Train rookie here again aka chenaschea:

I want to run at least 3 locomotives on my board and reading the literature it seems that the block wiring can get very tedious and complex.  Can my old 4-6-0 D&RGs be converted to DCC, how difficult and how costly?  What to avoid and what is best product approach.  This is mostly grandchildren level of interest (or so I tell my wife).

Please check my earlier post on  "Derailing" for some additional details and questions.

Thank You..chenashea

Loco Bill Canelos, Altterrain, Jon D. Miller:
Thank you all for your suggestions and replies.  My first problem was the front truck of the 4-6-o would lift off as it came up the grade then over a hump or a sudden downward slope while the rear heavier portion was still inclined up wards. I smooth out  and removed the humps. Front truck lifoff resolved.
Second problem was corrected by using the level perpindicular to the tracks and leveled the tracks side to side, especially coming out of a curve.  Derailing solved, and thank you again.

Now to trouble the "informed" once more.  3 additional questions:
1.  I am running 2 BigHauler locomotives of 4-6-0.  I start them at opposite distances but the one loco runs faster and always catches up after several runs and pushes the caboose off track.  Is there any to control or equalize the speed?
2.   Is there any way to turn off a locomotive while it is sitting on a siding while the other loco is operating?
3.   From my old HO days of 40 years ago, I could zone out portions of the track such as sidings or turn outs.  Can that be done with this scale and if so how do you insulate out at the switches or a section of track ?  Or to make things simpler, should I look into DCC and how hard is it to convert these "older" locomotives and what process do you recommend if so?

Thank You again for your patience and tolerance.  The grandsons and I are still overjoyed with these models and couldn't be happier, but as you can surmize, there is always room for improvement.

RockyDoc aka chenaschea

Hello to all, train rookie is back and I need some assistance. 

2 of my 14 grandchildren just flew in from Italy for the holidays and their father is setting up a foreign studies program for the University of Okla. Last year we went the Thomas train set on the living room floor before and after the Christmas tree set up.
This year I decided to use my basement study and a work room next to it.  One room has a 96"x 75" board connected to a 30" x 84" at the far wall then I have tunneled to the next room at the far wall and connect to a 120" by 84" board.  I do have a grade of 33&1/2" up to 36" over 48".

I have used all Bachmann track and have nailed it down to close all the rail connection gaps tight.  All  track is the 12" strait and the regular 11!/2" curves except for a very short 3" and 4" (only two pieces) sections to help align after a curve.

Most of the track runs at the near periphery of the noted boards.

I use the MTC G power pack and have no problems running the 2 locomotives simultaneously.

Problem:  The two locomotives are the Bachmann ?O-4 222 steam driven type  or the Denver Rio Grand Western #177 and the other is wood fired replica #14 same line.  I can't read a model number but they are Big Haulers.

The lead front truck? O-4 keeps derailing usually after a gentle curve.  I note that there is some type of white grease to help it swivel and lubricate. It seems if the rear of the locmotive is heavier and it titer totters this front truck up then off the track.  Any ssuggested remidies???

I apologize for my lack of proper terminology but this is the best I can do.
Thank You..rocky doc aka chenaschea

Thank You Bach-man and Alterrain.  My two grandsons coming in from Italy will be overjoyed with the little set up I am making.  I have a basement study that i now rarely use, since I am retired, and a adjorning work room where I made a small hole in the wall to connect the two rooms and this will be a tunnel.  This will keep me busy for the cold winter up here in Ohio and I love basements.

Thanks Again..Rocky

Total rookie here.  Is the Bachmann scale in G 1/24, 1/29 or 1/32?  Thank You.  I am trying to make a few home made scale model builings such as a train station, etc.  How tall should one story be in inches or actual height in feet to go along with my newly acquired "Silverton Express" (for the grandchildren that is)

Thanx