Dear Mr B.
I would like a clarification regarding copyright of product images used on this site. For example, I am currently bashing a Connie into a 0-8-0 Tank engine. For my computer mockup design, I used a picture of a Connie from this site, then modified and added features with my image program.

Am I permitted to post the computer mockup image, since the model is based on Bachmann's image?  Typically in such a situation, I add a note on the image, such as: ("Base model image copyright Bachmann Industries")

I believe this is permitted under the "Fair Use" provisions of copyright law, but wanted to check with you to be sure. With your permission, I can post the image as a representative sample, for your consideration, and for future reference. I guess members would need a "blanket permission" for such images.

Thank you.

Note to all: This question can only be answered by the Bach-man.  The following is from the forum "Registration Agreement":

"You agree, through your use of this forum, that you will not post.......any copyrighted material unless you own the copyright or you have written consent from the owner of the copyrighted material."

Since Bachmann owns the copyrights, only Bachmann can grant permission to post the images. I would expect such written consent to contain the caveat "For posting on the Bachmann forum only".

"In your face" action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azV5bC2br-Q

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=90899

I think the title mostly applies to us old timers who have spent most of our life working toward retirement. Many of you grew up around trains, but just too busy with work and keeping the wolf away from the door to be involved in model railroading. Unfortunately, I was not around trains during my life, and only became interested in them 3 years ago. (My, how time flies).

For those of us who are retired, and those who will retire in 40 or 50 years, and are or will be going into their "second childhood" at some point, here's a rather thought provoking question.

If you could live your life again, start all over, what era or area would you have preferred to really experience railroading to its fullest?  This is for all modelers, there is no age restriction on "dreams".  The 1800's? early 1900?, early steam or transition era?, narrow gauge in the West?...dream away and share your thoughts.

I was born in what I consider the perfect generation of time, have seen technology slowly develop, and now expanding rapidly. I'm fairly content with my position in time, just had to study furiously to catch up on the history and current technology.

I had a brief infatuation with steam, but I do enjoy the colorful and powerful representation of modern diesel.  I guess I "dream" of being just 10 or 15 years younger, to see what lies ahead, and to have a little more time to enjoy my new found hobby.

Ok, uncover your "time machine" and dial in your destination.

Members posting those looooooooooooooooong URLs are driving me nuts. Well, more than I already am. 

Those ridiculously long URLs that won't break in Internet Explorer causes the post to expand in width to accomodate the 225 characters or more. This is compounded by the fact that I have to use Larger or Largest text size in "view" options. If I change text size to "smaller", then can't read anything.

Since only half the width of the post is visible, I have to scroll back and forth with the horizontal scroll bar.  Needless to say it's a literal pain in the neck.  Please do us old geezers using IE a favor and shorten the URL with this utility.

http://tinyurl.com/

You can place the above link in your links toolbar for instant access. PLEASE no rhetoric about other browsers, have been using IE too many years to change now.

Thank you very much.  (I notice Jim and Rick use the utility, greatly appreciated)

I had a lengthy conversation today with George at Soundtraxx, regarding the "Tsunami Technology" sound decoders factory  installed in Bachmann steam locomotives.

First some definitions.
"OEM" stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer, which can mean a company that uses the product of another company in manufacturing, (Bachmann), or a company that supplies the component to the factory, (Soundtraxx).   Soundtraxx makes the decoder according to Bachmann's specifications, and Bachmann installs the decoder.  Not being fond of word games, I get tired of typing "Tsunami Technology",  it's easier to just type OEM.

"After Market", or "AM"...For this report, I use this acronym to mean "The after market, separately purchased, user installed, full featured" Tsunami sound decoder.

Unless specified otherwise, the following pertains to the OEM version installed by Bachmann.

1.  The technical reference manual included on the CD packed with each Bachmann sound locomotive IS THE SAME manual that is downloadable from Soundtraxx. Therefore the manual may make reference to features that are not available in the OEM version.

2.  The only lighting functions are directional headlight and taillight. (The AM version has 2 auxiliary lighting effects that can be mapped to function buttons.

3.   Exhaust Synchronization Cam (ESC) connection is NOT provided.

4.   "Fireman Freddy" NOT included in sounds. Sound "equalizer" NOT included.

5.   CVs pertaining to  Extended (4 digit) address, Vstart, Vmax, Acceleration, Deceleration, BEMF, and Advanced Consisting ARE supported.  Vmid is NOT supported.  We did not discuss speed tables.

6.   Only three (3) whistles are available, selection depends on locomotive class. (AM versions have six (6)).

7.   Decoder installed at the factory is specific to locomotive "class"..... 4-4-0 light steam, 2-8-0 medium steam, 2-10-0 heavy steam, refer to the Soundtraxx site for complete list of appropriate classes and decoders.  Whatever the chart says, that's what you can expect to receive.

8.   CV 29 preset to a value of 6 (analog enabled.)  (AM versions preset to value of 2, analog disabled)

9.   Programming CVs:  The Soundtraxx program track booster (PTB-100) is highly recommended but may not be required for some  DCC systems. Due to the diversity of systems, Soundtraxx won't make controller specific recommendations regarding this. If you can't program Tsunami, you need the booster.

Other notes.
George will be adding "blogs" on the site about using the Soundtraxx Programming Track Booster (PTB-100), mapping light functions and other instructions, but they will apply primarily to the AM version.  George patiently walked me through mapping mars and ditchlights to  F9, F5 and F6, including values for CV 51 (Phase A crossing logic) and CV 52 (Phase B crossing logic) to link horn to flashing ditch lights.  That would be cool for my diesels.  The tech reference manual has all charts and details to map the functions.

I think that covers all we discussed. George, being the expert he is, was rattling off all this stuff, while I'm writing as fast as my eyes would allow. Therefore I assume no responsibility for errors or omissions.     

Detailed diagram with 254 identified components. Now you don't have to ask about the thingamajig that connects to the whatchamacallit.

http://cprr.org/Museum/Science_of_Railways_1899/Steam_Locomotive.html

Major "working" components, click all the links for other diagrams and animations.

http://home.roadrunner.com/~trumpetb/loco/locoworks.html

More great links on the "Home" page.

Enjoy.   

There is a thread about the "ugliest", how about your nomination for the "World's most beautiful locomotive"?

For me, it's a no brainer, Rio Grande PA # 6001, 6003, 6011 and 6013. They were used for the Yampa Valley Mail and other routes in Colorado.

http://www.drgw.net/gallery/DRGW6001/drgw6001_2
http://www.drgw.net/gallery/DRGW6001/drgw6001_3
http://www.drgw.net/gallery/DRGW6011/drgw6011_3

This is very close to home:
http://photoswest.org/cgi-bin/imager?00011005%2BOP-11005%20

I define it as hiding from my wife at chore time, "Out of sight, out of mind".

I ran across these pages during my daily surfing, for those "inquisitive minds want to know" type members. The information is self-explanatory, so in the words of Oliver Goldsmith: "Ask me no questions, and I'll tell you no lies".

Just think of it as a "black box" that isolates inputs and outputs.

Here's the "nitty".  (all you really need to know)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Opto-isolator

Here's the "gritty".  (gets down and dirty)
http://www.bb-elec.com/tech_articles/optical_isolation_illustration.asp

Here's the "band"...one of my favorites. (in case you have no interest in the above)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nitty_Gritty_Dirt_Band

Of course it's train related, when you consider the frustration you sometimes feel working on a locomotive or installing decoders, and nothing seems to work. "If you want to see a rainbow, you've got to stand a little rain".

Enjoy.... or not...

I ran across this site while searching for emblems for "Jet Train Fan". He has a tight deadline for a school assignment.

http://www.coalingstation.com/logopics.htm

I remember having some of these, but not being interested in trains at that time they probably were discarded.

For other logos, do a Google Search for (example) Soo Line Railroad Wikipedia, etc.  See how many you can collect.

Regards.

I believe there are several members who model the 1905 era. I ran across the following site that might be of interest.

http://www.1905railroadmodeling.com/

Enjoy

I receive interesting questions by email from modeling friends abroad, the latest one has me stumped.

The question was, "Has anyone heard of using a "Handy" to control trains?"  After an extensive search, I came up with a "Handy Board" used in Robotics.

http://www.handyboard.com/

However, further communication revealed that "Handy" translates to Mobile Phone on this side of the pond. Soooo, has anyone heard of using a Cell Phone to control trains?

Some members may not be aware of Don Tichy's excellent kits and detail parts. I buy PB wire from Don, eight sizes available in handy 8" tubes.

http://www.tichytraingroup.com/

Don is very friendly and helpful. Free shipping over $25, special discount AND free shipping over $50. (U.S. and Canada)

Enjoy

Everybody knows I don't mess with CVs. I push a button, turn a knob, the loco goes. If it doesn't run, it's broken. The only "mapping" I do is finding my way around Denver or trailblazing in the mountains with my trusty GPS.

Anyhoo, I find the wierdest stuff while surfing. These remind me of a game I used to play called "Battleship".

http://www.cmlelectronics.co.uk/support/digitraxmobilecv.htm

http://www.mrsonline.net/html/nmra_function_mapping_calculat.html

Thought I would post these for my friends who seem to enjoy pain, but don't ask me any questions. Remember "Schultz" on Hogan's Heroes?  "I know nuuuuthings"   

Stock up on Tylenol and have fun.

Some members may not realize that many of the product reference diagrams are available for download in PDF format on this site. Note "Product Reference" on the left menu.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/references.php

By zooming in to about 400 or 600 in Adobe Reader, then using the "hand" tool to pan the PDF page, you get much better detail of the parts. 

The PDF filenames are meaningless for reference.  For example, the filename for  SD-45 DCC equipped is "H827X_IS002".pdf.  When downloading, you should change the filename to "SD-45DCC.pdf", or whatever makes sense to you.  

I downloaded most of the files for HO scale so I can open a file from my hard drive without leaving the post window, very handy in helping others, and for members to help themselves. 

Regards.

We continue to see reports of EZ Command users having problems changing the default address of their locomotives. This is primarily due to an error in the EZ Command manual. (top of page 3).

DO NOT attempt to press or release the default address button and the stop button at the same time.  There is a specific sequence which must be followed exactly. Corrected instructions can be found here:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/ezcommand.php?ezpage=1

Scroll down to "Assigning a locomotive to a new address". Also read the note immediately below the instructions regarding "Service Mode Decoder Lock".

To emphasize the correct sequence is:

Press and Hold the default address button.(#3 for a new locomotive or newly installed decoder)
Press and Release the stop button.
Release the default address button.
Press and release the desired address button. (for example #1)(loco will move slightly)
Press and release the stop button. (to exit program mode)

In the example above, #1 is now the new address. To change to another address, substitute #1 in the instructions. (or whatever number you previously assigned). Before changing an address, always run the loco a short ways to verify the current address and bring loco to a complete stop. 

The DVD supplied with EZ Command shows the correct sequence. I don't know if the instructions have been corrected for current EZ Command controllers. The DVD also has instructions for setting up two or more locomotives in consist.

Locomotives to be run in consist should be reasonably matched in speed. Best way I've found is to place two locomotives halfway around the track from each other, either on the same address or on a DC powered track, and run them full throttle. If it takes 8-10 laps before one catches the other, I consider them well speed matched. I usually put the faster one up front to keep the couplers extended.

---

*NOTE: The following is based on my personal experience and thus far appears to be general consensus, but has not been documented by Bachmann Industries or other users of EZ Command, (nor has the information been disputed). Use your own judgment in this regard.

*You should unplug the AC Wall Pack Power Supply from the wall receptacle before placing or removing a locomotive. Failure to do so may result in a decoder losing its address, due to a short or "make/break" pulses that may occur during rerailing.

For convenience, I have a switch controlled power strip attached to the side of the layout, with the power supply plugged into the strip. As a visual reminder, I have a 12 volt grain of wheat bulb affixed to an unpowered track tester in the yard.

---

In the event of a lost address, if the locomotive will not respond to buttons 1-9, then follow the instructions at the bottom of page 3 in the manual: "...previously assigned (or unknown) addresses". (note that this requires the locomotive to be placed on a live track, so be careful not to create a short while rerailing.)

---

There appears to be several conflicting, erroneous and/or ambiguous instructions in the printed instruction manual, DVD, online instructions, and online FAQ, which are probably best to address as questions arise.

Regards

I would like to compliment all the members for the high quality content of the threads and posts on this board. I find all the questions and concerns interesting and informative. 
 
I read every new thread in the General and HO sections, some are thought provoking, which requires me to spend some time researching and studying a matter I would have otherwise overlooked. Some posts cause me to consider a matter from a different perspective or viewpoint. 

As they say, there is more than one way to "skin a cat".  Several different methods or solutions  may produce the same results, but the new inquirer needs factual options based on experience, not merely opinions based on personal bias, or even worse, hearsay and rumors. In that respect, this board scores high marks for truth and sincerity.

I believe in "peers teaching peers".  When new members learn something about their trains, they are often eager to help other new modelers.  My policy is to give them a chance to make the transition from "helpee" to "helper".  They may stumble a bit, but making mistakes also helps them "learn how to teach".

Thanks for reading

I found a very informative "Modeler's Guide to Freight Car Trucks", thought others might like to add it to their files.

http://www.trains.com/mrr/objects/pdf/mr_pi_5-06_freightcartrucks.pdf

There's a plethora of information at Trains.com, the trick is searching to find a particular article.  I spent an hour searching for the article on "Banishing Derailments", then remembered PD had it in his files.

If you find a helpful article, feel free to add the link in this thread.  Please limit articles to PDF files , or pages that offer PDF files, which are easily saved.

I have over 300 PDF files, organized by category on a flash drive. I renamed most of them for easy recall. 

Thanks, and enjoy.

Those who can't make the trip to Denver might enjoy this. The video doesn't do the store justice, you simply have to see it in person to appreciate the massive inventory. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhzInvosLAk

Please check out all the links at the Rocky Mountain Railroad Club site. The club was founded the same year as Caboose Hobbies.

http://www.rockymtnrrclub.org/

Enjoy

I just received the 2009 catalog, haven't had time for a thorough review but it's a much handier size to have beside my computer for quick reference. The text is a bit small for me, but overall very good quality. Nicely done Bachmann.

I noted a few significant changes in the lineup.

USRA Medium tenders have been dropped, along with two of the Medium Vanderbilts. Hicken style only available in Southern Pacific.

Hard to tell from the picture angles, but it appears all tenders have male connectors, at least no harnesses are visible. Perhaps a move toward better compatibility and consistency.

Spectrum 2-8-0 w/Sound, five of last year's models dropped, two C&O added.   

Spectrum 2-8-0 non-sound, they appear to be history, available only in sets. I have four (3 new in the box) so I'm not too disappointed.

Seems to be a trend toward larger and smaller steam, with medium such as the Connies losing favor.

I only noted one error so far. The page for the 0-6-0 Saddle Tank Switcher has a "DCC on board" banner, but the features lists it as "DCC ready". If all the requests are a good indicator, it should be a popular item.

A notable improvement is recommended ("Performs best") radius for each locomotive.