Speed matching!  Doesn't it take the fun out of railroading?  Now if you talking about having two engines on the same track and you want these two to stay spaced apart as they move around the track, that's one thing.   But if you are using them in a consist configuration, that's where all the fun is.  You can take either the first and/or the second engine and manually control their speed as a part of the fun to keep them at an equal stance with one another.  The real fun comes in descending or ascending a grade where one will engine may need assistance to support the other.  To me that's a lot of fun keeping pace with the movement of the entire train, and it's an artist that can control both engines, keeping them from jerking along, but produce smooth movement. 

Quote....The use of 18" radius curves in an S curve without a straight of at least 6 inches is a well-known source of derailments, yet it is a mistake most beginners seem to be attracted to like moths to a candle.

The reason for that mistake, is that the most used and most available EZ track curve is the 18- inch radius.   For added information, another mistake beginners make (and no one informs them of this) is using that second curved track as a siding for staging cars.  What they don't recognize is that it's hard to couple and uncouple a car in the curve.  The advice is not to use either curve track as a staging for cars.  Should be used mainly for leapfrogging or engine personnel changeouts, or as a second mainline.

You have the new Command Plus controller (Model 44933) unfortunately that newer model the manufacturer removed the ability to have an additional DC controller for other functions.  I have the older models  (model 44901).

In my case, what I have done was to separate my track power from my accessory power, i.e. track switches, track lighting, track signals, etc.  What this does is to allow maximum power to reach the locomotives via the EZ Command Controller, thereby this controller will not see any degradation from switching operations.  If you have a model train transformer (any model will work) it can provide the DC or AC power that is needed for track switches .  Bachmann still produces the  DC power pack controller (model 44212) which can provide power to the switches and other accessories on your layout.

As for your specific question,  how much track and how many turn outs can you use?  It depends.  If you are using the track for power to your switches, and running a train or two the farther the away the switches are from the power source the track resistance (track connections) will increase enough to cause intermittent operation of said switches. If your switches are DCC then power feeders would definitely improve switching of distance switches.  As mentioned it is an expected condition to use power feeders (not use the track for switch power) when switches are at a good distance from the power source.  The EZ command 5-amp booster (44910) is for intermediate users where more than 3 locomotives are simultaneously being run.

It is my belief that one of Bachmanns biggest errors was to discontinue its walkaround controller.  Maybe if more modelers like yourself inform Bachmann of this disconnect, that maybe they'll bring it back. 

Lastly, if your desire is to be a professional modeler then moving to other controllers would be in order.  I'm an intermediate modeler, that is, not quite the professional or club oriented type, but much more than the entry level or beginner modeler.  Bachmann controllers are in that beginning and intermediate level.  Just know that Bachmann does have a more advanced controller, called Dynamis. 

Hope this answers your questions.

For additional controller information click on these topic queries:
E-Z Command Plus I/O Port
Started by RedMt Dave, January 12, 2024, 03:09:02 PM
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Running a DC train with the EZ Command plus
Started by jdeilus, January 21, 2024, 07:16:28 PM
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Ez comand plus as a companion
Started by Emt117, December 29, 2023, 11:41:22 AM

Do you have any plans to connect simulated or actual wires from the substation to the transmission towers? 

QuoteConvert your layout to DCC ASAP.  Trying to run DCC engines on a DC layout is really awkward, literally a square peg and round hole kind of thing, possible, but not truly intended.

I know I'm late to this discussion, but I just could not resist adding my two cents.

Trainman's quote is spot on.  I stopped running my DCC locos on DC, awhile back.  I didn't want to give up my historical collection of DC loco's so I set up a totally separate DC track, just for them.  Although it's quite short, I call it my museum section. I hardly run them since my larger track is DCC and on top of that I'm expanding it.  I only have 1 Bachmann with sound  but having sound doesn't spark any new desire.... I'll say at least not yet. 

My analysis of sound decoders and installing them.  The cost in my mind is still not equitable whether you "do it yourself" or buying a new one. 

Hopefully there is some perspective in this that may help ...or not.

I like your venting.  I, being only occasionally reading this forum, found that your questioning on small switching locomotives interesting.   I have asked that same question in a prior forum discussion, and of course received an answer that a 44 tonner would ship sometime this year. (See "GE 44 tonner by Bapguy 11/23/23")   
Hopefully this locomotive is still on the books and I'm hoping they use the BNSF or Norfolk Southern names/logo.

My old one (still works, image in Bapguy topic) in DC and have visions of converting it to DCC unless Bachmann produces what has been told to wait for. 

Wow, this is cool.... Does anyone know how large his layout was?

March 2024 update.....
For those Bachmann collectors. Here's something to check out.
In my travels around the southwest, I came upon and purchased some more of this (what I call unique) specimens by Bachmann.  The loader shovel by Hitachi below.

Then there is the motor grader by Mitsubishi.


From the back of Bachmann packaging (see above) I'm going to try to obtain the Hydraulic Excavator (probably by Hitachi) and the Hitachi Hydraulic Excavator.   Since my layout will be of the modern era, the bulldozers and shovel I am not going to try to obtain since these three do not have ROPS.   Bad for safety and basically too old for my layout.

P.S. if someone could inform me on how to get the images to space closer together, that would be of great help.

Bummer... This may entice me to get into kit-bashing. 

There you have it!  We're all either experienced or have a pretty good idea about the hobby.  In order to keep anything alive, such as this model hobby, you have to have newcomers (Religions of any kinds base their longevity (business model) to newcomers).   These new hobbyists are the ones keeping that statement and this quote alive

Quote"...The ironic thing is that in many cases a good locomotive will cost about the same as a poor one."

Why, because that new hobbyist doesn't know the difference.    Yes, the manufacturers have gotten better quality trains and train sets.  It all then comes back to the newcomers.  Can they afford it, will their kids want them. 
What I am experiencing is watching my grown kids.  When they come over, their interest hasn't changed.  They see me building my layout and model train setup but are not truly engaged.  As my oldest son tells me, " I could build an entire train set/empire on the computer and it's also on Xbox and Playstation."   I tell him that it doesn't feel real, it's only on the computer screen.  How do you touch and move scenery?  He tells me that changes to the scenery are just a point and click away. 

I could go on and on, but my "ace in the hole" is praying that I will have, someday, grandkids who I can mold with my train set, like I can with some friends and relatives' kids.
I want this hobby to continue...but it will need newcomers.

 Thanks for clarifying that.  I just wonder if the railroads call that parallelogram... a diamond, what would they call a real diamond?
 

Bachmann made the "O scale"  Plasticville Turnpike Interchange (model 45601).  Also labeled "All American Turnpike".

 Was it also manufactured in HO scale?   

Okay-got it, it's not a road/track crossing.  I'm sorry, if it's a track crossing, then where is this "diamond"?   I see X's, I see lines crossing, but I don't see a "diamond"?

I have not tried to connect lights to my DCC track power.  I take that back.  I do have lights on my Hayes bumpers (44593) that are connected to the DCC track power.   I have been specializing in keeping all lighting from the track DCC power. 
 Frankly, I wonder if my DCC controller could handle any additional current draw other than the locomotives. 

As for the zener diode, know this.   A diode is a semiconductor that conducts current in a single direction only.  Mainly used to convert AC into DC.  Where a zener diode conducts current in both forward and reverse current directions.  If a normal diode is placed to function in reverse, it will fail.   If a zener diode is placed to function in reverse current, it will conduct in both positive and negative directions and that's normal expectation of the zener diode.   Yes, zener diodes come in many different sizes.  The ones I worked with were of the 250 amp in 480 V to 12 KV applications.

That's about the best I can do for you.   Keep us informed if you pursue this venue, I haven't been involved in the very small zener diodes.

Sorry I couldn't help more...

Now that's what I call "hitting the nail on the head".    From manufacturer requirements, lawsuits run amok from product misuse by consumers, chauvinistics in the hobby, and the public view that it's an older generation keeping the hobby alive.

That's the kind of degrading information that has and still is killing Nuclear Power.  That is, manufacturer requirements (high cost of material and labor), lawsuits from the anti-nuclear consumers, limited desire/appeal from both sexes toward nuclear power, and the public pressing the government to not keep this power source alive and the older generation losing its influence to keep it alive.

If that isn't synonymous with model train hobby then I don't know what is.

I'm doing my part to keep the hobby alive, but I'm also consider as one of the older generations.