Now that's what I call "hitting the nail on the head".    From manufacturer requirements, lawsuits run amok from product misuse by consumers, chauvinistics in the hobby, and the public view that it's an older generation keeping the hobby alive.

That's the kind of degrading information that has and still is killing Nuclear Power.  That is, manufacturer requirements (high cost of material and labor), lawsuits from the anti-nuclear consumers, limited desire/appeal from both sexes toward nuclear power, and the public pressing the government to not keep this power source alive and the older generation losing its influence to keep it alive.

If that isn't synonymous with model train hobby then I don't know what is.

I'm doing my part to keep the hobby alive, but I'm also consider as one of the older generations.

I just purchased some additional EZ track and along with it came 44548 (12  9-inch sections) reversing track.  I am wondering (thinking out loud) if a trolley can traverse a turnout and swap in either direction.   Draft text of what I mean.

      A    ==========================\\
                                                                            //\\====================   B
     A'    ==========================//
                                                            Standard turnout


This is not a reversing loop, A and the other A' are not connected but end.  Just like the trolley set but insert a turnout that can switch from A to A' and vice versa.  As usual I'm looking for another pair of eyes, thoughts, on whether or not this can work.  If so, then maybe I'll steal my wife's money and buy the Bachmann 44547 reversing trolley set.

My understanding is that the reversing set can work with any DC locomotive.
I have a very short DC section for my train museum and if this would work I could expand my old steam DC locos to move to different sections from A to A' and back.

Okay.  Silly me, but can anyone explain to me what a "diamond" is on the crossing?  I don't understand.  It is the track, or crossing signal...

Now this is the kind of discussion that I can get into.  A forum query posted back in July 2021 posed a slightly similar question on the "Thomas & Friends" Board.  I input my thoughts and found that those Thomas folks were only interested in variations of new Thomas trains.  Yes, I missed the point of the discussion, and haven't been back to that board for I felt embarrassed.

I concur with Mr. Klein's comments.  What I will state is that the brick-and-mortar stores are declining, and online stores are taking over.  There will be fewer brick-and-mortar stores for model railroading but from my experience, the innovative store owners have taken on additional hobby applications such as RC (remote control) toys which seem to be getting more popular.   This means that the railroad modelers will see less shelf space for railroad models in their stores.    The future of railroad modeling is not going away as long as there are Diesel Engines and Heavy Equipment needed to move and/or build things.

The challenge that model railroading has (in my opinion) is actually "living space".  (Excerpt from Thomas & Friends board)

In terms of what kids today are faced with.  Living space is a major culprit.  Another culprit is technology itself.   It doesn't matter what the manufacturer brings forward on train sets.  The consumer (the adults with kids) will have to contend with the space for the train set.  Something to think about, when we (old folks) were kids, we could have that HO train set on a 4 by 8 piece of wood and slide it in and out from under our beds.  Now, think a minute.  Today's kids, I believe, would rather sit in front of an LED screen than pull out a train that only moves in a circular or figure-eight pattern (my kids were into model trains until Nintendo came on the scene Christmas 96.  I reboxed the trains until now).  Kids today are smarter than we were due to the technology they are exposed to, that we (old folks) didn't have.  For the fortunate adults who have kids and the living space to have a model train set, then it's only the technology that their kids will decide upon.  In Japan, living space is at a premium, so I've been told.  Therefore, it's been noticed that the N scale seems to be the most lucrative.
 (Reference: https://raicho.home.xs4all.nl/model/scales.html)

If the consumer doesn't have the space to implement setting up that train set, then the cost of that train set will be next to ax the purchase.  And a excerpt from Jward, "...totally uninspiring model magazines, clubs that are every bit as cliquish as high school, the net result of both has sucked the fun out of the hobby for some."  Let alone the fact that hobby clubs have such old-fashioned "perform operations as if it's a real railroad" causes those intermediate users (like me) to lose interest in running the train.

What I believe everyone is overlooking is that gaming technology is offering more enhanced interaction than modeling technology.  The model manufacturers may not realize that they are in a battle with technology.  The kids (younger generation) are into technology and model makers and manufacturers need to get on board with the technology.   As a suggestion, to enhancing train sets, adding actual video from the cab of a locomotive to the locomotive controller (LED screen of say, the Bachmann Dynamis wireless controller) would provide some enticement to the user providing that technology boost that kids would be intrigued with.  For example, they would see the train go in that circle and would be able to visualize (from the controller screen) what it looks like from the cab of the locomotive.   An example is the gaming technology of flying a plane.  The difference is that the plane is only on the screen, whereas looking out from the train cab is on the screen, one can look up from the controller at the actual train in motion, see block signals and road crossing even see the train enter a tunnel. That double verification is an enabler for kids.  The train controller screen and seeing the actual train provide that double scene.

It doesn't matter what train set is put forward, it'll have to compete with space and technology.  Modeling won't die, since N scale may support the space issue, as for the other scales space will always be a factor.  Maybe this hobby has a lag time before it catches on, that is, I noticed most younger adults, don't have the time to put into modeling, while us old folks have that spare time.  With the cost of living always increasing both young and old generations lose that spare income. Modeling is costing more and it seems to be catering to the older generation when viewing the U-tube videos.

So to conclude, the technology that kids are exposed to will compound the issue for model railroading, slot car modeling and other none collectible models.  The next generation of technology savvy youth will determine the future of the hobby, because they have the technological wherewith-all to keep the hobby going. 

Such is my opinion....and two cents.  Maybe I should make that four cents.

P.S. None of us "Old Folks" are old, just experienced.

I had expected that the more experienced modelers would have answered this quite easily.  That is, I read your question, and signed off thinking by the time I relog on, that you would have received an answer.
Since I'm only an intermediate modeler (not a professional, not highly experienced, but still learning) this is where I might be able to answer your question.

First off, one needs to know what make of turnouts do you have?  That is, is it Bachmann, Atlas, Pico, Marklin, etc.   How old are your turnouts, from my experience very old turnouts are not DCC friendly.

I've learned that this forum is historical in nature, thereby all you have to do to get your question answered is to put that question (short phrase is a good start) into the forum's search box).

One such search turned up this:
plastic frogs vs steel frogs on turnouts
Started by gehdoc97, August 24, 2014, 10:26:13 AM

another search found this:
Bachmann switches
Started by philws, April 02, 2015, 06:59:01 PM

lastly try this:
Bachmann EZ DCC track
Started by Sunnyfield, December 08, 2011, 03:32:07 PM

I tried to find those most closely related to your question.  Hopefully, you can now move forward and get an answer to your questions by doing your own search.   Believe me, every question I've asked...so far, have been ones where I could not get a clear answer after I performed a search for answers. 

This forum is the "diamond in the rough" that the other forums do not take into account.  Prior questions asked over and over again with many answers and thought-provoking queries abound in this forum.

Hope this helps.  Search, if not satisfied, ... ask again.

QuoteI understand the directions on the command plus, I should be able to run the turntable, the 2-6-0 Alco (which seems fine on any programmed section), and one of the non-DCC locomotives, but the non-DCC needs to be run on station 0. Is that correct?

 I can't answer your question since I do not own the new Command Plus.  I believe it may be similar to previous versions of the Command plus.  Take a look see... at this forums' question posed a few days ago, it might help.   Click on this link to go directly to it: 
Running a DC train with the EZ Command plus

You ask an interesting question.  First off, let me say that I'm not an expert on this.  With that said, I will add some information that you may or may not be aware of.  Lastly, I haven't purchased the EZ command Plus, but I'm contemplating buying it. 

The older EZ DCC controller (model 44901) does allow the connection of a DC power pack controller (model 44212).   Below is an excerpt from the Bachmann DCC controller instruction manual for the 44901.

"...NOTE: WHEN OPERATING A DC LOCOMOTIVE ON ADDRESS "10," BE SURE TO MONITOR IT CLOSELY. SOME DC MOTORS ARE SUBJECT TO OVERHEATING AND DAMAGE WHEN OPERATING FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME ON DCC SYSTEMS.
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).
NOTE: MAKE ALL THE CONNECTIONS BETWEEN YOUR DC CONTROLLER, THE E-Z COMMAND CONTROL CENTER AND THE TRACK BEFORE CONNECTING THE WALL PACK POWER SUPPLY. AS THERE IS CONSTANT AC POWER TO THE TRACK, WE RECOMMEND THAT YOU DO NOT LEAVE A DC LOCOMOTIVE STATIONARY
ON THE LAYOUT FOR EXTENDED PERIODS...."

If the EZ Command Plus doesn't have the above expected connections, then you will have to consult Bachmann to determine what options are available.   

From my experience it is not a good practice to run both DC and DCC locomotives at the same time.  The manual excerpt above also points this out. 

If you're wondering what I've done in this situation, a few years back, I decided to run only DCC.  I do have a small DC powered section (electrically isolated from DCC) that can operate my DC locomotives for my old locomotive museum.

For additional information click on the subject discussion below:
Bachmann Online Forum> Discussion Boards> General Discussion> E-Z Command Plus I/O Port:
E-Z Command Plus I/O Port   Started by RedMt Dave, January 12, 2024, 03:09:02 PM

Hope this helps.

This is a godsend!  I was scratching my head as to my calculations.  I didn't think about the speed of the train as being part of the calculation.  Thanks for the website.  This clears up a lot. 
Again thanks!

I was looking into those Tortoise machines.  I haven't bought a tortoise yet.  I'm concerned that the tortoise isn't strong enough to depress (pull down) that center base between the tracks. 

The intent is not to modify the Bachmann road crossing but to enhance it to support more realism of the crossing gate.   My issue is I like a layout, but after say a year or so, I like to change things up.  If I cannibalize the road crossing it may not work else where on the layout.

The electrical parts are an easy fix, as you indicated from azatrax.com.

QuoteThis falls under compromise area of the hobby.  The available space issue.

I second this response.  One can also add that doing the compromise you add a puzzle to your layout.  That is, having long train cars can add that switching puzzle to your layout.  You have to remember that the long train cars cannot travel on say the "A" main line, but they can travel on the "B" main line.  This is no different than areas where containers cars cannot be double stacked due to the mountain tunnels not having adequate clearance for them.

If space is an issue, then maximize the main line to support the long cars.  Use the short radius for the smaller cars.  One thing to note is that if you have plenty of short length cars, the puzzle is much easier to work with.  If you have more longer cars than short ones, not so much.

This is my compromise.

There is a simple solution to this problem.  Instead of spending time using two (fairly expensive DCC locomotives to pull one train, try instead by obtaining an FT-A diesel (...can be identical) that is a dummy version.  That way, you can have two separately running engines DCC in other areas of the layout and still look very presentable.

Of course, that's the way I look at diesels and it's a whole different story if you need to pull long trains and need two powered locomotives to support the pulling power needed.

Just adding my 2 cents, hope this helps.

Note: I usually log in about once a week more or less, but this was one topic I am fully engaged in. 
So, I if got this correct, real railroads actually do bank some of their curves.  The images and actual observations that I've witness (because I couldn't actually verify that the track was banked) that curved and banked track is not an illusion.     

Now, I have enough room for this inclined curve.  Your experience with 24-inch radius I'm thinking may be to tight.   I have the 33.25-inch radius 18 Degree (model 44504), or should I use the 33.25-inch radius 12 degree (model 44509) or should I use the 28-inch radius 18 degree (model 44506).    Of course, I could use flex track, but that would bring up issues that I'd prefer not to delve into, like cork bedding, nailing track to prevent movement, etc.

The illustration below shows how maybe the EZ track would be angled just enough to give that impressive look of the train leaning in the curve.  The question I haven't been able to resolve is the difference in the rail height compared to the other rail (orange question mark ?).   My mathematical calculations can't seem to solve it. Therefore, I must be missing something.  I'm going to try to do an actual measurement once I get the incline setup.

Lastly, if all else fails, then I'll take your recommendations and move to flat unbanked, unimpressive track curves.

If Yes, then has anyone tried to run their HO scale trains on banked curves?

The reason I'm asking this, ... I'm working on an incline that is curved and wondering if I bank the curve inward toward the curve, and the incline is 3 to 4 percent, then placing the train in a moderate speed (before the incline curve, in order to get the loaded train to the top of the incline), will the train and its cars fall over at slow speeds, or will the momentum of the train at moderate speed be maintained and the train cars make it to the top of the hill.

I believe it'll be quite an intrigue to see the train cars leaning as they go up the incline.  If I leave the incline tracks flat, it becomes none sensational (same as any train curve).

I've seen images and watched many trains moving in curved sections that look like they-re on a banked curve, but isn't that an illusion cause -aren't train tracks always set flat, even in curves?

Great product the Digital Commander (I have two of them) model 00501.  As for the controller "E-Z Command Digital Command Control System" (model no. 44901) (backside shown below middle image in light grey).  It is believed that the two other models 44932 and Command Plus 44933 are similar.

As for that I/O port you mentioned, it is made for only three Bachmann items. 
1) the Bachmann walk-around controller (44907) (see below backside top image made in dark grey)
Unfortunately, Bachmann discontinued this fantastic dummy controller.  Why it was discontinued, is open for debate.   I blame Bachmann's sales analysis which I believe was miscalculated by a large margin.

2) the Bachmann walk-around connector panel (44908) (front face shown below bottom image)

3) the Bachmann smart interface (44928) (not shown, cancelled production as far as I know)
 I have an image of its advertisement, if interested.


Moving on, the locomotives that came with your set, does not have sound.  I love mine without the sound, so far.   Yes, you can install decoders that will have sound, but this is where you will need to be electrically and mechanically inclined since it will take some soldering, modifying for sound (installing a speaker) to accomplish what you are asking for.

Lastly, you are correct, Bachmann doesn't provide the best instructions for some it its products.

Hope this helps.

QuoteThe situation you describe would be perfect for a couple of EZ App locomotives controlled by old cell phones.

Interesting!  But after a financial analysis of my current situation, i.e., owning walkarounds, and command controllers (all still functional).  Comparing what I already have with what the EZ App would require, i.e., EZ App loco(s), EZ app software, and smartphone(s).  From that comparison, the cost of purchasing EZ App locomotives, finding old smartphones from Verizon, T-mobile, etc. is not... in my analysis cost effective. 

 So to conclude this topic, I'll just state that "Bachmann when they stopped production of their "Walkaround companion" missed an opportunity to include those of us "intermediate modelers".