When installing a new turnout, I also find that many of my locos derail going into the diverging route (not straight).  I solve this problem by filing/sanding down both sides of the frog (the pointed plastic piece in the center) no more than a millimeter or so and rarely have a problem after that.
CK

Do your locos derail in both directions through the switch or just one?  When installing a new turnout, I find that many of my locos derail going into the diverging route (not straight).  I solve this problem by filing/sanding down both sides of the frog (the pointed plastic piece in the center) no more than a millimeter or so and rarely have a problem after that.
CK

ZT,

If you haven't yet tried upgrading an older piece of rolling stock to NMRA standards, I think it's a fun hour-long project and suggest you give a try (at least once).  You can replace the trucks and couplers and add some weight that will make your rolling stock look, sound and run much better.  The web has plenty of good videos on how to do this.

CK

From the EZ Command instructions:

Using the black interconnecting power cable provided, you can also connect a Bachmann DC controller to your E-Z Command Control Center as shown in figure 18. When connected, address 10 automatically converts from its original DC (analog) assignment to DCC (digital). Thus, a tenth digital address becomes available, and the connected DC controller will allow you or a friend to control a DC locomotive in conjunction with your E-Z Command system. The Bachmann #44212 power pack, available from hobby retailers, is ideally suited to this application (figure 19).

My layout occupies a 10x8 space in the farthest reaches of my basement, behind the boiler and water heater, over the sump pump.  I think "barely tolerate" is the best way to describe it...

If it derails going into the diverging turn (i.e. not coming from the divergent track or running straight in either direction), it's a common problem with EZ Track turnouts.  I most frequently encounter this issue running a locomotive running backwards into the turn on a new turnout.  I resolve this problem by using a small file to narrow the frog just enough to stop it from derailing.  Works every time.

Well, I must say that I'm glad I asked.  Looks like this one will remain in the "shed", only to emerge when the new diesels are in for servicing.  Heck, for the most part that's what the real loco did on the prototype during the time period I am modelling anyway...

Thanks everyone!

Succinctly stated....

What is the concern with the original motor?  Does it draw too much amperage, or does it not do well at very slow speeds?

No, it is completely enclosed in a white plastic case and about the size of a stack of 4 or 5 quarters, standing on its edge.  You can remove the motor springs and brushes, which are both on the same side.  I'll see if I can post a photo.

Thanks guys.  It is solidly DC, no thought of the future of digital control went into the design of this puppy.  However, it is the closest representation of a consolidation I've found to prototype on the railroad I model, so I plan to give it a go.  I've already pulled off the shell, and although I'm no Macguyver I think I can make it work.

Aah, I misunderstood your question, I though the implication was that it wasn't working on your layout.  My older Spectrum unit won't respond unless I set my EZ Command it to F10.  I'll have to compare the model # of the board on my unit vs. yours.

Also, does anyone havs a user manual (not just the parts list) for this or similar Bachmann Plus locos?  Bachmann customer service was able to send me a page on lubricating the model, but I would like something more complete.  Thanks!

Quoting CACOLE from a 2012 post:

"That PCB that is in the loco is NOT a decoder, it is a constant lighting circuit for only the lights. "

I have an older Spectrum 70-tonner that also has a pc board that that looks like a decoder but runs on DC and the board controls the lights only.  It is signifcantly thinner than the dual-mode DCC decoder on my more-recent 70-tonner.

You may find it a challenge to make room for a speaker but it is possible.


Soundtraxx has a decoder selector function on its website: 
http://www.soundtraxx.com/choose/step3.php?t=ho&s=Bachmann