Bachmann Online Forum

 My son and I have Bachmann HO and O gauge trains.

For Christmas we run the G-Scale around the Christmas Tree. Since we are in the process of re-doing the O-Gauge layout I set up the G-Scale for my son to run and remembered how frustrating it is to assemble the track using those practically micro small screws.

I was just wondering if Bachmann Large Scale has a system like easy track or Fas-Track for Large scale. If they did I would switch in a New York minute

Alas, nothing like that exists in large scale. For all practical purposes, though, you don't need the screws for temporary ('round the Christmas tree) kinds of displays. So long as the ends of the rails are clean, the fishplates typically provide ample electrical conductivity for most applications. It's only when you move outdoors where you have water and dirt that will work its way into the rail joints that the screws or rail clamps become almost necessary.

Later,

K

I don't use it, but doesn't Bachmann indoor steel track just plug together without using screws?
If you are setting this up indoors, I don't know why you can't use that. Maybe someone who knows
more about the indoor track can comment. It is available quite reasonable from The Favorite Spot
on EBay. They are a good and reliable Bachmann dealer.
Tom

As Kevin wrote, there is no track available with attached roadbed in 45mm gauge.

I believe that only one 45mm gauge track manufacturer (NOT Bachmann) uses those screws in their track joiner system. All others use slip joiners. The slip joiners are perfectly fine for temporary indoor layouts.

And as Tom pointed out, the Bachmann steel track is really inexpensive, as it is unsuitable for outdoor use. Many folks that start with a Bachmann set containing the steel track just give it away when they move outdoors.

It would be perfectly fine for use on your indoor temporary layout.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Thanks for the help and saving me a lot of time.

I'll check out the Favorite Spot.

Ironically there is a spot on the patio we cleared and I can use the LGB track outside and leave it there.

Thanks again sounds like the Bachmann track is the way to go!!!!!

Dear All,

There is such thing as g roadbed, but it is very expensive. 

A less expensive alternative for indoors is also shown here:

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0&_nkw=lgb+roadbed&_sacat=0&_from=R40

Kevin reviewed it in Garden Railways Oct 2005:

http://trc.trains.com/Train%20Magazine%20Index.aspx?view=SearchResults&q=lgb+roadbed

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

Hi Joe
Since i have your attention.

What transformer do you recommend for LARGE scale?

I have one that came with an Aristocraft starterset. Since I have a couple locomotives that come with railsounds and engine sounds the basic one I have has no provision to engage those features.

Thanks for the track help!!!!

Hi, Fred.

I defer to others more knowledgeable in LS power packs beyond starter sets.   

If you have one of Bachmann's recent starter set Large Scale power packs,

it wouldn't hurt if you put voltage dropping diodes or diode bridges on its output to the track.

Contact me off board if you want more details. 

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

Locos with railsounds may be made by Lionel.  If your locos are lionel you may want to check with their web forum to see how to activate the sounds.  I have no idea how the Lionel system works, I only saw one once and the engine sounds seem to work automatically when the power was increased, but I never saw how the other sounds were triggered. 

Any Transformer with 3 to five amp rating shoud be OK.

Hi Loco Bill

I have a USA GP-38 and Aristocraft RS-3 if that helps both G-Scale

They are definitely not Lionel, do you know what brand of sound system they have in them??

Many sound systems work entirely by changes in voltage.  Add a little power and the sound of an idling engine come on,  on starting forward there may be two toots and an increase in sound and the bell may ring, as higher voltages (running speed) bell shuts off.  At running speed a quick increase in voltage can trigger the road crossing horn sounds and so forth.  I suspect what you have is something like what I said, but your locomotives do not come with sound installed, it must be added afterwards.

Bill

Loco Bill

Sorry for long delays. Lots of baseball going on. 3 of my 5 kids are playing this year.

I will check to see what sound systems these locomotives have. The fella down in Florida where I bought the GP-38 is good about finding info for me. The Aristocraft RS-3 I will have to ask around or see what I come up with
.
I was reading through the Bachmann catalog late last night and found they DO sell a power unit for large scale. Is this one I should think about. BUT looking at the picture I didn't see any switch or button to activate the sound systems on the Locomotives.
For Memorial Day I wanted to have the Large Scale set up on the patio outside so the kids could stay outside the "Railsounds" would keep them busy if I could have it by then.

M1FredQ:

"Railsounds" is a trademarked name owned by Lionel LLC. Here is a link to the trademark information:

http://www.markhound.com/trademark/search/co6pcXu1k (http://www.markhound.com/trademark/search/co6pcXu1k)

I assume you are using the word "Railsounds" to describe some unknown sound system that is in the locomotives you have. That is confusing to all, as the real Railsounds system needs a special Railsounds controller (again from Lionel or a Lionel compatible supplier) to operate. Railsounds units are most often factory installed in 0-scale Lionel equipment. Although a small possibility, it is unlikely that the sound systems in your large scale locomotives are actually Lionel Railsounds units.

Bachmann's off the shelf controllers will not operate a Railsounds unit. Most if not all non-Lionel power supplies / controllers will NOT operate the Railsounds sound units.

You need to open the locomotives and find out what sound system they are actually equipped with, then find a control system that is compatible with your actual sound systems.

Hope this helps.

Happy RRing,

Jerry

Fred:

As far as I know neither of those engines came with factory sound.  You will have to go into the engines to establish who made the sound modules.  In all likely hood it will be either Sierra, or Phoenix.  There are other units out there, but most of them are fairly recent. 

As far as a power supply goes, get the largest (amp) wise you can afford.  5 amps should be a minimum, 10 would be better.  It is not uncommon for a passenger train with lights and a couple of diesels pulling it to exceed 5 amps.  "G" gauge railroads tend to expand with time.  Longer trains, more bells, whistles, smoke, lights, etc.  it all takes power.  Buy once, not twice.  Been there, done that. 

There are a number of excellent power supplies out there, find a local group and talk to them. 

Chuck

Dear Jerry and Chuch

Thanks very much for your input.

When I used the word Railsounds I meant in a generic way as you fiqured I was using it. I  was unaware it was a trademarked name. I appreciate setting me straight.

I'll just have to get the Locomotive on my work-desk and open it up to see what's inside.
I'll have to do some "brain-picking" like you said to find the right power source because you are correct. Now that I have it outside on the patio I sure can use a few more RR cars. Because kids like Gondolas to put "stuff" in and flat cars for adult beverage transport. And I would like to have some lighting when it gets dark. I hope I can some of this before the weekend!!

Thanks again everyone!!!!

Chuck

Can you recommend some power sources just for starters?

This should do until you go crazy like the rest!
40 VA POWER SUPPLY WITH MOMENTUM
http://www.usatrains.com/usatrainspowerpacks.html

Fred:

I sent you an email yesterday morning making suggestions.

In case you didn't get it here it is again.

***
I have two power supplies, both are by "Bridgewerks".  One is the Magnum 1000-DL.  This unit has up to 15 amp power output and has a remote keyfob for on/off speed and direction as well as a throttle on the unit.  The other is the Magnum-10SR.  The unit has 10 amp maximum output.  I have added a remote unit, UR-15, to the Magnum 10 SR.  This is a similar keyfob to the one on the 1000SL unit, but the UR-15 plugs into the back of the 10SR.

Both power supplied have LED indicators on the from for voltage and amps.  Some kind of metering is strongly recommended.  It lets you monitor what is happening.  Some units out there have it, others do not.

I think that you will be hard pressed to order a power supply from anyone and get it by the 24th.

You can see Bridgewerks power supplies at <www.bridgewerks.com>.  Charles Ro carries the USA trains power supplies.  That shop is also the manufacturer of the USA Trains prodlucts; cars, engines, track, power supplies, etc.  AristoCraft also has power supplies.

There are other power options out there, but I am not familiar with them.  You can go to <mylargescale.com>  and go through posts about power supplies.  There is a forum on that site called track power, or something very similar.

****

Chuck

Hi Chuck
I received the later one.

I sent you a response. Bridgewerks was very helpful and I have one of the Power units coming my way. They said I should have it by Thurs or Friday in time for the Holiday weekend.

My wife informed me this morning we will have 5 families here with their kids as well as some of our relatives.

Thanks Chuck and everyone else helping me. I learned a lot!!!!

Also

Regarding that GP-38. U all were right it doesn't come with the soundsystem installed.

BUT

as a tech fella from USA told me the plug ins and mounts are all there for putting a system in.

Are those Bachmann soundsystems I read about in the catalog compatable??

I figure if I'm am going for a more serious Power Source might as well add the "sounds".

Not to mention outside would be an attention getter!!!!!

Fred:

I just sent you a message via the Bachmann message center (at 12:46).  Did you get it?  

Chuck

PS:  I strongly suggest that you become acquainted with a local Large Scale group.  You are asking a lot of very good questions.  What part of the country do you call home?  We don't need your address, just city, town, or region will help.  There are a lot of mistakes to  be made.  Talk to the locals, so that you don't repeat all of our mistakes.  There are things that are unique to each part of the country.  For instance drainage wasn't a big problem in Denver, but I sure wish that I had planned for it here in Virginia.  

Just to get back to everyone.

Weekend went well. It rained on Memorial Day but dried up later. We dried off the track

and everything worked without a hitch. The kids stayed outside even the grown-ups were wandering over to the table I had set up near the track to catch some of the action.

The New power pak is awesome very easy to use. Slow speed start ups and slow decelerations it was fun.

I was never able to get the flat cars. I didn't realize flat cars were so popular!! Most places I contacted were sold out.

Thanks everyone for all the input. I did take some video and once I get the time to post it I will do it!!!

Fred:

Thanks for the update.  Glad everything worked out.

Chuck

Just found out today TRAINWORLD has a big sale on FLAT CARS in G-Scale!!!!

At least I may have some for 4th of July if they don't sell out.

Just as an aside, I never expected to be into the Large scale outside.

Yesterday after baseball games some friends came over and we were relaxing outside

Joey brought some trains out and the kids were able to keep busy with the trains and we guys were able to get through a beer and some conversation.

I am really liking the idea of just keeping it up all Summer outside-as if I need another project.