(In the event that the Bach Man reads this I'll start by saying that I'm a Bachmann fan and am looking forward to more products from them in spite of the less-than-realistic MSRPs).

So, here I am. Another new convert to large scale modeling. As a lot of others, I jumped in because of the entry level on the Big Haulers line. Now that I'm in, I find that the scale is different. In spite of that I see that some modelers tend to mix things up a bit. Still, I'm wondering two things for which I'm seeking an opinion or two.

How far should one go in mixing the two Bachmann scales? Does it really look OK to have some Big Haulers cars behind a Spectrum locomotive?

Where do you get the other things to make the layouts look somewhat realistic; you know, building, vehicles and people? What scales do you look for? I see a lot of 1:24 but not much of anything else unless it's 1:18 or 1:32 (which would be totally inappropriate)?

Since Bachmann can't make everything, do you have other lines you consider worthy? What are their scales?

How would you rate the difference in details, etc. between an Anniversary Big Hauler and some of the Spectrum products that are currently being offered? Is there a difference in gears and motors or just looks?

Some thoughts from those of you with experience would be nice. (I hope I'm not asking for a book).

Byron

I'm looking for some clarification of what "DCC Ready" really means.

The reason I state it this way is due to my background. As a computer systems engineer I learned a long time ago that those who speak in marketing terms use ambiguous terms intentionally. I think "DCC Ready" is a case in point.

I'm rather new to DCC and it's implications in large scale. To my novice mind it is just plain confusing. I've done a search of DCC and came across some interesting discussion here but, to tell the truth, they leave me confused.

Back to my computer background. When I was in sales I would tell people if you want Apple, buy Apple stuff. If you want IBM, buy IBM stuff. Why? Because you really have to know your stuff when you go mixing and matching. Of course, that was back in the 1980's.

I know that, in theory, DCC is pretty standardized. DCC should work across brands. I also know that (layman's terms here) you need a "decoder" in a locomotive and a "controller" tied into the rails to control individual units. By Bachmann stating "DCC Ready" means one of two things to me: Decoder needed or decoder onboard and controller required. Those two issues can be miles apart.

So, to help, here are some questions.

Does Bachmann include a decoder with the Mogul and Consolidation engines?

If not, whose decoders (for placement in the engine) are compatible?

Does Bachmann make such a decoder?

Will the EZ Command with 5 Amp Booster work well? If not, what is required for satisfactory operation?

One final question. Is another technology for controlling multiple engines on the same track better? (I realize this may muddy the water a bit but I believe those of you who think independently understand.)

In other words, I want these engines running on about 200 feet of track in my garden railroad. Is my dog in the wrong hunt or my engine on the wrong track?

Byron

After getting some initial rolling stock, I've decided to switch to ET&WNC. I had forgotten about buying a wood box car several months ago so, like a 62-year-old would do, I saw one on eBay and bought it. After completing the deal I climb up to see what I had bought earlier (thinking it was an ET&WNC stock car) only to find that I'm now the proud owner of two #5 cars.

That'll never fly.

Since I've not messed with Bachmann cars much, I'm open to advice on the best or quickest way to change the number of one of the cars.

I also looked around the web for a listing of rolling stock owned by ET&WNC. What I came up with was info on locomotives only.

Thanks in advance.

Byron

Hello loco intellectuals, and I mean that seriously, I have some questions and comments on the 2-4-2.

First, I got one from a friend that heard I got started with large scale by Bachmann and thought I'd be interested in this unit. Since I haven't seen many around I figure that they're eight or ten years old, maybe more. But, they are certainly attractive units and look nice with the ten-wheelers that are so prevalent (don't have money for the other things yet -- the economy, you know, the former CEO of a mortgage firm has all of my money and, probably, some of yours).

I'm please with the looks and would like to have it running.

I've searched and see that Loco Bill says that they have pickup problems. I see that the tender has brushes for one axle on each truck. I also see that the front and rear truck pickup as well as the four drivers. However, this sucker won't go without my pushing. I inspected the wheels and cleaned them. The track is clean, too. Problems persist.

One of the wires (two sets) that goes from the tender to the locomotive may not be making good contact. When I wiggle and it kicks I hear a thump or two like the gears aren't quite right. When I push on the unit the wheels roll quite freely. This is certainly strange. On the ten-wheelers they don't roll without power.

So, is it worth getting this little beauty fixed? Is it best to go with Bachmann service or are there some things I can do (assuming my screwdriver works and my eyes don't play tricks on me).

A previous owner was nice enough to paint over the road name without removing the lettering. My assumption is that he knows little about what he/she had; definitely not the solvent and light pressure bit.

This would look great when it's running and I mark for L&N.

By the way, I'm still under 30 days on being here and I find the forum quite interesting. You tend to stay on subject, which is great.

Happy New Year. Bring on the basketball.

Since I bought a battery/remote unit without the remote, I'm wondering how easy it is to take the shell (body/boiler/cab/etc) from one of these units and placing it on a track power unit of similar design? Or is this the wrong thing to consider? I don't have my stuff from eBay as yet and wondering if I should consider this. I'm thinking of taking my orphaned unit, repainting it, and putting it on a unit that has a scratched body with some missing parts, etc.

I see there are a few of us newcomers lurking about this site looking for information. So, one more won't really matter.

I'm trying to understand what the term -Big Haulers- really means. Yes, it means that it's for large scale (G gauge) use. But, does it mean that the systems are all battery operated with remote controls or that they can run from track power? I'm not sure.

Here's why I ask. I've been on eBay.

1) I purchased a Virginia and Truckee set. It looks to be complete. There appears to be a power supply that does something. I can't tell what it does from the description. It could be for track power and it could be to recharge the battery in the unit. Which? I paid about $80. Track is included.

2) I saw another set for sale. The tender says Holiday Express. The seller says there is no remote control so she can't test. I assumed I could find a remote as a replacement part. Based on discussion hear on another post that isn't the case unless I happen upon something on eBay. Even then, I have to be careful as to the frequency. By the way, I paid about $30 for it. Track is included.

With the extra track I can go I can go around and around.

3) On another sale I bought some extra track with a power pack. The power pack. The power pack looks similar to what I have for my HO setup. There are straight and curved track sections.

Now I can go straight in between the many curves I can create...maybe multiple Christmas trees?

Final question. Will any of this work with the trains I've acquired or do I just have lots of track, a power pack for track and a bunch of rolling stock that'll look nice outside?

I need to know as I enter my second childhood.