whats the difference between atlas true track and atlas 83 code track in HO scale?

Thanks

How do you go about creating a track isolation, or a loop back on to itself using atlas track  is it just a question of using plastic rail joiners? 

Example i am talking about -  I ant to use a wye turnout to make a loop to turn the train around.  my question here is where would the isolation take place.  at the part of the track where there is only once connection to the main line, or where the wye turnout has 2 connections.

Thanks in advance

Atlas has a custom turnout "Atlas #562 #4 Custom-Line Turnout Code 83 HO",  what does this mean, a custom line turnout. 

I get that it allows you to turn a train onto a new track, but wat is custom about it?

Thanks

is it easier to purchase Atlas 83 code flex track and cut it to length or easier to get track lengths of 3 6 & 9" and smaller to fit in to place.

I ask as i am using anyrail to design a new layout and as a newbie i was curious to see which is easier, cutting flex track or using precut pieces

thanks

can anyone tell me the value of the rock island 2119 train 2-8-0 loco.  it has DCC already installed and runs perfectly.

I have seen online prices ranging from 120-190 but i am looking for a realistic price.  does it fall in between those 2 numbers or does it fall in the higher range or lower range.

what would you buy it for if i was to sell it to you?

Thanks

Can anyone provide me with information about this train - Walthers Proto 2000 NYC #4068 #920-31710 Sound

is this a good loco, a bad loco, what is the word about it.  i am trying to find it online and am having a difficult time.  maybe i am just looking in the wrong places, but google keeps pointing me to walthers website, and a couple other links that dont even show this loco

any input is greatly appreciated

Thanks

Which track offers the most, (rails, ties and roadbed), but looks the most realistic?

Or

Is it better to purchase track without and roadbed (atlas), add the cork or another style roadbed beneath the track and lay balast across the track?

From a time and effort standpoint it would seem that bachmann track, with the attached roadbed or a similar track type, is easiest.  but how real will it compare to the track you add the ballast to?

Thanks

Can anyone tell me how good or bad the Proto 2000 GP20 (LH) ATSF #1132 with Sound & DCC is as a first time DCC engine owner.  Pros and cons of it. 

I am reading about it but would like to hear from those that have used this engine.

Thanks

What is the rule of thumb for how many wheels per truck for the amount of radius in the turn

is it 4 wheels per truck minimum radius 18"
or
6 wheels per truck minimum radius 18"

is there a rule of thumb for how many wheels can be used on what radius of track?

Thanks

I want to know the best method for wiring track.  My current layout has 2 loops, inner and outer.  the inner loop turns over itself as you can see from the link below and the outer loop is plain and just goes around the outside portion of the table.

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee363/jsdranger/1970.jpg

My question here is, how can i distribute the power across the track?  Can i solder CAT5 wire to the track in 3-4 foot sections so the power is passed from one section to another?  is there different type of wire i should use instead?  to get power to the inside track, (E-Z track by Bachmann) i understand as long as the loops are connected somehow power is getting to it, but would it be a good idea to have 2 rerailers with power connection in the same location and run a wire between those 2 pieces of track to get more power to the inside loop?

what is the best method for wiring track only to distribute power throughout the track more efficiently?  right now i just have the power connected to a rerailer and that is it

And with wiring the track, when i go to DCC will that effect anything in regards to the DCC Locos and how they operate?

Thanks

I am looking for a DCC controller and from reading posts and asking questions i have narrowed down my search to the Digitrax Zephyr and the Bachmann Trains E-Z Command Dynamis Wireless Infrared Digital Command Control System

What i would like to know now, is which one is the better one and why?  all opinions are appreciated and will certainly help me make my decision that much easier hearing from the experts

On the one hand i like the digitrax zephyr because of the rotating handle (realism to me) for acceleration but is that one also wireless?  I like the E-Z command because it is wireless and it seems to be able to control many many trains simultaneously and offer 21 functions per train.

they are priced similarly, what are the real differences between the 2?

All information is greatly appreciated

Which locomotive, of the below, is an ideal starting point for a newbie to DCC. 
and can you recommend a DCC control system as well to control the train.  Also, can DCC controllers control a locomotive that does not have a DCC chip in it?

G67628 Athearn HO Genesis FP-45 SF/Freight #5941 w/DCC & Sound

G67602 Athearn HO Genesis F45 SF/Pinstripe #1936 w/ DCC & Sound

HO RTR B23-7 w/DCC & Sound SF #6396

PROTO 2000 HO Scale Diesel EMD E7A Powered with Sound and DCC 920-40972

Does Bachmann offer a train set that already has the DCC chips built in to the locomotive and is ready to run using a DCC controler out of the box. 

Example.  Is the Bachmann Trains Digital Commander Ready - To - Run DCC - Equipped Ho Train Set ready to run out of the box using a DCC controler?  I see that it says "ready-to-run DCC", but does that mean it is DCC ready and i have to add a chip to be fully DCC or do the locomotives already have the DCC chip in them and i can take them out of the box, program them to the DCC controler and i am off and running?

Please advise
Thank you
Jason

how does one go about changing horn hook couplers to the standard couplers on most bachmann trains?  I just purchased a ENGINE SANTA FE GP-38 LOCOMOTIVE MODEL and it came with horn couplers

is this an easy change or should a seasoned professional work on this?

thanks

I am running track over a Trainline(R) Bridge & Trestle Set - Kit - HO-Scale and wanted to know if the regular E-Z track can be used going over this or is there another type of track i should be using to go over it.  

The current track running across it is the track with the attached black ballast.

any tips or information on types of track to use over this type of bridge is appreciated.  or is the track i am using across this space the proper track to use.

my project is HO scale

Thanks in advance

I am looking for a rasp that works well with shaping foam, can anyone recommend a specific one.  Do i need a fine tooth rasp or are there other tools that are better suited for this type of forming of foam

Any help is appreciated

Thanks

What is the difference between the gray roadbed and black roadbed attached to the track?

I am in serious need of help!!!!!  I am far from an electrical person, and am having issues with wiring remote turnouts.

I am using E-Z track from Bachmann with the provided remote turnouts.  I purchased the golden spike track set and the Hobby Track Pack. 

I have set up an oval with turnouts connecting both sides of the oval so i have a big oval and a small oval.  My problem here is the wiring.  I have connected the remote turnout to the small provided switch with the 3 prongs coming out of the back of the switch plate and have done this for both remote turnouts.  I have connected the 2 turnouts together so they are paired and easy for switching when the time comes. 

My problem here now is how do i connect the remote turnout switches so that they work properly? 

Any help with pictures is greatly appreciated or a link to a website that has wiring for dummies is greatly appreciated.

Thanks