Quote from: skipgear on February 16, 2011, 06:03:38 PM
If you want sound in N, for the most part you have to do it yourself. There are a couple available with sound already though.

I'm still relatively new here... what do you mean by "do it yourself"?

Hi,

I am looking to make the switch from HO scale to N scale. I have been looking for SD70ACe locos with DCC and sound N-scale. In fact I don't seem to be able to find too many N-scale loco options with sound... What am I missing?

Cheers,

Hi,

I just got my new Bachmann Dynamis (upgrade from Bachmann EZ Command). Having a couple of issues with it:

1. When I start the Bachmann Dynamis connected to a straight piece of track (no turnouts and no loops) it takes about 4-5 minutes before it connects to the remote. During this time, the base station continues to blink the left light, an indicator of short or stop-button-press, even though neither the stop button is pressed nor is there a short on the track.

2. When I connect an EZ Track turnout to the track, the Bachmann Dynamis basically stops working and the left light on the base station continues to blink. The user guide says the following about EZ Track turnouts... What does it mean?


"If using Bachmann track products:

E-Z Track ® can be used without modification because the turnouts do not self
isolate.

Branchline track does self isolate. The turnouts can be modified simply by placing
staples (larger, staple gun type) at the locations indicated although permanently
wired connectors would be recommended for a permanent layout to ensure reliable
operation."

Quote from: jward on January 28, 2011, 05:25:17 PM
no disrespect to anybody but, buying an ez command is kinda like buying a digital camera without a memory card slot. you will quickly outgrow it, and have to get something a little better.

Nice quip. Now, if only someone had told me this before I went ahead and bought my EZ Command.

Anyway, based on the advice here I'm  thinking about returning my current EZ Command and getting in it's place an NCE Power Cab (about $150) over the weekend. I don't want to make the same mistakes twice: so if any of you have a better suggestion in mind (for the same price, of course), now would be a good time to let me know

Cheers,

Being new to all this, I got started with a Bachmann E-Z Command DCC controller. It is still within the 30 day return window. I paid about $80 for it and can get all of it back (less return ship).

Now that I am reading more about HO model trains (viva internet!) ... I see that there are more capable DCC controllers such as the Bachmann Dynamis or NCE Power Cab. However, these do cost a $100-200 more than my current controller.

Am wondering if I should return my E-Z Command and upgrade NOW or wait for a year or two and then upgrade? What can all can a Bachmann Dynamis or NCE Power Cab do beyond the basics? Is it worth it?

Any advice?

Hi,

I'm trying to build an elevated rail track to run above a base layer of tracks (think like the New York/Chicago subway lines which run over street / other tracks (in HO scale). However, I am having a hard time finding the piers to run the tracks on. Any thoughts/ suggestions?

Cheers,

Thanks - this is useful advice. Is there a standard look-up table which defines which describes how pulling power declines with gradient? Does the power of the loco (2 motor vs. 1 motor) help at all?

Cheers,

Thanks. Looks like the NCE Power Cab will be the way to go!

Hi,

Are there any general rules for incline gradients that I should keep in mind as I think about my layout? I read somewhere that it should not exceed 6%...? I think in prototype the gradient is much less?

Cheers,

Hi,

I'm looking for a DCC controller which can change the CV values on the train, but not for anything too expensive. Any recommendations? Wireless?

PS: as a starter, I bought the Bachmann E-Z Controller which I find cannot change CV values.

Cheers,
Saugata

Thanks. Looks like this is the single (pancake) motor version which I am trying to avoid?

Thanks - this is super helpful. Questions:

1. My initial online research indicates that Bachmann currently make something called the DD40AX (not the DDA40X). Are these the same thing?

2. It it seems from my initial online research that Bachmann previously made the DD40AX with a single motor, and a single/no-fly we. The current version has 2 motors and multiple flight meets. I'm looking to buy this online - is there anyway I can tell visually, which is the new version?

3. Bachmann's website doesn't seem to have a schematic/parts diagram for DD40AX. any ideas on where I might find one?

Quite correct. I am looking for 4 TRUCK diesel locos. Any recommendations outside of Bachmann perhaps? 

I am looking at the Athearn GE U50, a 4 truck DCC locomotive and like what I see. Problem is that it won't be available till 9/2011.

I am looking for an alternate 4 truck DCC loco in Bachmann (or even any other brand) that's available to ship now. I don't seem to be able to find anything - what am I missing?

Cheers,

I am new to HO scale model trains and just getting started.

I had ordered my first loco a couple of days ago (an Athearn) -- which I am now told is back-ordered / may not be in stock anytime soon.  Fortunately my tracks and DCC controller are shipping soon!

Which brings me to my question: any advice on a new loco -- am looking for my first loco here -- which meets the following criteria:

-- HO scale
-- should be able to run with DCC right out of the box (not DCC-compatible)
-- high quality replica (i.e., good level of detail)
-- power pickup and traction on all wheels
-- good quality motor with flywheel
-- at least 6 axles (OK, I can live with 4)
-- sounds NOT important at all
-- color/design/logo not important
-- available (i.e., not a future release)

Would be great if you could give me 2 recommendations: 1. as low priced as possible while meeting those criteria; 2. price no constraint

Thanks in advance! I need to buy something quick to go on my tracks!!!

Cheers,