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.   

My N scale layout is using a Digitrax DCS 52.  It has 2 jumper connections to use DC throttles for controlling trains.  But I usually just plug in one of my hand held throttles a DT602 or DT400 that I use for the HO layout.

Another option with Digitrax is the LNWI WiFi interface.  Plugs into o1 of the LocoNet ports and you can use up to 4 compatible mobile Wi-Fi devices and Apps.  Like an Iphone with WiThrottle app. or TCS WiFi Throttles.
 

The tender is held together by the truck screws.  Once you remove the truck screws the tender body should lift off the frame.

Your photos look like it is the older model with the "T" shank, so you may just need a new cover.  The cover just has 2 clasps that snap into the two holes.

Cover https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_81&products_id=5909
Spring https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_81&products_id=233
EZ Dummy Coupler  https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_81&products_id=11098
Rapidio coupler are out of stock but here is the link https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_81&products_id=231

A another option would be upgrade the tender frame with one that have the new EZ Mate coupler.
You can buy a new frame from the Bachmann part store.  https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_115&products_id=12087 or a whole tender.
This will work if your rolling stock has the EZ Dummy coupler or EZ Mate couplers.

If your cars have the old Rapidio couplers you can also buy a Rapidio couple that fits the new tender frame.  https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=70_81&products_id=5537


 

I have several DCC ready Bachmann with the 8 pin NMRA socket that you are talking about.  And I have installed TSU2-2200 in most of them.

You will need a 9-Pin JST to NMRA 8-Pin Wiring Harness Soundtraxx part number 810135. (Digitrax and TCS also make them).

On 2-8-0 it a tight fit you have to figure out the best place for the decoder. I move the decoder around till the tender shell fits back on with on gap between shell and frame. 

A SoundTraxx 28mm rounds speaker fits perfectly under the coal load.  Just pop the coal load out drill hole so the sound can escape and I hot glue the speaker in place and around the edge of the speak to seal to the coal load. 

You will also need to remove the yellow caps on the Bachmann board with the 8 pin socket.

The only soldering you will need to do is the speaker wires to speaker.
And pin 1 is at the socket end facing the front of the tender.

The slowest part of this installation is drilling the holes.

There are good instructions with pictures on TCS's website.  Go over these be before you start. 
This link for the Cap location and Pin 1 location. https://drupal.tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/1233
This link for where to drill holes speaker placement. https://drupal.tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/711

Notes:  I always try to use the factor motherboard when I can. (to avoid extra work for lights, And to avoid cable issue between loco an tender. Some bachmann loco are sensitive to the cable length and position.)
 

Quote from: RedMt Dave on January 31, 2025, 05:54:48 PM(85' Budd) from another manufacturer

There is one brand that gives me all kinds of issues.  I wonder if they are the same ones I have issue with.  I have 6 of these and I have check the wheel gauge, wheel drag and truck freedom. All good. One car just loved to derail.  I swapped one of the truck with another car and this help some. They are still not reliable and these are new modern models.  I just put them back into there boxes until I get to build a larger layout with much wider curves. 

Jward, Yes I agree it is more then likely not an S-curve issue.  But it is something to check with 85' cars.

If you can find a copy of "Track Planning for Realistic Operation"  Page 80 covers S-curve problem alignments.   It is best practice to have one car length between curves.   I also have an S-curves into 2 tracks of my yard. The fist one on has about 2" of straight track between the number 4 turnouts . Must of my passenger car have issues with these S-curves. Cars up to 50' have no issues.  I also have an S-curve on the main lines when going though the crossover. the crossover is #6 turnouts but I have one 85' car length between the crossover and the curve turning the other direction form the crossover so no issue with 85' cars.   I also have a crossover in the yard for a run around that uses #4 turnouts.  85' cars going though this crossover is hit or miss per manufacture.       

Cross overs create "S" curves.   Generally "S" curves are avoided. But if you have to have an "S" curve the distances of the straight track between the curves needs to a length to handle the longest car you plain to operate.

Also make sure that the crossover curve direction is not creating a double "S" curve.  So when a train is coming out of the crossover the curve of the crossover switch is curving the same direction of the curve the train is going into.

A few things to check.

Check the Passenger car wheels to make sure they are in gauge.

Make sure the passenger car trucks are free rolling and free moving "not binding" and have some vertical play in them.  If you have a truck that is not moving freely back and forth that car will derail quit often.

Try rearranging the car order and see if the derail follows the car. (I usually find that the issue is one of passenger car trucks is binding).

next slowly roll each passenger car over the crossover and see if any of the wheels climb the frog or switch points.  The detail could be starting at the crossover and jumping off the track until you go into the curve. You can also test this by removing the crossover and see if the passenger train makes it around the outer loop.