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. 

Here is another tidbit of information you might look into.  Do you plan to run on dcc, now or in the future? Just note that DCC uses signals in the rails, rather than variable voltage of DC, to control train speed and direction. Possible poor contact can lead to loss of control of a train, as the locomotive continues to operate on the last readable command (DCC) it received, regardless of what commands were being sent. Steel rails may be okay if corrosion is not a formable issue in your area.  For this reason, it would be strongly advised not to use steel if your location experiences high humidity, and other corrosive type environments, plus if you do plan to run using DCC, nickel-silver may produce superior contact qualities in environments that steel would corrode and provide lower quality contact due to that corrosive environment.

Hope this tidbit of info provides some clarification of steel versus nickel-silver. 

Quote"And maybe it's time to move out of the beginner's world of the EZ command and get a more advanced DCC system intended for more serious Model Railroad..."

This statement indicates that there is a discrepancy in the definition of "more serious Model Railroader".   It's understood that Bachmann specializes in producing beginner models for beginner modelers.  That's great (actually need more companies to cater to beginners).  So, when does one become a "more serious Modeler"?  Is it due to building a layout to perfection?  Is it due to making a layout more permanent?  Is it due to operating a layout as if it were the real thing (real railroad)?  Or is it based on how advanced the electronics is for the layout?   
I've been grappling with this definition since I created my first adult layout.  Do I consider myself a serious modeler?  That depends again on how one defines what a serious modeler is.  Currently, I haven't been able to definitively decide what type of modeler I am.  Therefore, I instituted the term "intermediate modeler".  I still use the EZ Command and Walkaround, I've seen how the more advanced systems operate, but again, to me buying these more advanced DCC systems would be like driving a Corvette, Porsche, or Lamborghini in rush hour traffic. (On a side note: Kids can learn on the advance systems, but giving EZ Command to a two- to five-year-old is much easier).  Those advance systems would be overkill, with options I probably won't use, and basically, they're made for adults (12 and up) not little ones.  In short, I don't want a layout that is permanent (I like changing things), I do strive for perfection, not thrilled on operating my setup like a real railroad, and the electronics fits the desire to keep it simple, or to some... complicated.   

And what does one call trains cars in a consist, ...Luggage!

This is one of my work horses that has operated for more than 8 years... say.  When last week while pulling a load of 8 cars, the locomotive went into spinning the rear wheels (trucks) and the front wheels (trucks) not spinning.  Got it back into the maintenance shop and found that the front drive shaft separated from the worm gear shaft.  See image.      Thought this would be a simple fix, that is, just slip the connecting rod (yellow lined) back onto the worm gear shaft and all would be well.  NOT!  I put the locomotive back on the track and within say 10 track feet, it slips off again.   I tried glue on the back side of the shaft (motor side), but that failed.  So I'm at a lost as to how and/or what keeps the shaft connecting rod in place.  I don't see any issues with the other shaft and I also don't know or see what's keeping the other connecting rod on the worm gear rear trucks.


I'm missing something, but I'm at a lost at this juncture.  Oh, Bachmann doesn't have that connecting rod (yellow lined) piece as an individual piece to purchase.   So, can anyone inform me of what I'm missing or advice on fixing this issue?

Mr. Ward is correct; the EZ command does not have the capability to change the CVs for speed and other functions.  What is available using only the Bachmann EZ command is the ability to control the two locomotives, which you do have.  Problem, when you start one locomotive, pulling a set of cars, it will hum along but stand still, since the other locomotive is not powered yet.  Selecting the EZ command to power the second engine, then you're in consist operation.  The lead engine will now move forward since the operation of the second locomotive is now also moving.  To me, this is where the fun is.  You will need to keep track of which locomotive you are addressing for speed, especially if the second engine is at the end of the train.  That is, if the last car is the second locomotive and you're pushing harder than the head locomotive, you may derail some cars in between.  With practice swapping from one locomotive to the other using the EZ command will make doing this much easier.

Now, understand I used to do this type of operation, but alas, (you can blame Bachmann) I moved to using the now discontinued Bachmann Walkaround controller.  This allows operation of two locomotives with separate power knobs.   
Consist operations is, to me, so much fun, i.e., the best part:  With two engines addressed differently in a consist, one can speed up or slow down using different throttles.  In my case, I have the EZ controller, and the other is the EZ walkaround (discontinued).  This may seem archaic to professionals (those who use those fancier controllers) but having that basic speed knob makes it quite easy to control during consisting.

So, in short, the answer is yes, you can speed match, but it will be manual operation of the throttle of each individual locomotive.  Just note, I've been told that this is not the way it works on real railroads. 

Hold on, ...lets' not get ahead of this issue until more details are provided.  What's in question is, "Is Bachmann's DCC Controller providing a problem?"   To answer that, these listed details are needed:
1.  Is the brand-new locomotive manufactured by "Bachmann", "Atlas", "Broadway", etc.
2.  Is the Bachmann EZ Controller button 10 (probably mistakenly) been pressed to operate in DC mode.
3.  The model of EZ command controller (namely the plus version) could be an issue. (Will need additional info, i.e. model number.)

Assuming that the new locomotive is manufactured by Bachmann, then based on the limited information provided, the decoder CV address (out of the box) should be set to 3.   If the EZ command controller experienced any short on powering up, the EZ command will automatically move to button 1.  Thereby rendering the locomotive to operate in auto (per say).  Therefore, to return control of the new locomotive, the button 3 must be pressed to put the controller back into communication with the new locomotive.

Also based on the provided info, the EZ controller is functioning from the info provided since, its powering the track (locomotive is operating), and the emergency stop feature is operating.

To troubleshoot this problem: 
1- remove all locomotives from the track.
2-power (energize) the EZ command (connected to the track)
3-set the power knob to minimal power to the track
3-set the EZ command controller to 3 (press the 3 button)
4-place the new locomotive on the track
If the locomotive powers and wants to move on the track (no. 3 is not at minimum) or the locomotive is in DC mode.  It could indicate an issue with the power knob.
If the locomotive does not want to move once on the track, then power the locomotive by rotating the power knob.  The locomotive should move if the decoder CV address and the controller button is in position 3.
If the locomotive does not move with the controller button in 3, this would indicate that the locomotive CV address is not 3 but some other address.

There could be other issues, but more details would be needed.

Hope this helps.