gives step by step instructions on how to ballast.  I used the exact method to ballast my nickel silver EZ track with excellent results.  The most difficult part of ballasting, I found, was to over come the tedium of this task.  Break your ballasting project down into sections is the best way to seeing positive results that keep you motivated.

All the best.

Reinhard

Hi Missabe

Take a look at the TCS web-site

http://www.tcsdcc.com

Go to the installation pictures which provide examples using  the 8 pin plug or hard wire.  The newer K4's have a pre drilled space for a speaker so you may wish to consider one of the new WOW decoders with sound.

All the best.
Reinhard 

Unless I am looking at the MB Klein website incorrectly it shows the DCC and sound GP 7's in stock.
Also the heavy weight coaches.

All the best.

Reinhard

Hi Joe,

Have a look at the MB Klein website.

All the best.

Reinhard

Hi.

The Spectrum E33 locomotives were very nice units.  I run the N&W and Virginian version units in consist.  A Sound Value re-issue of these models would be a pleasant surprise.

All the best.

Reinhard

Hi rabbibgr.

Not sure if you have one but, you will require a DCC system capable of changing CV's.  The sound decoder (if factory installed by Bachmann) is a Soundtraxx Tsunami.  The CV for the master volume is CV128 set at a default setting of 255 which, I believe, is the Max setting.  You can experiment with this CV to see which volume level best suits.  Here is the link which lists all the CV's for this particular locomotive.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/factory/OEM_pages/bachmann/ho4-6-0.pdf

Merry Christmas

Reinhard 

I like the announcements.

A GG-1 with sound that won't break the bank.

GP-7 with sound.

Very nice Porter and the heavy weights make a nice addition to the catalog.

All the best.

Reinhard 

Hi.

One of my favorite 4 axle diesels is the bachmann GP7 Clinchfield #912.  I did, however, replace the standard bachmann decoder with a TCS motor only decoder.  This unit runs silky smooth now and I am planning on consisting it with the Southern bachmann GP7 once again with a decoder replacement.

All the best.

Reinhard

Hi.

I have the Virginian E33 (82402) for a year now and, as well, just recently purchased the N+W E33 (82402).  These locomotives, by there design, are massive brutes producing an abundant hauling capacity especially when run in consist as I do.  I have not noticed any vibration from either unit and the noise level is equal to other 6 axle units (I say it is a sound decoder for an electric locomotive that does not require speakers).  You may want to return it to bachmann for repairs if the vibration is excessive.

All the best.

Reinhard