From the product description in the 'On-line Store':

Electrically isolated motor to allow hardwiring of DCC decoder
https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1865

Keep in mind the function outputs of a decoder cannot handle the current draw of the smoke unit. So it will still have to be wired directly to track power if you keep it installed.  If you remove the smoke unit, the space it was in will hold a small decoder marketed for Z-scale quite nicely.  As long as it is rated for at least 1 amp it will work just for in an HO loco.

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

Craig's List, eBay are the immediate thoughts, both take a cut though, and do not pay for shipping. Some forums allow members to offer items for sale. And some on-line retailers buy used equipment, or sell it for you on a consignment basis. Trainz comes to mind for that, and there are a few others. Check their terms carefully before you decide though.

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

Seems like some of the "sticky" posts at the top of the forum are getting a bit dated. 2026 Catalog announcement is up, do we still need an announcement about the 2025 catalog? A few other non-critical posts are also getting a bit 'long in the tooth'. Think they could be thinned down so the latest post is visible, without having to scroll down, when entering the forum?

Len

Check out Tichy Train Group. https://www.tichytraingroup.com/

Click the catalogs tab to download a catalog for your scale.   They have tons of doors, windows, and other building fittings, in HO and N.  I've modified many identical Plasticville buildings with their parts to give a development type "neighborhood" a more interesting look.

Len