I recently bought a Spectrum 2-8-0 with DCC.  I programmed the long address to the cab number (705, the C&O paint model) and ran it successfully around a club layout pulling several cars for about an hour.  Several days later, at home on a test loop, I ran it backwards for about 20 minutes.  Everything seemed to be working fine.

Then I tried the 'momentum" button on my NCR Power Cab, and things started getting hinky.  First, after selecting momentum level 5 (between 0 and 9), the engine would not run forward, but would run backward.  I tried resetting the momentum to 0, but that did not get it to run forward, but it still ran backward. I tried resetting the momentum to 0 again, and it would not run forward or backward.  I tried resetting the decoder, and the address changed from long 705 to short 3, but it still will not run in forward or reverse.  The headlight still functions with the off-on command as well as when I change direction from forward to reverse and back, but the decoder does not seem to be sending power to the motor.

Some help, please.

I want to second the suggestions for other Pacifics on the K-4 mechanism and for those great all-wheel pickup tenders to be made available in small Vanderbuilt form. 

And, I would like to see a 2-8-2 at the Spectrum level with DCC. Maybe some of the other existing 8 drive wheel mechanisms coud be adapted to a 2-8-2 arrangement.  If they are a little too long to make USRA (light or heavy) Mikes, could they be used for some of the really heavy later Mikes like the B&O Q-4s?

I will second the motions for Bachmann to make both the USRA Light Mikado and to reissue the Consolidation with or without sound.  I am NOT buying the MP/MRC version Mike because I so much prefer how Bachmann would do it.  The B&O took delivery of that first USRA Mike, with its headlight centerd on smokebox, but MOVED the headlight to the top of the smokebox, as they did with all of their steam.  Bachmann could make the high headlight version and still make it distinctive from the MP version, even for those buyers who don't know about the mechanism advantages or the prototype distinctions.

My estimate is that Bachmann could sell-out the first run of Mikes and another run of Consolidations with no problem. I guarantee I will help them disappear.

And, with the K4 mechanism now available, how about some NON-Pennsy Pacifics?

I just picked-up a new "72' coach" in B&O, and it is lighted from rail power.  I got the schematic from the parts site, and looked through the windows with a bright light.  I can see that there are several light sources in a ceiling attached to some sort of PC board, but I do not know what the specifications are for the lighting.

Is this lighting system compatible with DCC, or will the continuously high voltage burn-out the light sources or melt the plastic?

Some info from the manufacturer, please.

Steve

If all you want is undercarriages, look at Shapeways/Panamint on the 'Net.  Eric Cox makes 3D prints of undercarriages to upgrade both the Bachmann and Arnold versions of these bobbers.  He makes 2 versions of each, one close to scale, that tends to make standard couplers too low, and one the is a bit higher to make couplers easy to get right.

Maletrain

I agree.  I too was really hopeful for the new Model Power Pacific, since that company had made their more recent Americans and Moguls with separate hand rails, etc.  But, other than adding DCC and going to the better wipers on the tender, there really isn't much new with the Model Power product.  I decide to NOT buy one. So, I think the door is open for Bachmann to make a Pacific frame  and put all sorts of shells on it with all-wheel pickup tenders and simply dominate the market for Pacifics.  Other than perhaps for the Heavy USRA version that Kato did so well, there is a large unfulfilled market for all sorts of Pacifics.  The K-4s are probably the most conspicuous hole, but there are just so many desired versions in that wheel arrangement that I can't understand why it is not being produced.

BTW, I finally broke down and bought an EM-1, hoping to someday have a layout with radii that make it look right. I have wanted one since my HO modelling days 45 years ago, and Bachmann's model was just too good to resist.  I tried for quite a while, but as soon as there was a glimmer of hope for a layout room big enough to handle it, I succumbed to the desire.

I have only had a chance to test it on some 15" radius sectional track on the dinng room table.  What a fantastically smooth low-speed performer.  It creeps at the lowest power step with no jerkiness.  It was so slow that I did not have time to measure the speed, but seemed about 2-3 smph. 

So, basically I am sold on Bachmann steam engines at the Spectrum grade.  But, for my actual operations, I am looking for nothing larger than Pacifics and Mikados.  The Consolidation, Mogul and Ten Wheeler are my main interest because they look best on the radii that I can fit into my space.  (That EM-1 is going to have to come through on the interchange road with the largest radius curves I can manage for just the visible section.) But, I really want a Pacific that looks good and performs well, and will buy at least one when I see one.

Have you thought about putting the unit on the floor and running ducts to the ceiling?  Seems like that would be a lot easier and safer for the layout when it is time to service the filter, as well as easier to install. 

Also, the idea of making the layout space have a slight possitive pressure compared to the outside seems like a good idea.  People do not realize how much an enclosed space "breaths" as outside air pressure changes due to barametric changes and wind on one side of the building.  That creates in-leakage that brings dust with it, as well as  out leakage that does not seem to take as much dust back out, because it settles in the quiet air inside.

A SMALL fan drawing air from another part of the house or even the outside and passing it through a GOOD furnace filter before it enters the layout room seems easy enough to rig.  Just don't go with too much fan, or you may have trouble opening doors that open to the inside of the layout room.

Was at my LHS today and there was a stack of Bachmann 0-6-0 switchers, new in their boxes.  Both the old and new models. (New were going for just $5 more than the old version.)  The two obvious markers for the new model were (1) the motor is flush with the back of the cab except for the thickness of a small black plastic ring on the back of the motor, and (2) it comes equipped with magnetic couplers.  (Always wondered why a SWITCHER came with dummy couplers!)

Still hoping for a Specrtum w/DCC type of upgrade to the switcher.  Upgraded motor and tender are ALMOST there.  Why not just do it, now?

1. Maybe.  Some decodes are "dual mode" to allow running on either DC or DCC.  They need to be properly programmed to run on DC, which means you need access to a DCC controller that can reprogram them.  Still, there may be problems with some "dual mode" decoders on DC.  Best to ask about the specific engine you are thinking about buying, including asking those here (or on other forms) who already have it if it has problems on DCC.
2. Yes
3. There is a list on the Microtrains website that is somewhat helpful.  There are a bunch of possibilities depending on exactly what cars you are trying to convert.  There are also options for shorter coupling if you will have gentle curves and want to make things look a little more realistic.  And, there is the option to convert to body-mounted couplers.  Cars are usually pretty easy.  Engines can be harder, especially small steam engines.

I have no idea what to expect. 

But what I would like to see is (1) SMALL steam, particularly a Spectrum DCC version of the 0-6-0 switcher; and (2) SHORT passenger cars, on the order of 60' to 67' with Spectrum level detailing.  These seem to be quite feasible for Bachmann to do, with little chance for competition and a large potential for the runner market, where small stuff actually works and looks best on the layouts that most of us can actually get operating.

I would also like to see the earlier small steam re-released, perhaps with sound as an option.

As many of you have noted, the "medium USRA" tender that comes standard on the 4-6-0 seems too large.  I have one of the "short USRA" tenders that I want to use, instead.  My 4-6-0 is DCC, so I am wondering how much work is involved with swapping the tenders.  Can I simply move the decoder from one to the other without rewiring?  Does it even fit the smaller tender?

If the 0-6-0 works well with an all-wheel-pick-up replacement tender, I don't see why an 0-4-0 would need anther car for additional pick-up. Bachmann already has all-wheel-pick-up in both the slope-backed tender and the shorter-than-"short USRA" tender used with the Spectrum 2-6-0.  So, really just an engine retool to do a good 0-4-0.  I'm still waiting for a retooled 0-6-0 in "Spectrum" quality level.

Mark,

Is the shell compatible with the frame of the "slope-back" tender?

I am looking for a all-wheel-pick-up tender that comes with the Alco 2-6-0.  It is shorter than the "short USRA tender" that is listed in the catalog.  And, there is no parts listing for the Alco 2-6-0 at all.  Is this just a different shell that fits the slope-back tender frame?