Does the HOn30 0-4-2ST locos run on Peco and KATO HOn30 track? Both of these have 9" and 7" covers.

Thank you.   

If you are wanting to reassign functions...It may be time to upgrade to a more advanced DCC system.    But the Digitrax PR4 can program decoders just connected to a computer via USB.  I recommend installing JMRI (Free). And using it's Decoder Pro to make changes.   The PR4 will need the 14v power pack.

I connect the PR4 to a EZ terminal track with one 9 inch straight and bumps at then ends(just in case). Connect the PS14 power pack and USB cable.  This make a quick and easy way to configure locos. 

You can use Decoder Pro to read all the CV values. Make changes and then save the loco as a profiles on your PC. This allows you to recover any settings or apply the same settings to a fleet of locos.

Soundtrax decoders are super easy to config.
TCS WOWs for motor, address and gen are good with Decoder Pro for sound and function I find it easier to use the built in voice system.
Digitrax are easy except of there latest sound decoder line (Still play around with them. They have advance feature but no support).
ESU these are the hardest to configure. (You really need there programmer). There standard is there is not a standard when come to mapping sounds. Also these are highest priced per feature decoders on the market). 

I would like to give Bachmann a big thank you for using TCS WOWs and Soundtrax decoders...   

I use JMRI software on a PC.  With PR4 for the USB to Loconet connection. Using Block occupancy detection and decoder with transponders.  But I am curious if this could be done with a Blunami decoder. 

I have a logging spur on may layout with 15" radius curves and my BLI 4 truck shay has no issues on the logging spur.  I missed the last run of Bachmann shays. So I may pick one up this run.  Do to lack of space I have to modify all my stuff to run on at least 18" curves  I do not have the luxury of going larger.  I have not had any unwanted uncoupling on 18" or 15" curves...but I use metal knuckle couplers which also helps with uncoupling on grade transitions. 

Trying pressing the F8 key on your throttle.  It may be muted.   Also since you said this is a Econami the sound files can not deleted. 

Just to clarify.  You can have more then one train in a power district that is auto-reversed (reversing loop).  But you have to careful not to have a locomotive entering the district (reversing loop) and the same time one exiting the other end.  The auto-reverser will detect two shorts. 

I like to put whistle posts or some other signs to make where the power districts are isolated from each other.  It's annoy when it happens.

May layout is a double mainline up and over figure eight, with a section off track that connects from one mainline to the other between the loops of the figure eight to create a reversing loop.  This section is 5 and half feet long with both rails isolated from both mains and is controlled by an auto-reverser.  I will use it part locos sometimes just have to be careful not to have a loco entering or exiting one end with another entering or exiting the other end. "BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!"

All the docs I have read suggest not wiring the crossover to an AR.

You just need 2 ARs one for each loop.

TL, TR are connect to your Lenzs DCC systems TR and TL output and BL and BR are connect to the track loop.  Your crossover track section would connect to the TL and TR from the Lenz DCC system. (I would use a terminal block to make connections easy).

The bulbs in your locos should be running of the decoder and not direct track power.  Now passenger car lighting can cause shorts on a DCC layout.  I have had it happen a few times. 

The issue with having the double crossover district being the auto-reversing section is this will cause shorts when two train enter the district at the same time.   

Lun's use of the PSX-AR that can run two auto-reversing districts is a good ideal.  Another option is the Digitrax PM74 this will do 4 power sub-district.  Each of the 4 sub-district and be set to auto-reverse or short circuit management. it also has occupancy detection. But not sure if it will work with a Lenz system.  It is meant to be used with a Locnet system.  The PSXX-AR should work with your system.

which auto-reverser model do you have?  The Lk200 has main power n terminal and reversing track out terminal. 






   

I drew up a quick diagram.  But do not have away post the diagram.   So I will try to describe it.

 

 top of loop===cut======\=/======cut====top of loop
bottom of loop==cut=====/=\======cut====bottom loop 

wiring would be something like this.

f--Loop BUS--AR--Main bus--f--f--CS---f--f--AR--loop bus--f

left loop bus A and B in Auto revs to Track...main bus A and B into Auto revs... feeds from main bus to all 4 lines coming off DB crossover...Command station connected to main bus...Right loop Auto revs.. track out to right loop bus.

So each loop is district controlled by an auto reverse and the district with the double crossover is off the main bus.   

May current HO layout is one for the King size layout book the Berkshire valley route.  It has a reverse section around 5' long I ran a short bus with 2 feeds this district is controlled by and AR1 Auto-Reverser.   

I got crazy and connected my layout to a PC and used JMRI to WIFI control my turnouts.  Next up is block detection.     

Simple way would be to have the main in 3 power districts.   Loop -- straight double cross over straight -- loop   Isolate the the loops with Auto Reverse Modules or user a power distribution unit with auto reverse capability.   

If you need more details or have a layout diagram I can give suggestions on power district locations.   

Here is one of the KBs I know of where someone asked this question. https://www.digitrax.com/tsd/KB532/how-do-i-wire-a-double-crossover/

Most of the locomotives I have purchased the last few years.  Have had two options available DCC/sound or DC only.  Both having a 21 Pin NEM plug. The 21 Pin NEM plug has because the new standard for HO Locomotive manufactures.

Bachmann locomotives I have found to be all over place.  As mentioned above DCC ready does not also mean there is a DCC plug already installed.  I have notice that Bachmann does a very good job in there catalog at noting if the locomotive has a DCC plug and what type or if it has DCC or DCC/sound install.   

The last 4 Bachmanns I purchased.  One had the 8 Pin NMRA plug, 2 had hard connected Sound Value DCC/sound decoders and the last has a 21 Pin NEM plug with a WOW decoder/KeepAlive.   All of the other manufacturers locos I purchases these past few years have had 21 Pin NEM plugs With a TSU2 or Econami decoders.

Looking at Bachmanns online catalog it looks like they now label them this way.

Standard DC - no DCC plug.
DCC ready 8 pin - 8 Pin NMRA plug.
DCC ready 21 pin - 21 Pin NEM plug.
DCC onboard - Motor and lights.
DCC sound value - Motor, lights and basic sound
DCC sound - Motor, lights and advanced sound decoder (Wow, TSU2). 


 

Also I recommend reading all these systems manuals Multiple Unit "MU" operations section.  The system I use adding and removing locomotives from an MU is different between new and older Throttles.  You may like how one system does it over another.   

And another note about using the DCC system to MU, is locomotive direction can be prototypical.   In a 4 unit MU you can have 2 units forward 1 unit reversed and then 1 unit forward again.    This is very fun and neat to setup and watch.     And you can also set up an Push/Pull MU for an Amtrak train.    For steam I use it for help services over steep grades.   (Like modeling Winding Stair Mountain).

I think there are currently 4 US made advanced DCC system available now.  The system I went with has just grown with my layout.  My first system is still the core Command station for my layout. I just added new throttles and expanded it over the last 25ish years.

Another option would be to replace your current decoders with Bluetooth decoders.  (If you do not mind using you smart phone or IPad for your throttle).

If you are just going with a non-Sound decoder you just need remove the tender shell by removing the one screw next to front truck, The shell has to tabs that hold the back half on the tender frame.  The Bachmann online store says it has the 8-pin socket.  So you will just need a decoder of choice and an 8 Pin NMRA harness.  You can get decoders made for 8 pin.

If you plain to go with a sound decoder.  As mentioned above you will need to solder the speaker leads to the speaker.  The speaker mounts under the circuit board.  You just remove the screws hold the board down move it aside and mount the speaker cone down. (I use the SoundTraxx gaskets to stick the speaker in place).  Solder speaker wire leads to speaker. Put board back in place. The attach decoder to 8 pin plug.

The one Bachmann 4-6-2 I own. I replaced the factor installed Sound value decoder with a TSU-BH2. Then installed the Sound value decoder in a Bachmann 2-8-2.   But I do a lot of fine soldering.     

the answer is Yes.  On may currently layout it has several turnouts on grades. But I am using Flex track and packaged turnouts with cork and foam roadbed. This allows the track to contort to vertical changes smoother.

You will have to experiment with EZ-track.