Hey gang, can anyone help me?
I'm working on an estate sale for a friend and can't find out the year of introduction and catalog retail price for a G scale set #90022 "Gold Rush" and an On30 scale set #25001 "Wonderland Express"".

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Does anyone know what happened to the Whistle Post Forum?
Did it finally end or is it just having technical problems?

OK gang - mr. dummy here. I sure could use some help with my DEAD 4-4-0.

I have a brand new HO Spectrum 4-4-0 #80128 DCC/Sound.
It's a year and a half old, but this is the first time out of the box, and first time anything's been on the track.
I'm trying to use it on EZ Track. I've checked all track connections.
There are no switches, crossovers, turnouts, etc, just a continuous folded dogbone.

I'm hooked up to a brand new NCE Power Cab, about 8 - 12 months old.
It's the first out of the box for it also.

Normally to trouble shoot, I'd just replace one item at a time, but in this case I have no options since nothing has been working before, and I have no replacement options.
I've had no luck searching this web site and the NCE site for answers.

Here's what I've done.
Checked all track connections, and clear of anything laying across tracks.
Connected the two leads between the engine and tender. (tough for old eyesight and fat fingers).
Checked and double checked to make sure all wheels are on tracks, and placed on the powered (?) terminal rerailer in case the track was too long etc.
Clipped off the terminal end plug of the red power wire.
Put the two leads into the screw terminals of the plug for the Power Cab power panel.
Plugged the other end into the EZ Track Terminal Rerailer.
Plugged in the Power Cab (to the correct socket with the correct wire)
Plugged the NCE power panel into a working wall outlet. Red light on power panel is lit.
Power Cab lights up. No defaults have been changed. Set for Loco #3.

Turn the thumb wheel - nothing happens. No response from bell, whistle etc.

Does anyone have any idea where to look next?

I tried posting photos - can't even get that to work tonight.  Files are too big.
AAAHHHHHHHHHH - what a day - hide the knives.        

When is the new club magazine coming out?
I think it's time to retire the Fall 2012 issue.

Happy Mother's Day to all. Hope it's a great day at every household.
Remember - the best gift you can give is Time.
Spend it wisely.

About 20 years ago, I purchased a Bachmann HO 4-4-0 train set from Department 56.

Will it work at all, if I put it on my new layout that has power by an NCE Power Cab?  
I know it's not set up for DCC, but was wondering if it would damage it, or if it would at least go forward and reverse.

         

I would like to add a ten-wheeler to my layout.  I read in the first issue of the Bachmann Club Magazine that they are available in N and O but no longer in HO.  Are there any plans to release a new version in HO?

Also, the one that is no longer available - was it a Spectrum Line with DCC and sound?  If so, what was the model number so I can search for a used one.  Preferably in Southern Green. 

I'd like to keep my layout total Bachmann, so I hope I can find this.

Thanks for you time and any help.

This computer illiterate senior citizen needs help with the new Bachmann Model Railroad Club Magazine.  

The first issue was set "portrait" style with one page at a time.  When the first 11 pages of the second issue were released, it was the same.  However, with the new release of extra pages for the second issue, it has changed to "landscape" style, with 2 pages per sheet.

How can I get it back to print one page at a time in "portrait" style?  I'm sure it's a simple setting change, but I can't find it.  Anyone want to help out and walk me through this???

   

I recently read that an NMRA gauge should be used on all track.  I understand the benefits of using it to check rolling stock, clearances, etc, but -

Is it needed with EZ Track?  I would think not, but the book said all track.  With the track mounted to the base/ballast, how could it be off?  And if it is, how would it be corrected?

I keep reading to run a buss wire under the layout to get power to more than one location.  The general consensus seems, that way the trains will run better than with just one connection for power.

My layout is to be a modified "dog-bone" style, so the middle of the front track and middle of the back section of track will be close and parallel.

I notice on the EZ-Track straight terminal/re-railer that there is a plug on each side.  I assume that's to plug in the power supply on either side.  If that's the case, I assume the wiring inside that piece of track is wired straight through.

Here's my question - Can I just put a terminal/re-railer beside each other and just run a jumper wire between the two tracks to achieve the above effect?

I plan on using an NCE Power Cab for the power supply.

This seems too easy and logical to me, but I've never seen it done.  Can anyone give my some pros and/or cons for this?

Thanks     

Hey Gang -
After some of the discussions here, I ask this with trepidation, but here goes -

I purchased a bunch of EZ Track on ebay.  The track shipment included a rectangular magnet, approximately a couple of inches long, in a cellophane bag.  What is this for?  How is it used? And, where/how is it mounted or placed?

 

Mr. Bach-Man:
I'm interested in the reversing track set, but have a few questions.

1. The set is listed as having some non-reversing straight sections.  Don't you need all reversing track?  To expand the length do you have to use reversing track or can regular EZ track be used?

2.  Can a basic power supply, like the one that comes with the deWitt Clinton set, be used?  Or do you need a special power supply?

3.  I've only seen trolley cars used.  Is a special car needed?  Or can the gandy dancer unit be used?

Thanks 

I'd like to wish my forum friends a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year . . . I'd like to, but I can't. So, in today's vernacular, I'll just say - - -

Best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low-stress, non-addictive, gender-neutral, winter solstice holiday, practiced within the most joyous traditions of the religious persuasion of your particular choice, but with respect for the religious persuasion of others who choose to practice their own religion, as well as those who choose not to practice any religion at all.

Additionally, a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the generally accepted calendar year 2012, but not without the due respect for the calendars of choice of other cultures, whose contributions have helped make our society great, without regard to race, creed, color, religion or sexual orientation.

(Disclaimer: This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes or himself or others, and no responsibility for any unintended emotional stress these greetings may bring to those not caught up in the holiday spirit)

 
I have purchased a new Spectrum Southern 440, item No: 80128 with DCC Sound etc.

A sticker on the box insert says, "Lift bottom insert sheet for additional product information." Well, I've lifted "everything" and there is no printed info in this box.

I was wondering what the extra wheels were for, and saw on another post that they are spares. Do these wear out a lot???  Also, the bag of extra parts (domes, etc) are interesting, but without any kind of manual, how do you use them.  The tender came with a coal load but no oil tank or wood load was included in the box.  Aren't they supposed to be included?  There is also a bag of black powder that looks like graphite.  What is that for?

Is a manual available for this (even on line?)  I was told I'd need "codes" to set up the DCC when I first use the locomotive, and I have no idea which code is which.

This is probably "old hat" for you guys, but for a newbie - I'm lost.

And that was all that was included.  There are other compartments in the box that were empty.  Is this just a generic mold or am I missing anything else?

FYI - it was purchased from a large dealer.  When I contacted them, they couldn't answer these questions.  They did offer the option for me to return it, however, I'd rather not, this is exactly what I wanted.

Thanks -