Hi Rich - sure could use some advice on how to post a couple of photos as the two I have are too large to post.  Any suggestions?

Hi everyone,

I am no expert modeler, but decided to try and convert the wood load in the tender on the UP 119 4-4-0 (bought it ~4 years ago before Bachmann issued a new one with coal).  I first tried to see if I could remove the wood, but wasn't sure if it would expose the decoder if I did.  So I went for a much more cruder method, and it seemed to work fine.  I applied some scenics cement to the wood in the tender with a small paint brush, and then carefully sprinkled some mine run coal (both cement and coal from Woodland Scenics).  Finally, I sprayed some of the scenic cement on to the coal, and had to fill in a couple of spots here and there since the mine run coal is very fine and some moved when it was sprayed.  But all in all, it looks pretty good.  I debated using their lump coal, but was surprised how well it turned out using the finer grade. I'm sure there are better and more accurate ways to do this, but it seemed to do the job.

Thank you Terry, and Jeff - layout is completely flat so no grades to contend with

Hi everyone - can anyone tell me approximately how many of the old time passenger cars these engines should pull?  I currently have 4 passenger cars and was thinking of expanding to 6, but not sure if this is too many cars.....thanks!

The resistor did the trick, although it was still not evident that the program track was reading the decoder.  But once I wrote the new address on the program track and moved the engine to the mainline, the new address responded.

Thanks everyone for the great advice, and I think I will try the resistor.  I don't think it's a bad decoder since the Audio Assist allows me to reset the decoder, and it works fine but the address also gets reset to 3.

Can anyone tell me how to program either the Streamlined PRR K4 or the ACS-64 using either the Digitrax DCS51 or BLI Address Changer?  The BLI Address Changer does change the address, but the engines run backwards.  I contact TCS, Digitrax, and BLI and get different answers from all three companies!  Digitrax says to program on the mainline in OPS mode, but no luck there as it won't even read the decoder.  TCS says not to program on the mainline, but the programming track doesn't recognize the decoder in any of the programming modes.  TCS also says that CV29 controls the direction of the locos and to change that, but can't since the DCS51 isn't reading at all.  Finally, BLI says that their address changer will work with any NMRA compliant decoder, and it does since I've had success with many other decoders.

Finally, I've read on several websites to put a 1K ohm resistor on the programming track, but Digitrax did not address that when I asked.  Any help would be greatly appreciated....thank you!

Thanks GN.2-6-8-0 and Trainman203 for the great suggestions!

I recently purchased 2 UP cars at a train show that are in pretty bad shape.  The only thing I can't find are replacement handrails for the ends of the cars.  I've searched online but can only seem to find handrails for engines.  Any ideas on a supplier?  I can probably find something at a Home Depot or Lowes, but would like to find as close to original as I can.

Thanks Jon and the reset did the trick!

Thanks Joe - very much appreciate the advice and I will give it a try.  I thought about doing a reset but wanted to hear from someone with more experience than me.  I have a Digitrax DCS 51 with a DCS 100 booster, and I have several Bachmann SoundValue engines (and other brands too) and besides a Broadway Limited steam engine, I've had no other problems for the past 5 years.  Thanks again and Happy New Year!

Hi Joe - the reset worked great and the engine is running fine again.

I have the PRR version, and today it completely stopped moving, but the sounds all work.  This is the second time it's happened (Bachmann replaced the decoder the first time), and I was wondering if anyone else has had this problem.  If not, what is the compatible decoder so I can install a quality one myself?

Many thanks!

Thanks Hunt!  It was the middle 3 or 4 that I wasn't sure of.

Can someone tell me what effect each of the function keys do?  The quick start guide only lists steam and diesel, but the GG1 is electric.

Thanks for your help!

I recently purchased the UP DCC version and it doesn't seem to go very fast.  I have a Digitrax DCS51 and other engines increase power with no problem.  The 4-4-0 won't increase speed above 3.  I've contacted Bachmann to see if I need to change a CV, but they were really no help.  Is this normal for this engine, or should I send it back?  By the way, I too am experiencing a little wobble.

Thanks for your help!