Hi gents,
I just purchased my first train set. I bought the Bachmann Challenger trainset that is DC powered (analog). It comes with EZ Track and the newer speed controller that can connect to the EZ Command Control Center. I am wondering if the EZ track in this train set is DCC ready. Meaning, if I buy a EZ Command Control Center, Can I plug it in and start using multiple DCC trains at once? Or do I need to upgrade my EZ track to make it DCC ready?
Here is a link to the Challenger set I bought: http://www.hobbylinc.com/bachmann-challenger-set-ho-scale-model-train-set-00621?source=froogle&gclid=CjwKEAiAgavBBRCA7ZbggrLSkUcSJACWDexAz_24E_EO8PkI-DT3j_zPB4f39Sxce-BxJ-jlb9YqZhoC7Mjw_wcB
To pilot 2 fly : All HO scale track will work with DC & DCC controllers . Steel track is usually sold with sets , but Nickel Silver track stays cleaner long and is easier to solder to . If you are going to continue using EZ track you will find a greater diversity of track types in Nickel-Silver. Please note that DCC requires greater amount of care in installation as loss of electrical continuity will cause the decoder to reset . Also get a book on track wiring to help you with the requirements for carefree running . John2.
The locomotive in that set probably isn't capable of being converted to DCC.
If I were in your situation, my next purchase would be the Bachmann Digital Commander set: It comes with the EZ Command Control Center, two DCC-equipped locomotives, another set of freight cars, and its own oval of track.
Instructions for converting the Bachmann F9 to DCC can be found here:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Bachmann/EMD%20F9/EMD_F9.html
Althought the website is for TCS decoders, the instructions will work for pretty much any manufacturers decoder that follows the NMRA wiring color codes. Some soldering is required.
Len