That's a very interesting video (U-tube).  I counted 11, and if you count the passenger station and maintenance yard 13 industries.  There are more industries on this layout, but I only wanted the number that was serviced by the railroad.  I'm not going to critique this layout, although it's definitely detailed.

As for a loop, I am still wanting to keep a main line either around the edge of the layout or maybe make a dog-bone for the main.   In trying to use the number 4, 5, or 6 switches will be challenging if I keep a main in the layout.

The real issue is my imagination, the ideas in my head that, by all accounts, must be limited to the space that the layout can support or space available to me.  When your ideas are larger than the space you have, that's what takes the fun out and/or creates the stress in this hobby.  This is what I'm running into.  I'm not trying to recreate a real place, but I am working to create a realistic imaginary one.   

Quote"...whatever you add to your layout has to make sense."

In that regard, I'm right there, creating that realistic layout.  But my mind wants more, and space to have that "more" stops my creative desires.  I can stay true to the era that have created, it's just that in order to envision that imaginary era I dream of, I need more space.

Quote"...The rule of thumb for me is less is more."

This just boggles my mind.  Makes me think that in order to create space I should move to "N" scale. ...Not happening.  I will definitely give this a lot more thought in the coming days.

Quote...the easy quick answer to this question is, the right number of industries on any layout is the kind that allows some room for scenery of any kind around them."

I wholeheartedly agree, and that scenery needs to have parking for the employees, roads for access of trucks and cars to the industry (this is what you don't see in the U-tube video).  That's one of the main things I like about Sheldon's layout, it has that scenery and access.  I'm not too keen on using buildings as a backdrop.  Mainly because that back edge of the layout I expect to have a main line, and I actually don't have any cut in half or facade buildings.   

Quote"The best that the layout this size can handle is probably two engines and maybe 10 or 12 cars."

My existing 4 x 8 (not the new one in this discussion) can handle 5 engines, and if you add in the museum 7.  I'll have to actually count the number of cars on that section of the 4 x8 since I do have one portion of elevated track (like in the U-tube video) where additional cars could be stored. 

Quote...the branch line actually branches off the oval and climbs above the mainline to a town?"

Coming off the existing 4x8 the track does elevate toward the new section.  I'm considering putting in a Helix but it would not be a circle helix.  More of a mountainous rise going from the first 4x8 then to the new 4x8 that would maybe hold a double deck above the new 4x8 but would be a 2 x 8 ft section.  Trying to place that 2x8 ft section I would prefer not attaching it to the house walls.  This would create some extra space, but the main industry on the 4 x8 would be constrained, I believe.

Quote...keep the oval because everyone at some point just feels like mindlessly watching a train run."

Same here, that's probably why I still want a mainline on this new section of 4x8.  Like my grandma use to say "folks love to watch fish in a fish bowel go round and round." Trains are like fish in a fish bowl.

Downsizing!  I can't imagine what that would be like.  My brain is constantly trying to up-size.  There is one way not to downsize, but I call it "rightsize-sizing", and that is to move from HO to N scale.  You won't lose that virtual acreage.  I myself can't see moving to N scale due to my eyes are not what they use to be.  HO doesn't cause the eye strain.  Lastly, I envy you being able to have a 50 ft long layout, the best I can accommodate is 20 ft.

What's the best number or what's the maximum number of industries that should be or could be to put on a 4 x 8-foot layout.

This pertains to HO scale modelers.  The reason I ask this is....   I think I've overwhelmed my layout by trying to place too many industries on my new section of 4 x 8 or I may have too much track on that same 4 x 8.  I thought this section would be my industrial park, but again I don't seem to have enough space for both the track and industries that the track should be able to support.   I'd show images of my layout but, after looking through Sheldon's layout, I'm too embarrassed to show my behemoth, and it's nowhere near completion.  So I'm scratching my head, (and my kids are of no help) in how to place all of what I envisioned as an industrial park with rail access.

Everyone's thoughts are welcomed, cause at this juncture, I'm hoping I haven't overspent on buildings, scenery and well, one never has enough track, cause I'm always modifying the track.

First off, this is my take on your issue.  Understand that it's only from my experiences and what I could determine from the information provided.  Sorry I'm not as efficient as AI (artificial Intelligence), only human.  With that, here goes it.
Okay, With this additional information, let's get detailed!  First, I need to ensure I have the facts straight.

   1 - You are using the EZ Command (Model 44901) not the 44933 the Plus version or the 44932 which is for O scale.
   2 - You have the Bachmann version of locomotives.  (Can't help with other manufacturers, since I only have
        Bachmann, Tyco, Mantua, Life-Like, AHM, Athearn, that old stuff and not DCC, except for my newer Bachmann DCC locos)
   3 - Your Bachmann DCC locomotive works in DC mode.
   4 - Your Bachmann DCC locomotive works in DCC mode. (Operates but does not respond to commands from the EZ controller)
   5 - The EZ command functions affects all of the locomotives, but operates when emergency stop button is depressed, and/or causes all locomotives to operate and not response to EZ command functions.
   6 - Your EZ command provides power to the track, since you can press the emergency stop button and de-energize the locomotive(s) and power to the track.
   7 - You have changed the address for the Bachmann locomotive and obtained the same results from the EZ controller not producing the response expected, i.e., locomotive moving or stopping.
=================================
Now,
A - When you program your Bachmann locomotive.  Is it on your Main (your layout) and not on a separate isolated track?  The reason I ask this is that I've had in the past with DCC switches, on the layout, I would get some interesting changes on my DCC switches, when trying to program my locomotives.  You might be getting the opposite changes. (See notes for additional info)

B - Ensure all your electrical connections are secure (tight).  That is, the EZ command jack is securely inserted, the connection to the track is secure.  Also ensure all track connections are tight.   

C - If you have an ohm meter then, with no locomotives on the track measure the voltage of the track.  My track normally sees 17.5 volts, but 16 volts should be the norm.

D - Place only one locomotive on the track and program it with the EZ command.  Once programmed go to step E.

E - Place that single locomotive programmed in step D on the track.  With the EZ command operate it as a stand alone.  If the EZ controller operates it as you would expect, that is, forward, backward, speed up and slow down, then your controller could be considered functioning correctly.

F - Perform step D for each of the other locomotives.  If each individual locomotive performs step E correctly, then the EZ controller also could be considered operating correctly.

G - If step D and E are completed satisfactorily, then EZ command might not be the problem.

Again note, that if there are conflicts in the other non-Bachmann locomotives with respect to steps D and E then this issue is beyond my ability to support.

Lastly, there could be the possibility that the function 10 button is possibility failing.  You stated that:

Quote...brand new out of the box locomotive, will start moving at the command of the controller but then won't respond to any command given by the controller except for the emergency stop command."

This button sticking would surely cause the locomotive to operate upon being set on the track.
At this juncture, I was unable to re-create (on my layout) your issue.  If I missed something, let me know, so I can acknowledge it.

Hope this helps, but it will not let you sleep better.

(The above is based on my experience using the model 44901 EZ Command Controller that I still use to this day.)   

Ref. notes: (click on topic)
Command Plus CV Setting Capabilities

You bring up a good question.  I fumbled (quite a long time) to find the answer to that question, but alas, I was unable to extract the root cause.   That's when I decided to exit from using the EZ track DCC decoder switches.  I went to the, and I guess old standard of separating the track switch power from the DCC track power to the switches isolated power, i.e., their own power.
By having the track switches with their own power source, provided two benefits.  One, it doesn't cause a running train to hesitate due to the current draw of a track switch being operated. Two, makes it easier to operate track switches without using the function keys.  Understand I use the Bachmann 44901 EZ Command Controller.

Back to your specific question.  From my analysis, and frustration, I can only speculate that the reason it works the first time is that there is no residual current buildup on the first switching of the two track switches.  The reason both switches do not operate all the time is on the second operation of the switch where there is the possible built up of residual (reluctance) current in the inductor of one of the track switches and the other track switch lacks that residual current. They kinda like buck each other.  That second time the switch is activated, the residual current will support one switch operation where the other switch lacking that residual (reluctance) current, just stays put (or vice versa).   

If you have an electrical background, then when I state "residual current" more accurately, I mean the decaying current that exists in an inductor immediately after its source voltage is removed. Mainly from the inertia-like behavior, that an inductor (the EZ track switch) that cannot change its current instantaneously; therefore, it maintains current flow by collapsing its magnetic field, driving a transient current until the energy is dissipated.  Understand that energy isn't dissipated since the track stays energized.   Like I stated, this is the best speculated answer that I came to the conclusion too.   This is based on the fact that when I de-energized the EZ controller (turn it off) and then turn it back on again, the two switches operate the first time and again not the second time, or the third, fourth, etc., until I again de-energized the track.

Sorry for the long explanation, but this is my best theory (speculation) as to why the two switches will not work when both are set to function on the same address.   It would be interesting to know if someone who uses a DCC power source other than Bachmann's EZ Command has the same issue.

 Hope this helps, but it won't be satisfying. 
   

The quick answer to your query (from my experience) is that Bachmann turnout switches can only access address (0-9).
If you use a DCC controller (programmer) other than Bachmann, as you stated (0-100), any address above a single digit will not work.   

Since I do not have the NCE, I cannot answer whether or not you can change the address on a Bachmann turnout switch.  The NCE may or may not send the address as a single digit (0-9). It may send the address as 00-09. That double digit, I believe the Bachmann turnout switch cannot handle.

This is the best answer I can provide.

Well, I guess this post can be relegated to history with the knowledge that curved turnout switches were rare from the start, and companies are dropping (curtailing mass production) of curved switches and definitely eliminating the ballasted versions.  I will state that the ballasted curved track switches I have work great with sectional EZ track, they are 18-radius, and do not require the flexible track unless that's what one uses.

What the curved switches allow is the transition to parallel track right in the curve and not at the curve ends.  This makes it easier to get the longest straight parallel track on a 4x8 section. 

Quote1) is there a ready-made cable that will do this, (ideally, a female-to-female terminal rerailer power cable...

You bring up a good question.  Mr. Trainman provided a great answer.  Here's the but.  Bachmann has a connector (2 wire) for what you are inquiring about.  Unfortunately, what I have found is that Bachmann only sells them in their Automatic Reverse Loop Module (model 44912).  I wasn't able to locate that cable in their parts list.  Maybe you might succeed by contacting their service dept and ask for the cable that comes with the 44912-reverse loop.  Just note that Mr. Trainman probably provided the least expensive fix to your question.

Hope this helps.

After reading the post Switch Radius using #5 turnouts (under General Discussion) I came to realization that there are no EZ track turnout curve switches.  Why is there are no EZ track turnout switch curves?

The image shows two Fleischmann 6142 HO Profi-Track curved switches.  These switches have a roadbed but are thinner than EZ track.  The rails are code 100 just like EZ track.  Yes, that means that the EZ track connector tab does not interfere with the rail connections.  Actually, the EZ track tab provides support to the Fleischmann track.  I use these curved tracks as shown minus the popsicle supports where there will be a small stream/creek type covert will be.
Sorry got off the subject. 

To my disappointment, Fleischmann has discontinued their HO scale track.  Since I was never associated with real railroads, are curved switches only allowed in European countries? 
This is where EZ track could fill the gap and provide HO scale curved EZ track switches.

Bachmann are you listening....

With my current layout I embarked upon adding the next section (i.e 4x8) to my existing layout.  This time I added my sons' Tyco slot car racetrack.  I concluded that the track is approximately the basic width of the HO roadbed making it superb for having a street through the town.  What I didn't figure on is that the supposedly HO scale slot cars are not HO scale.  When I put the slot cars beside the HO scale car, the slot car is somewhere between 1/70 to 1/64 scale.  I then decided to place my Bachmann Utility rail maintenance car (MOW) on a dropbed trailer, and it even seems to be the same scale as the slot cars.  By the way the tractor trailer and lowboy trailer are HO scale.
I'm scratching my head over the unwritten rule that "a layout should be consistent in its scale".
To explain this dilemma, are images (sorry, landscaping not done yet, guardrails removed for visual on vehicles).  (some images can enlarge by clicking on them)






























So, my question... is there a professional modeler's fix for this? The MOW truck also looks to be the same scale as the slot cars and that's got me scratching my head for a solution.  Or do I just eliminate the Slot cars altogether since they seem to not fit HO scale. 
All comments good or bad, are welcome.

Terry,
After re-reading and contemplating your thoughts, I may have to say you are correct.

On page 144 of the 2025 Bachmann catalog, it shows model 44471 as a "14-piece Graduated pier set" and the model 44472 as the "8-piece Tall pier set".  I was able to piece together images of these two models (shown below).  As you stated these two models do not come with EZ track.

I have to admit if the OP (original post) purchased these two Bachmann models then the Jingle Bells oval and whatever track is in the "All-n-one from Amazon" would probably be insufficient amount of track.  One could make an entirely elevated oval from this information.




















   This brings up the problem with answering questions from posters.  The model numbers are kinda crucial in helping solve issues and problems.  I rely on the model numbers in order to be very clear on my responses.   I deviated on this one, my bad.

Hi there,
I understand your condition of being overwhelmed.  So hopefully I can help.  From what you stated I was able to determine what you have.   The info (image) below is from the 2025 Bachmann Catalog (page 151).   What I was not able to determine is what you stated is a "Bachmann all-n-one from Amazon".  Then you stated you purchased the "Bachmann Jingle Bell Express"
  Therefore, what I can only inform you of is based on the three known items that you purchased:
1: you have enough track to make one very large figure 8 layout, 
2: you have enough track to make two separate figure 8 layouts,
3: you have enough track to make a large oval with the ability to raise one side of the oval with the piers.


With that said, what you really will need to enhance your son's layout are track switches.   
Having track switches will allow the track you have to be modified in many (some-what limited) ways.   Again, the Amazon set is the unknown.  Don't know if that set comes with track switches, or just an oval.  I'm sure it has the locomotive, train cars, and a power supply, similar to the Jingle Bells set.  If you could provide a Bachmann Model number of the Amazon set that would be of great help.   

Lastly, With the track you have, it can sufficiently fill the 5x8 layout that you have set aside.

Hope this helps, and Happy New Year

Will need specific information as to what Bachmann power packs you are using.  Bachmann makes both DC and DCC power packs.  I am assuming that the power pack for your sound locomotives are DCC, and the other power pack is DC for your DC layout.

Your GE 44 Tonner will operate on either EZ track (assuming both the locomotive and EZ track are HO scale).  As for the locomotive operating on the DCC power and track, that should not be a problem.  I do not have any experience with dual mode locomotives so that's where you would need to contact the locomotive manufacturer. 

My experience is that a DC locomotive will operate on a DCC powered track, but there is a caution needed.  When using the button 10 on the DCC EZ Command System (model 44901) for a DC locomotive, when you stop/pause, or leave that DC locomotive stationary on the DCC powered track; listen closely, there will be a low-level hum coming from that DC locomotive.  This is not good for the motor.  Bachmann even states in their documentation for DCC EZ command manual (page 6) (paraphrasing here) that monitoring the DC locomotive closely due to some DC motors are subject to overheating and damage if leaving the locomotive on the DCC system for long periods of time.

I haven't on a regular basis used the 10-button on my EZ DCC command system for DC locomotives, because I have all my DC locos on a small length of track separate from my main layout, I call that my museum rail line.  That's DC but it's more static than operating.

Hope that helps.

Well, that pulls the rug out from under EZ Command system.  It also lets you know that as an intermediate modeler, I don't conform to the normal railroad (real or otherwise) standards.  I just can't give up the hours of fun ...now operating under my new name as "helper locomotive".   I hope the OP (original post originator) understands this new clarified definition. 

Funny thing though, I have two locomotives that are addressed the same, never tried to get them to operate at the same speed (too lazy to change the speed CV's to match them), so that's where I don't operate them on the same train.  I use my look-alike dummies to simulate the consist. ...but now with my new definition of "helper locomotive....".  The grandkids will love that new name!

I agree, and there's a "But"  behind that.  The OP (original post) was asking what the EZ command can do and hopefully I provided a way to do "Consist" of a train using the EZ Command.  Yes, it's more complicated than the more advanced DCC systems, but we don't know of the OP's desires.  Therefore, I assumed that the OP is like me, i.e., not having a desire to enhance the controller, or adding additional finances at this point in time to enter into advanced systems.   
As for complex operations, to me, that comes with tracks switches, adding sidings, more road crossings, two train operations on a single-track main line, and more than 2 trains operating on any layout.  A single train consist (which the OP was asking), again, to me, is still simple operation.  Am I wrong in this?

The definition from US Federal Railroad Admin and the Assoc. Of American Railroads is confusing.  Can someone restate that in layman's terms (I have no experience in or on real railroads).

^{PS- This is a great discussion, I'm learning from it, and I pray I'm not disrespecting the OP, Trainman, anyone who responds and/or anyone who reads my posts.  By all means, if I state anything incorrect, false, or grey area, I'm always open to correction, ...that's how I learn.}

Gentlemen, you're hired!  The trucks and worn gear, found no binding, i.e., they were free rotating.  With J Wards information, I meticulously took apart the circuit board in order to get to the boster screw (didn't know that's the name of that screw).  Performed the tightening on that one front truck, then restored all parts.  Performed a test run and funny thing, the rear truck axle separated.  Again took apart the circuit board and found the boster screw of the rear truck and performed tightening (approx, 3/4 turn of that screw).  Restored all chassis parts, and performed a test run.   IT WORKED!   After operating the locomotive on my main line, in both forward, reverse, a few jerking operations and 8 car loads around the layout, the locomotive performed superbly. 

I am truly grateful.  Of all the maintenance I've performed on my few locomotives, this is a totally new information that I would have never performed without your insight.  Thank you, thank you, and thank you again.