Someone here once posted information on combining different Bachmann turn radius track to make a curve that enters and exists gradually.  I did a search but couldn't find it.

I currently have 2 lines one uses 22"  curve radius the other uses 26".  To me, it doesn't seem realistic to have the trains running straight then into constant radius turn.  I would also like to explore making the curves a bigger overall radius by utilizing the 22" and 26" radius track I already have (to reduce cost).

Lastly, I'm interested in finding track design ideas that will help me understand how to take one line and double its length (more or less) by inclining the track and crossing over itself then back down again.  I'm using the bay of a single car garage; all its width and just a little more than half its length.

Thanks.

JIm

Just got one, it is DCC ready.  Is the decoder #44915 the appropriate decoder for this loco?  I've installed several already in other that were plug and play, so to speak.  Is this the plug in type?  I haven't taken the tender apart yet.  Thanks.

I use Bachmann DCC turnouts throughout (the #6 crossover is the bomb!).  NCE Powercab is the controller.  I have 9 locos.  Every time I run the Athearn DCC Ready which has a Digitrax decoder installed, all of the DCC turnouts stop receiving signal and will not switch from the controller.  This occurs only with this one loco mentioned above runs on the track.  unplugging and replugging power to the controller resets and all is fine again.

I've noticed this exact turnout problem once before with another loco when I was running it DC on address 10 with an EZ Command.  I posed the question here, someone suggested to stop runninng the DC loco.  That fixed the problem.  However, my current problem is when running this DCC loco.

I've peeked inside the loco thinking that maybe there was a wire loose causing some kind of short.  I found nothing.  The loco runs flawlessly and I am stumped.  Any suggestions?

Jim

I purchased one of these (spectrum) in January or February.  It ran good initially but soon after began to surge as it runs down the line.  No problems at full throttle.  Lately it has been getting worse to where, at just under half throttle, it will almost stop under load.  We have 9 locos and this problem is limited to this specific loco.

Track details:  inner and outer oval (10x6) with one yard that has 5 legs.  There are 3 track connections throughout.  I assume that I should have more track connections and will in the future.  I have one of those eraser type track cleaners and assume that the track is clean.  I have not tested the track for power drop offs, however, no other loco has this problem. 

Any input is appreciated as to potential problem and possible fixes.   Thanks.

Jim

Layout consists, for the most part, of an outer and inner oval.  I use regular bachmann turnouts (44130 and 131 [DCC]) and 18"R curves (44501).  From the straight on the outer oval I use these turnouts to turn to the inside which makes a siding.  From the siding, I use another set of turnouts to create the inner oval.  One train running on the inner and one on the outer.

I was checking out the #6 turnouts today at the LHS, and notice that 1) the quality of the moving parts are better (no rivets and the pick rail??? has a much better taper, less derailments???) and 2) the geometry of the turnout is different-than the turnouts I am using.  I also notice that there is a small piece of track that comes with the #6.

Question, if I substitute a set of turnouts I am currently using with #6 turnouts, will I have any problems with the siding on the inside connecting together to the outer oval due to the different geometry of the #6 turnouts?  What is that small track section for? 

Would there be problems creating an inner oval using crossovers instead of the inner siding to inner oval?

Too many questions?  No, then good, I have one or two more.  After reading a post on here I learned of the Atlas layout software, downloaded it and have been fiddling.  Is there a library of track in the software from Atlas track that matches bachmann's track dimensions?  For example, with the code 100 library loaded, are the 18"R curves the same dimensions in degrees as Bachmann's.  Are the Atlas #6 turnouts the same as bachmann's?

terminology above may not be correct...I am new at this.  Maybe I should have posted this in the HO threads...oops.  Thanks.

Jim

I did a search and came up with this:

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/ez_content/1_Amp_Decoder_Instr.pdf

Is this the same as the stock decoder that came with my spectrum 8-40CW?

...as in two questions:

1)  my spectrum 8-40 started sqeeking tonite.  what maintenance is typical?

2)  how is one to know when you have too many cars behind the loco?

ok, here is a third: did anyone make the perris swap meet today?

thanks.  jim

The instructions to the EZ Command speaks to electric momentum and realistic acceleration.  I have three locos on the track: The DCC GP40 that came with the set, a Spectrum 8-40CW, and an athearn RS 3 equipped with an aftermarket decoder.

As it is now, the 8-40 has the most realistic acceleration (almost too much when there is a long line of cars behind it), the GP 40 is not so bad, but the athearn seems to not have any realistic acceleration.  Is there any way of programming the decoders so that all of the locos accelerate at the same rate?  Thanks.

Jim

I've searched the web for sites that offer layouts.  Most of what I have found is books that you have to puschase.  Then, I just read a thread that had a link to a page with layouts.  Anyone know of other sites that post HO layouts so that I can get ideas?  Thanks.

Has anyone found such a thing that calculates inches for the math inpaired?  I would like to determine rise for 2% and 3% grades over 100" of track.  Thanks.

after I posted the thread on dcc turnout problems, i went on to read other threads and have a question.  After the intial train set purchase, I have added quite a bit of track and turn outs.  It is a dcc set up.  Is it necessary to have more than one connection point to the track?  If so, how is this accomplished via the easy command?

New to this.  Bought my son a set for christmas and daddy has gone crazy wild with adding track, turnouts, locos, and cars. 

I have purchased 7 bachman dcc turnouts and several manual turnouts.  I have 2 problems with the dcc turnouts:

1) frequent derails at the turnouts.  It almost seems that there is not enough torque to hold the switched track in place and wheels slip between the intended direction (turn) and the straight side.  it is usually the car behind the loco that derails when approaching towards they 'y' to turn out.  It can happen at any speed.

2) frequent dead switches.  Things will be working fine, then randomly, a dcc turnout will stop reponding to the easy commander.  a quick fix is to push the stop button to let power go off for a second or two.  almost like rebooting the track.  once done, they all work again to then to stop working again.

Both issues are annoying.  Please help!