Motor does not draw a lot... most people do not pull more than one car if any.

Certain HO decoders will handle a constant current of around 2 amps... like Zimo... which also handle the higher DCC voltage needed in Large Scale.

I'd look for a rating of 2 amps continuous, that would be enough for reliable running and pulling the occasional car.

Also 27 volt max rating on the decoder... per NMRA large scale standard..   (it's 27 or 28, I forget now)

elevate the layouts to childs eye level...

put the floor "posts" and plastic chain or webbing between them, making the layout just out of reach.

Kids don't think about "that is not welcoming", kids are kids and live in the here and now.

Some are well brought up, some are not. If you really feel there is a need for hands on, put a small oval on the floor, buy a few eggliners, let them circulate, you can add some 2 axle aftermarket cars to go with the eggliners...

Just as a helpful add on, I moderate a popular Large Scale forum (and several others)

We have a huge increase in spammers joining the forum and immediately offering things for sale that just happen to exactly match a new "wanted" request.

Be careful and ask questions... if you "go" somewhere and you get any hint of something wrong, walk away... activity is up...

Greg

Inexpensive beauty brushes will clear dust in tight corners with no damage...

https://www.amazon.com/Professional-Brushes-Foundation-Concealers-Storage/dp/B0FDKNVV46?ie=UTF8&keywords=beauty+brushes&ASIN=B0FDKNVV46&sprefix=beauty+brushes%2Caps%2C181&s=bazaar&sr=8-11&crid=1V9HV611THYOM&qid=1765820387&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.HjHCWYoieVlpTfGr34XsfwVU7Z4Ed7q15oOwurMDaJoRvwJ6-beC03uNFY0C8Yae0wrt5ewHrwQQ9JasYzCcZIf9LQI5ZSLAFtFQezTlOUn6nCfHh1MZtrSbtCpiEex8lAgFzZjwTBrFH7uyTJdfYg_I4bLouaR6AbamH__kw3QZ9EMibNxk-X9J36nQEnE_BBj790c64k3tV6S7hKVFCyonSvZ9x52MBeWJvEuI_fF57BUV4EOGiYhSAtBqJ-g8Trdated2dHD_-naBgr6jCLepTYv1Xbcuq5FUoNhkoBM.iulafEA6LE7G3w5MiAgh1obGY_HkFjwdnXF0obzuBLo&dib_tag=se

I usually use them dry, but Endust, or I often spritz armorall..

yeah, did not look carefully... I guess their smoker does not pull much juice... sorry for the mistake... again thanks for making the schematic...

the lpc device has a max hold current of 1.6 amps... you might trip it if you have the smoke on and the motor under load.

Great and helpful work! Thanks!

Great! so nothing more than a regulated 5v supply to power to an optical sensor and outputs from that sensor triggering a sound card somewhere else.

so the trigger connector is an output, not an input...

Thanks!

Greg

Believe me, you need a new gear, the gear cannot be repaired to last.

I know it does not just bolt in, you have to mod the loco, but I was under the impression it was the custom painting of the Emmett Kelly loco and associated cars that make the unique circus train that was to be retained.

If it was just any old battery operated big hauler, I would have advised to throw it away and start over with a nice used loco of non-battery vintage.

Looking at the paint job on the loco, perhaps an "ordinary" Big Hauler could be painted to match...

Several ways to skin this cat (sorry kitty!)

Greg

Well, the best thing is probably get a new chassis from Bachmann with the much improved drivetain

Find an old loco for cheap and take the part, paint as needed.

Track curve "diameters" and "radius" is measured center of track to center of track.

I have no clue on the "layouts".

Is there a link you can publish for reference?

I looked at the exploded diagram and it was hard to determine which were the springs in the drawing.

Did you call the Bachmann parts dept?