This time I've changed track styles, now everything is mostly flex track and Pico insulated swithches with some sectional track throwin in, (Sorry Bachmman, EZ-track wouldn't do what I wanted).  The two main lines are now  24" and 22" with 18" on the inside of the double loops, I've also add power districts, inulated connections, roads,parking lots, along with other data.

I have been doing a lot of reading about laying Flex track and like the idea of less connections and soldering the joints, and will be ordering the layout tools to do it the right way the first time.  Note: that XtrkCad only has sectional track, so most of it will be changed to flex.   



As always all comments and sugestions are most welcome.

Here is a biger layout diagram that shows better detail.

http://members.cox.net/lescar/content/AtlasPeco10x6Code83Big.JPG

Thanks
Les

I'm trying to get the shell off the Locomotive that came with the DCC U.P. set (503) and have been unsuccessful in my attempts, could use some instructions on how to remove it without damage, the diagram shows what looks like two tab in the middle on each side, so I have tried to pry the sides out but I'm worried about damaging the shell. Here is the diagram I'm looking at:

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H635X_IS005.pdf

Any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks 
Les

I went to Lowe's to price materials for the bench work and found this, It seams this may work instead of using the foam insulation. 

http://www.lowes.com/pd_15387-157-00634_4294858109_4294937087?productId=3014222&pl=1&currentURL=/pl_Acoustic%2BInsulation_4294858109_4294937087_?cm_cr=Insulation-_-Web Activity-_-Insulation Accessories _A1_Activity-_-SC_Insulation  Accessories_Area1-_-22108_3

Thanks
Les

I've been doing searches on this forums for posts containing information on this subject, but all my searches keep coming up empty or something that's not even close to what I'm looking for. 

What I'm trying to find out is the best way to connect to the booster, do I need a fuses holder/circuit breaker on both the A and B rails.  I'm using an 8 Amp. Booster so normally the fuse size should be 8 Amp.. I was thinking of cutting down the fuses size to about 5 Amps so it would blow at a lower current rating,  since I don't need the whole 8 Amps. At this time.

But on the other hand using a lower fuse rating would not allow the command station to do it's job in indicating a short, it would just blow the fuse. My main concern is welding something to the rails with the higher Amperage.

Thanks 
Les

I'm trying to change the CV's and Loco's ID on a Bachmann 1 Amp. Decoder to a four digit ID  with the Digitrax system, I downloaded the manual for the decoder, but still have some problems with getting it to take.  What type of  programing mode works best on this style decoder and if there are any special steps that may need to be taken.

Thanks 
Les

Here is my first layout design,  it's more of a yard and maintenance theme with the out side track for running.  I've been looking it over and haven't seen any possible problem areas, but being new at this I'm probably overlooking them, so letting everyone taking a look at it will find what I've missed.

This is also my first time trying to post an image, so will see what happens.

Thanks
Les   

I understand it's good to break in a new motor for 30 minutes, but is it ran at a slow, medium, or fast speed for the 30 minutes.

Thanks
Les

Will after all the reading and questions I finely went out and ordered my first starter set,  it's the Bachmenn Digital Commander (BAC00503 Union Pacific), also ordered the scale ruler, NMRA standards gauge, coupler gauge, lubricants and a book on DCC projects and applications.  Can anyone recommend anything else that I might need for my first layout.

Friday I'm ordering the Digitrax Super Chief xtra 8 Amp., was going to just get the 5 Amp. But the 8 Amp. Is only $10.00 more, so it will be worth the extra money now for the additional amperage which will be more then enough for what I have planed.

With the extra amperage, will I now be able to use DCC turnout's with out loosing power to the rails.

Thanks 
Les       

I really want to add a turntable to my layout, my layout is going to mainly consist of a Maintenance facility's  and a yard setting.  I have already up-ed the size for the layout to 10' X ether 4' or 5' feet or wider to accommodate the turntable and buildings, still deciding.

The question I have pertain to which one to get for the engines I'll be running, It will primarily be Diesel with a few Steam Loco's 2-8-0 and or 2-8-2 sizes.  They should handle the curves alright, which will be 26's and 22's for the main line and the smallest my be 18's for inside the yard area.

Also the turntables come with code 83 track and I'll be using the Bachmann EZ-Track NS, can the track be changed on the turntable or will I need the Walters transition track (948-897).  And how would this be worked into the EZ-Track layout with out making it look bad.

Thanks 
Les

Can anyone suggest a few good reference sites for looking up Locomotive history by the ID #, I found one site Railpicture.net but it's more for pictures then history.  Took some pictures of two UP loco's # 3933 EMD SD70M and #2370 EMD SD60M, I found out what type they are but would like a little more back ground on them. 

Thanks 
Les     

I'm still trying to figure all this out and would like to have a steam engine by / in the engine house, what was the last steam that was used by Union Pacific before switching to diesel's.

Thanks 
Les

I'm getting my first HO set and it's coming with the EZ-Command controller, But after all the informative reading I've been doing here on the forum. I want to get a more advanced DCC system. 

I would like to get your guys input, from your past experience's with the more advanced systems.

Thanks
Les

What direction do most people run there trains, clockwise or counterclockwise.  I'm sure it's up to me, but just wondering what the norm is.

When it comes to turnouts on the mainline's, do most pull into them or back in. My layout has two mainlines running next to each other, the outside main only has the crossovers going to the inside main.  The inside has two #6 turnouts that goes to the spurs. I'm assuming that the spurs get backed into, so car can get dropped off.

Do the modern trains of today use cabooses, if so how do they drop off cars in the line without leaving the caboose.

To the one's using XtrkCAD layout program:  How accurate is the train simulator, when comes to derailments and crashes.  What I've been trying to do is test the layout forwards and backwards to see if there are any problem in these areas.  Been running two trains next to each other with long cars to see if they will hit each other.  One train will jump to the other track and connect to the other train when that train passes it.

O.K. This was more then a couple!! but had to ask. 

Thanks
Les

Can any one recommend a good online store that has decent customer service,selection and shipping.  I have looked at quite a few sites, but not sure which one to use.  So I was hoping that I could find one from your experiences. 

Thanks
Les

I've been checking out the Computer Control System form CTI and have downloaded the manual, The EZ- Command is not one of the listed DCC systems that is compatible. Has any one tried using this system with the EZ-Command.

I'm a newbie to the hobby and would like to say Hi, and thank you in advanced for all up coming help and tolerance with the newbie questions.