I'm guessing this is a long shot, but I'm making a small diorama which will include an n-scale EMD Warbonnet locomotive. Because it will be a static display, it doesn't need to be functional and I'm trying to find one that's less expensive than new.

Anyone have an idea?

Thanks,

Pauley

Although I never had a model train set as kid, I've always been interested in them and thought I'd give it a try as a retirement hobby.

So a little over three years ago I got a Bachmann Digital Commander. I've had a great time since, mostly building scenery.

One thing I noticed right away is that train set-based layouts don't seem to be very popular in model train publications.

So, to make a long story short, I documented my experience in building a table top, set-based layout (and other dioramas). It might be more pertinent for a beginner, but I figured that this would be a good forum in which to link up with others in a similar situation.

Your feedback is welcome.

www.bostontype.com

Pauley

The locally famous, almost 100-year-old Blind George's Newspaper and Magazine store in Grants Pass, OR, closed last week. The local newspaper had asked readers if they had any memories of it they'd like to share.

It just so happened that it was one of the first buildings I modeled back in 2017, so I sent in a pic.

I've noticed that model railroaders don't achieve an abundance of notoriety.  But now that I've achieved fame, I'm guessing that fortune couldn't be too far behind.



https://www.flickr.com/photos/davisinla/49411127076/in/album-72157664108407947/

I'm going to be hosting a small gathering of friends, some of whom would like to see my trains running. Since my layout is upstairs, I'd like to leave one going (unattended) all evening. (HO, DCC)

I've seen trains run continuously at shows, and I've always wondered if there are any detrimental effects to letting a loco run at the same speed for a few hours.

Thoughts?

Thanks.

Weird problem with my HO 4-4-0:

Suddenly it's very jerky when it runs. Sometimes it just stops. The odd thing is that it runs great in reverse.

I think a lube may be in order, so, as a relative newbe, I'm trying to locate instructions to do so.

Any other ideas would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Pauley

I've got a set of Bachmann crossing signs and gates (No. 42200).

The letter "S" appears on one side of each gate arm.

I've searched but have not been able to find a reference to it. Does anyone know what that signifies?

Thanks,

Pauley

I'm considering acquiring the Kato N scale Super Chief when it is released early next year.

https://www.katousa.com/N/SC/index.html

This might be a silly question, but I have never run two locomotives in the same consist, and I'm wondering the procedure. Is it just a matter of assigning both locos the same address? Would I want/need sound on the B unit?

Thanks,

Pauley

Bachmann doesn't offer a new (DCC) HO scale PCC trolley in Boston MTA livery.

Since I have an older (non-DCC) Boston trolley, I'm wondering if the shell could be used on one of the newer cars. From the pics of the older and newer products, the body looks the same.

Does anyone know?

Thanks.

I just received my first steam loco and I'm having a couple of little problems. It's a bit frustrating as my two other (diesel) locomotives have run almost flawlessly for a year.

The first is a "wobble" while the train is running. The front of the locomotive shakes from side to side (as if it's shaking his head "no"). Is that normal for a steam loco?

The second problem - and slightly more annoying - is that the locomotive has a difficult time with switches, derailing almost every time it tries to take a siding.

Perhaps these problems are related?

Any feedback would be appreciated.

I finally received my E-Z Command DCC Turnout (44131) that had been on back order. Unfortunately it appears to be defective.

I am able to program it, but when it switches, although I can hear something click under the track, is doesn't switch the rails.

I'm wondering if there is anything I can do to address that issue  - perhaps something got loose during shipping. Or does it need to be returned to Bachmann?

Thanks.

I've been unsuccessful in locating an EZ Command DCC Right Turnout (HO, nickel silver), part number 44131. The Bachmann web site indicates that this item is sold out and the dealers I've checked have none in stock (although the left turnout is available).

I sent an email to Bachmann but did not receive a reply. Does anyone know when (or if) it will be available, or if there is a direct substitute?

Thanks

I'm sure every newbie eventually asks a question about this – so I guess it's my turn. 

I've been enjoying my Digital Commander set (DCC) for a few months.

I recently purchased an older style (DC) Bachmann PCC trolley which runs just fine. However when not running, the lights remain on and the motor buzzes. Since I don't run it very often, I don't want to leave it in that state whenever the layout is powered, although I'd like to have it parked somewhere on the layout. Until now, I've been removing it, putting on a separate piece of track close to the layout.

So I've got two questions.

1)   Is this behavior "normal" when running DC equipment on a DCC track?

2)   And if so, is there a way to create a "cutoff" of some sort so that power can be cut to the a stub on which the trolley could sleep?

Thanks.

Hi all,

I'm new to the hobby and am greatly enjoying my Bachmann Digital Commander.

I've already found very useful information on this forum as a lurker for the past couple of months. Now as a member, I'll no doubt have many questions. So here's the first.

I'm curious what the general feeling is about unplugging the controller (DCC) when not in use. I've been leaving it plugged in overnight (turned 'off' of course) unless I'm going to be away for a few days. I'd prefer to leave it plugged in if there is no danger of damage.

There's probably no agreed-upon answer, but I am curious as to what Bachmann recommends and what others do.

Thanks.