Sorry to hear of your eBay misrepresented purchase. I try to avoid eBay, but the prices are so intriguing.

So, good question would be: If I were to purchase a used loco, what would I ask and what should I check for?

Also, are there any good sites on DIY loco repair, maintenance? Like I've posted elsewhere, I just got the Digital Commander twin diesel loco set but have YET to crack the shrinkwrap. It's my kid's gift, but I want to keep it under wraps before his b-day. I am thinking I might just jump on some used trains I've seen on craigslist to practice some maintenance on.

I too am interested since I have a set of Nickel EZ tracks and was wondering about mixing with Steel.

Is there any hard numbers to use or is it more testing? Will a multimeter help?

Great info, Jim. Do you know if there is some sort of DC to DCC conversion checklist? I saw a basic one in the latest Garden Railway mag. But I was thinking along the lines of someone finding a garage sale gem and then deciding to modernize it.

Again, thanks for the info Jim and all.

Basically, I was totally perplexed where to jump into the hobby, seeing the O gauge. HO and N scales. N scale seemed to small, I was at the Houston Train Show earlier in March and saw some really small trains on some great layouts...but I wanted to see more detail. I don't have the space for the O gauge. So back to where I was 25 years ago...when I had a Tycho set.

Also, as a tip...I bought this set at a local Hobby Lobby with a 40%-off coupon... and the checkout girl flubbed up on the price and gave it to me for under $40.00 including discount. OH YEAH, don't tell me that I am keeping this set as a starter.

Jim: Thanks for the warning re: being addicted. Too late, I'm not sure if there is a 12 step plan available...even if there was one, i'm never telling the wife.

I live in Houston, TX and the weather here is very tropical. Track conditions could be very difficult to maintain and I wanted to start out with a battery run garden scale train to get it going immediately. Does Bachmann have other battery powered large scale lines? I didn't notice any on quick inspection. How difficult is it to convert track powered large scales to battery run R/C or DCC?

Hello all,

I just purchased the Digital Commander set. Since I have NEVER purchased my own train set before (my first Tyco set was a gift) I don't have a clue other than knowing that DCC is the way I wanted to start out.

Anyone have any suggestions with this set? Tracks that are compatible, power issues, etc?

I've read everyone stating that the EZ Commander is a good entry platform and that is where I want to start. I didn't want to spend a lot at first since the last thing I need is to have expensive scale paper weights.

I might also add,  I am not opening the box for a few months since this is mainly my 4 yr old's set, even though I know he won't be the one playing with it all of the time! 

Hello, All.

First time post, long time fan.

I just acquired a used Big Hauler G Scale Radio Controlled set. Naturally, no manual was in the box.

Are there links for downloading manuals or do they need direct ordering to Bachmann support?

I'd like to run this outdoors on metal track; several websites suggested swapping out the plastic trucks with metal. Any suggestions or links on removal and installation, part numbers, reconditioning with new grease, actual take-apart-procedures, etc?

Thanks. I've also recently purchased an HO Scale Digital Commander Set that I will post in the other forum.