This is one of my work horses that has operated for more than 8 years... say.  When last week while pulling a load of 8 cars, the locomotive went into spinning the rear wheels (trucks) and the front wheels (trucks) not spinning.  Got it back into the maintenance shop and found that the front drive shaft separated from the worm gear shaft.  See image.      Thought this would be a simple fix, that is, just slip the connecting rod (yellow lined) back onto the worm gear shaft and all would be well.  NOT!  I put the locomotive back on the track and within say 10 track feet, it slips off again.   I tried glue on the back side of the shaft (motor side), but that failed.  So I'm at a lost as to how and/or what keeps the shaft connecting rod in place.  I don't see any issues with the other shaft and I also don't know or see what's keeping the other connecting rod on the worm gear rear trucks.


I'm missing something, but I'm at a lost at this juncture.  Oh, Bachmann doesn't have that connecting rod (yellow lined) piece as an individual piece to purchase.   So, can anyone inform me of what I'm missing or advice on fixing this issue?

I'm looking to install another bridge on my HO layout.  Buying an abutment for the track should (in my opinion) not cost as much as I've found.  I've found that the 3D printed versions cost even more.  Therefore, before I proceed in my endeavor to experiment with stiff foam material, I was wondering if anyone created their abutments using foam instead of buying them pre-manufactured ?

If I'm successful in making two abutments from foam, I'll share images of what I created.... but don't hold your breath.

For those who remember that I'm always changing my layout.  With that, I have a curious question. 
Is it feasible to have HO track turnout on an incline?   I currently have an incline (basically 2 %)  and want to add a turnout just below the top of the incline. 
In my experimentation using EZ track, I note that the turnout track will have an angle.  I'm using several short curves and 5 short straights to flatten out that part of the track that's at an angle.  The curve and short tracks have enough bend (flex) in them to flatten out that portion of turnout track.  Oh! I thought about using "flex" track to make that transition but that would require doing more work, like setting up a road bed, anchoring the flex track, etc.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Then again, after thinking about this a little more, in real life- are there no turnouts on inclines of real railroads.  That is, are all turnouts made on level grade?  Frankly, I haven't seen any in photos or on railfanning videos on u-tube to indicate any turnout on an incline.

Your thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

I've been looking for a MOW vehicle and found the Bachmann truck with crane (model 16902) but it doesn't show in their catalogue.  (click on image to enlarge)

Can anyone inform me whether it has been discontinued or just out of stock?

Just to make this request clear, the Bachmann parts page shows that this item can be pieced together.  I am assuming that Bachmann still has available parts for this truck.   What I was looking for is one that is totally built, for purchase.  see this Bachmann page for the parts:
  https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68_695_696

In my search for obtaining additional locomotives, I ran across the Bachmann model 42901  E-Z riders.  I wasn't sure what these are used for... so a search on this wonderful forum found these two queries:
---Display/Test Stand Rollers - E-Z Riders(TM)  and ---HO test track rollers?

What I did not find is:  Can these test rollers be used to program DCC locomotives?  Would there be any drawbacks from programming on the test rollers?

The reason is, I could eliminate my program track (3 sections of 9-inch straight track) and just use the test stand to program the DCC locomotives.  I'm also thinking that I could put the test stand rollers inside my locomotive shed and program the locomotives in the shed.  This would free up space for other items on the layout.

Interested in all responses Pro and Con.

P.S. Terry your image clarifying the E-Z rider is superb!

I was viewing U-Tube videos and came across one of the train shows had a Delta type track that went toward a reversing loop.

I decided to build that delta track with my EZ track.  See image of the track below. I also want to modify that single track delta by replacing it with a double track crossover (trying to save space).   After creating the delta track, I came across an issue with A rail and B rail convergence.  That is, the A and B rail would cross one another.  I therefore inserted two isolated frogs (plastic) at the track split located at the crossover track section.   The top end convergence track is non-isolated (metal) frog.

This is where I ran into an issue.  Where to install the reversing loop at the crossover? 


If I install the reversing loop on the crossover, it will affect the other track.   Question, should there be a gap in the crossing section?  In order that the other track not be affected.

Well, I'm asking this before I go cut a gap in a good crossover.   All the Delta track I'm aware of and instructions from the web only used a single track with reversing loop circuit for bottom of the delta.  I want to use the crossover in that bottom portion of the delta.     If you see or know of anything that I may have missed, please let me know.   I'm all ears at this point, before I mess up (cut a gap) a good crossover.     
 

Is the Dynamis controller getting a bad rap?
I performed a more in-depth search on the four models of EZ command controllers, I also did this for other manufacturers (not included here).   What I've concluded is that the EZ command (like everyone has been informing me) is a basic system.  Okay, great, I understand that based on the table below.  The controllers I have are the "discontinued" ones, or the catalog just doesn't list their model numbers.  The EZ Command Plus seems to have basically the same functions as my controllers.   

When I compare the Dynamis to the EZ Command there is a significant difference.  As one forum member indicated the Dynamis is a "Standard DCC system".  I take issue with that since, if you buy a "standard car" it will have four wheels, doors, and engine/motor, headlights, and maybe a radio.  The EZ command to me is that "Standard DCC system".  The Dynamis is an, for all practical purposes, an "Advance system".  Just like an "Enhanced Car" that has the standard features and also have GPS, Bluetooth, premier sound system, front and rear cameras, fancy keys for ignition, you get the picture.

So, in my travels around the US visiting the few model railroad clubs and asking questions about the controllers they use (of course, most know that answer) I'm still at a lost as to why the Dynamis isn't one of the controllers being used.

Dynamis vs EZ Command

|    select       |  E-Z Command  |     EZ Command      | Dynamis    | Dynamis Pro    |                     |  (discontinued) |       (Plus)                 |                   |           ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Max number |         2                |          2                     |     1            |      128    |  of Cabs         |                          |                                 |                   | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Max number |         2                |          2                     |     1            |     128    | of Addresses |                           |                                 |                   | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | 2 or 4 digit    |         2                |          2                     |     1            |    128    |  Addresses    |                           |                                 |                   | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Consist          |       Max 3*         |            ?                   |     40          |      40    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Speed Control|       Knob           |         Knob               |  Joystick     |  Joystick ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |  Current        |       1.0 Amp      |         1.0 Amp          |  2.5 Amp    | 4.0 Amp ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Support for    |        Yes              |        Yes                   |     Yes         |    Yes    | Walkaround   |                           |                                 |                   | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | DC controller |        Yes              |        No                   |       ?         |     ?    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Support for    |        Yes              |        Yes                   |     Yes         |    Yes    |Power Booster|                            |                                |                   | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Support for    |        3 or 4          |       3 or 4               |    >4            |  >4  |Sound Decoder|      functions     |    functions             | functions    | functions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Accessory      |      Limited by     |     Limited by         |      ?             |    ?  | decoder         |       Current         |     Current              |                    | | Capability      |        capacity       |      capacity            |                    | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                  | Number of     |        Max 10        |        10 or ?            | > 10            |  > 10  | CV functions  |      functions       |       functions         | functions    | functions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            | Wireless         |    No                   |        No                  |   Optional    |  Yes | Capability      |                            |                               |                     |  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            | Computer      |        No                |        No                  |   Optional    |  Yes | Control          |                             |                               |                     |    | Capability      |                             |                               |                     |  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            | Warranty       |       1 year           |         1 year             |    1 year       |  1 Year    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:  ? -indicates ambiguous information, unable to definitively determine
            > -indicates varying information sources, but definitely greater than the number given
            *  -indicates my experience with EZ command with 3 locomotives
          --- -Based on the Bachmann 2024 catalog, the Basic EZ command (model 44932 & 44901)
                 were deemed discontinued, replaced by EZ Command Plus


References:
This forum search "Dynamis".
Programming Long addresses With EZ Command
Converting to DCC.
Model Train forums websites - several
U-Tube search on "Dynamis"
Google search via European Model trains by Bachmann

PS. If you are wondering why I'm traveling down this path.  I am worried that the Bachman company might give up on advancing their basic controllers.  The EZ plus maybe just a step away from becoming an advanced version of itself.  I don't want Bachmann to can (quit) that advancement like they did the Walk-around.   

All opinions/corrections/etc. welcome...
 

Bachmann made the "O scale"  Plasticville Turnpike Interchange (model 45601).  Also labeled "All American Turnpike".

 Was it also manufactured in HO scale?   

I just purchased some additional EZ track and along with it came 44548 (12  9-inch sections) reversing track.  I am wondering (thinking out loud) if a trolley can traverse a turnout and swap in either direction.   Draft text of what I mean.

      A    ==========================\\
                                                                            //\\====================   B
     A'    ==========================//
                                                            Standard turnout


This is not a reversing loop, A and the other A' are not connected but end.  Just like the trolley set but insert a turnout that can switch from A to A' and vice versa.  As usual I'm looking for another pair of eyes, thoughts, on whether or not this can work.  If so, then maybe I'll steal my wife's money and buy the Bachmann 44547 reversing trolley set.

My understanding is that the reversing set can work with any DC locomotive.
I have a very short DC section for my train museum and if this would work I could expand my old steam DC locos to move to different sections from A to A' and back.

If Yes, then has anyone tried to run their HO scale trains on banked curves?

The reason I'm asking this, ... I'm working on an incline that is curved and wondering if I bank the curve inward toward the curve, and the incline is 3 to 4 percent, then placing the train in a moderate speed (before the incline curve, in order to get the loaded train to the top of the incline), will the train and its cars fall over at slow speeds, or will the momentum of the train at moderate speed be maintained and the train cars make it to the top of the hill.

I believe it'll be quite an intrigue to see the train cars leaning as they go up the incline.  If I leave the incline tracks flat, it becomes none sensational (same as any train curve).

I've seen images and watched many trains moving in curved sections that look like they-re on a banked curve, but isn't that an illusion cause -aren't train tracks always set flat, even in curves?

Has anyone modified Bachmann's Road crossings (model 44579) shown below to have the crossing gates lower before the train gets to the road.   Currently as Bachmann would state, "the crossing gates will drop upon train approach".



In actuality, the gates drop when the engine front reaches the edge of the road.     Since I have several of these crossings, I was wondering if anyone applied, say a roto switch or a tortoise switch with a timer to the bottom of the pressure plate to have the crossings drop prior to the engine reaching the crossings.   The flashing lights can be added (not shown in the image) easily, it's the crossing gate operation I'm most interested in.

I'm sure the professional hobbyist will use the individual crossing gates to obtain that effect.  I just believe that with a small modification this crossing can be just as good as the individual crossing gates.
With past experience... a site search, I found one topic that came close to an answer. 
"Crossing Gate Tips and tricks.
Started by airferber, April 23, 2013, 04:19:52 PM"
 My understanding of that tip and trick was to stop the bouncing of the gate.  I'm looking for the gate to drop at least 9 inches more or less before the engine reaches the gate and raise by at least that much after the last car.

I've run into a problem that needs clarification.  My search for decoders to modify my existing DC diesel locomotives (no steam locos on my list).  I ran into different models of decoders.
A) Mobile decoders
B) Motor decoders
C) Sound decoders

I have several Bachmann Decoders Model 44916, and 44914 but there is no mention of which decoder they are.  I assume currently that they are B) motor decoders.   I am also assuming that A) mobile decoder and B) motor decoder are the same.  But are they?

So can someone please inform me of the differences between the three decoders mentioned.  Google and this forum's search didn't help with a decent (common sense/layman's) answer.

Okay, Here's the question.
 I have this very good Switcher, but I've moved my layout to DCC. Has anyone any experience converting this very short switcher from DC to DCC?   If so, can you inform me that there is enough room under the cover/in the chassis to support installing a DCC decoder?  I've contemplated using an N scale decoder, but unsure if that would fit too.



If there isn't enough room, which I suspect, then does anyone know what hobby store, manufacturer that makes this model in DCC?   Bachmann's 2023 catalog doesn't have this model in analog or DCC. 

I've come to a dilemma that maybe some different perspectives can help.
I've collected over the years quite a few incandescent lamps, that is, from train signals, billboards, street to building lighting.     I've also collected a few (not many) of the LED lighted buildings and billboards.  The power supplies to them is not an issue that I can see so far.   Problem is some incandescent lamps do not look as realistic as the LED versions.  I also thought about just using the incandescent lamps in the Plasticville and other buildings only.  This way you don't see the lamp only the light from that incandescent lamp.  Therefore, make all of the train signals, streetlights and all other outside lights LED's.

After looking at Sheldon's images (Sheldon's Layout started by Grumpy468, July 07, 2020, of item 158- Jan 21, 23 12:26:06 am, image 5) of the LEDs on his street, the incandescent lamps that I have are vintage 1950's looking large and quite dull.  They are more park lighting than street lighting.  I kinda like the downward facing lights from the poles, the incandescent lamps shine everywhere.
Sheldon's illuminated streetlights.   (Believe that these are LED's)
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php?topic=36947.15 

So, which is better, use both as mentioned above, or totally move all lighting to LED?

Does anyone have any history on the Bachmann B-line?   I ran across several unique construction vehicles, supposedly 1/87 scale, that has the Bachmann label.   I've never heard of these and did a search on this forum and found no information regarding the "B-line of vehicles.

Then I did a search on "Google" and found this:  "Bachmann sold at least two series of die-cast models made by Shinsei Kogyo under their B-line label.  Shinsei's H.O. Haulers were sold as B-line Truckin' models, the Shinsei Mini Power models as B-line Cranes.  _{(I will provide the link to this info if requested, don't want to infringe (I believe) upon this forums code of conduct).}

Anyone have any additional history? 

As I was working on my layout I began contemplating where to locate my train museum.  The museum will hold the steam locomotives and some old diesels (all analog).  My track is all DCC and I thought about all the "Dummy locomotives" that I have.   Since I can run several DCC loco's together, in the middle, or at the end of the train or trains.  I thought about placing dummy diesels in the museum but that will take up too much space.   I did think about having decorative locomotives (dummies) siting around the layout on some siding, but I can use the DCC locomotives to do that too.  Therefore, I'm wondering is there a need to have "dummy locomotives" anymore.

Why would anyone want or need to keep the dummy locomotives if the DCC layout can handle all locomotive variations?

In another discussion (old), I found that there are two types of transfer tables.  The one that I am familiar with and have purchased is the Bachmann DCC round table (46298).  Then the discussion went to a transfer table.  After searching god old "google" I found a transfer table.

I kinda like this transfer table....couldn't find similar Bachmann version.  Don't think Bachmann makes'em.   Below are the images of the transfer table and the turntable.   Question: Is there such a thing (apparatus) in real life of this transfer table or is the transfer table only in HO modeling ?  I haven't been successful in finding actual images of a real transfer table, like what is depicted in the image below.
If this transfer table is actual, what's its main purpose, since the roundtable is for basically turning the locomotive back to a forward pointing position.

What I really like is it looks to take up less space than the roundtable.

From a earlier query from Mr. Yard Master I have another question. 

Will the EZ command Plus (44933) work with the discontinued EZ command walkaround companion (44908) and the EZ command walkaround controller (44907)?

The reason I ask this is the PLUS doesn't address whether the older discontinued walkaround will also be supported by the new Plus..., that is, backward compatible.  I'm hoping you'll say "Yes", cause I have several of the older EZ controllers and walkarounds.

Looking for advice on mating Fleischmann track with Bachmann EZ track.

The Fleischmann track has a roadbed, and I was wondering if it would be an easy connection.
Reason, the Fleischmann has a 3-way turnout where Bachmann doesn't.   I can save approx. 27 inches on my layout by using a 3-way turnout instead of using Bachmann's individual 2- turnouts.

I've asked this question before, but didn't seem to get a clear answer. 
So this time I've found a Bachmann GP30 (DC, analog) that I could purchase, but want to determine if I can replace that shell and place it on the GP7 (DCC + sound) before I put down any money on it. 


If that doesn't work then would the GP30 shell be swappable with the FT-A (DCC) chassis?

I don't have the GP30 yet, and don't want to purchase it until I can determine if a DCC chassis is compatible and will fit on either the GP7 or FT-A chassis.

I'm open to other suggestions, and any ideas.  But basically, trying to keep within my existing locomotives without moving to purchasing entire new locos.