Messages

Hi Bill,

According to our records and the best of my knowledge, Bachmann has never made any items with this roadname.

Bachmann's official designation is that the "controller" is the actual device that controls the speed and direction of the train. With DC control, this refers to the "speed controller" with the rotating knob and direction switch. In DCC, a device like the E-Z Command is also considered a "controller", giving control of speed, direction, and DCC functions. We describe them as such because they control the train, but do not generate power on their own.

We use "power pack" to refer exclusively to the actual electric transformer "wall wart" that plugs into the outlet and generates/supplies power to the speed controller/E-Z Command.

So basically, the difference is "controllers" control the train, but do not supply power. "Power packs"/"wall packs" supply power, but do not control the train. Put the two together, and you have a working model railroad!

Hi LPstoker,

When we last catalogued an updated version of the 2-10-4 (AKA the "Texas Chugger") the minimum recommended radius was listed as 22". The older version will likely need the larger radius as well for the smoothest operation.

Hi Mark,

Bachmann offers the E-Z Track Reversing System just for purposes like these, if you are interested in using E-Z Track.

Also, a reminder that in addition to the DCC Sound Value PCC Streetcar, we have a DCC Ready version arriving this winter.

Hi Wakight,

Please contact the service department to confirm how to proceed before mailing them anything.

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/service.php

Hi all,

Salty is still planned to be re-released, we ran into some unexpected difficulties while making some updates to his motor and drivetrain. Most likely he will be shipping early next year. We apologize for the delays.

Hi thewizard,

Good eye! The photo on the cover of the new announcements brochure is in fact of #5344 in the paint scheme used for the Mercury service. #5344 was a J1-e Hudson, but our initial release will actually be of the earlier J3-a Hudsons designed for the 20th Century Limited. They will have either the 1938 or 1940s version of the paint scheme that was designed for those locomotives.

The Empire State Express Hudsons used a different streamlined body design that Bachmann is not planning to produce at the moment, but we may consider in the future.

As for the Mercury Dreyfuss Hudson and NYC passenger cars... we have nothing ready to announce at the moment, but stay tuned for future announcements.

Hi Dan,

Which scale is your buddy's climax, HO, On30, or Large Scale?

Greetings,

We are proud to introduce the 2023 Bachmann Mid Year Product Announcements!

Regular line video:

Thomas & Friends video:
*coming soon*

Brochure link:
https://resources.bachmanntrains.com/NMRA2023/NMRA2023.pdf

Enjoy!

Hi Andrew,

The controller included in the Auto Reversing set is designed specifically for the electronics of the auto-reversing track and is not suitable for an oval layout.

Hi Alastair,

The E-Z Command Plus cannot be used to set CVs in most instances.

Models with a TCS decoder with Audio Assist technology are designed to change decoder settings using just the address/function buttons 0-9 on DCC systems such as the E-Z Command Plus. Direct modification of CVs otherwise requires another manufacturer's DCC system or a software utility.

Hi Sloopy,

Of our currently available DCC Ready steam locomotives, our smallest available models are the Baldwin 4-6-0 and 4-4-0 American. Please note that neither of these models are equipped with smoke.

We have two steam locomotives equipped with smoke, the 2-6-2 Prairie and USRA 0-6-0, but these locomotives are only available with DCC pre-installed or DC control only.

Awesome layout!
Could you tell me your process for posting photos on this forum? I'm still trying to figure it out.
Thanks.

Hi 4311wade,

You will need to first upload your photos to an external file/photo uploading service such as Google Drive or Flickr. Then, when writing your post, to add the image you need to click the "Insert an image" icon in the toolbar (next to the YouTube icon) and paste the direct URL for the image in the field. Click "insert" and your image should then appear.

The E-Z Command Plus still can only be programmed with short addresses. Do keep in mind that a locomotive's address you set on the E-Z Command will also carry over to other DCC systems such as Digitrax. So a locomotive programmed on address 1 carries over to Digitrax as address 001. This way you will not need to reprogram when switching between the two systems. But the short answer is no, E-Z Command does not support long addresses, and a locomotive programmed with a long address will need to be reprogrammed to control it with the E-Z Command.

Hi Schindop,

You will need to cut the square plug off of the E-Z Track Power Wire. Use a wire stripper to expose bare wire at the cut point, and plug the other end into the E-Z Command® Plus Control Center. Then, connect the bare wires to a Kato Terminal Adapter Cord with the fork terminals cut off. Finally, use a Kato DC Extension Cord to connect the Terminal Adapter Cord to your feeder track or Terminal Unijoiners.