The next larger size HO EZ-Track curve is 26" radius'.

Len

I've used Wire-Works 22ga 3-conductor hookup wire for runs up to 10' long with no problems.  And the conductor insulation matches the standard Atals colors, red, green, and black.  Item number is wire-works 322070230, and it is sold by a number of on-line retailers.

Len

Just adding track should not create an overload situation. Did your expansion possibly create an unintended reverse loop that could be causing a short?  Another possibility is a feeder go reversed somewhere, creating a short.

Len

If the controller cable looks like this:

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=834_74&products_id=188

You can use a stereo extension cable with a 3.5mm plug on one end and a socket on the other to extend the power cable. Most retail stores with an electronics department carry them, but if you cannot find one locally, they are available on Amazon.

Len

Beats me. I never tried it.

Len

The pack of four, plus one add on, was done in several road names and paint schemes. But what was offered changed from catalog to catalog, so there are not a lot of any particular road name floating around.

Len

Those Williams cars were originally sold as a four car set, 2362 - 2365, with an add on coach, 2366, also available.  No additional cars with other numbers were produced that I am aware of.

If you want additional cars, with different numbers, removing the last digit of a 2364, or 2366, coach and replacing it with a decal of a higher number is about your only option.

Len

There are basically two options:

1. Replace the reverse board with the new style that has a direction lock switch:

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=77_222&products_id=10587

Instructions: https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/WilliamsReverseBoardInst(later).pdf

2. Replace the reverse board with a 50V, or higher, full wave rectifier:

Connect the pickup roller to one unmarked terminal, connect the chassis to the other. The motors connect to the +/- terminals whichever way gives you forward travel.

There used to be instructins around on how to modify the original reverse boards to add a direction lock switch, but they have pretty much disappeared. Which is probably a good thing, because the risk of damaging the board while soldering was fairly high.

Len

Hope you kept all your notes from the last layout.

Len

I find the simpler the entry in the search function, the more likely you are to find what you are looking for.

Ln

Found this by clicking on the "Parts" link at the top of the page, then putting "Tire" in the search box at the top of the page and selecting "Traction Tire (O 4-6-2 Pacific Steam)" at the bottom of the search results.

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=77_219&products_id=10280

Len

The blue wire on the PCB is the V+ output for functions such as lights, etc.  It is one side of the keep alive connection. Power the loco and use a DC setting to find the V- side of the rectifier bridge on the PCB for the other keep alive connection. That would be one of the pads of the D1 - D4 rectifier array.

Or you could just connect it across the +/- LED connections on one end of the PCB. The blue keep alive wire goes to the + connection.

Len

That's a lot of track on that layout. How many power feeders are you using?  Even with a 5 amp booster, just one is not enough for that much track.

Len

Thank you.

Len

The TCS KA1 and KA2 have been redesigned to make them smaller for use in N scale locos. Check their site for exact dimensions.

Len