QuoteI bought the E-Z Command Plus and went back to my standard E-Z Command. I didn't like the "infinite" throttle. I didn't care for the additional function stuff because I just like the simplicity.

This is good info.  I didn't know that the EZ plus uses an "infinite" type throttle.

QuoteEZ Command vs Dynamis should not be an either/or decision.

I agree wholeheartedly.  I'm still on the fence as to whether to purchase the Dynamis.  Mainly cause there isn't much of a review on this system from US users.  The European hobbyist seem to like the Dynamis from my research, but I'm not going to go into their likes or dislikes. 

When I moved to the EZ command it was a no brainer.  I being, what I call an "intermediate modeler", that is, not obsessed with functionality, but a stickler when it comes to layout details and having the obsession to change the layout on the fly unlike the more experienced modelers who do not make massive changes in their layouts.  The EZ command thus far, has been easy to make layout adjustments without a hassle. 
As Dr McCoy stated in Star Trek, "I know engineers, they're always changing things".  That's me, in a nutshell.  Having a fancier DCC controller where I'd only use its basic operations would, in my case, be overkill.  It would be like owning a Corvette, Porsche, or Ferrari and only driving it in rush-hour traffic.

Lastly, I thank all for your comments, keep'em coming.  This forum is still the best of the forums I read.

Interesting!
 I agree, some folks want a shorter loop track.  My loop isn't as circular as your diagram shows.  My track is more squarish or rectangular.  I have to admit that I use the coupler insulators instead of the gapped track that Bachmann provides.

You've got me thinking!  How close does the gap (or gap track) need to be to the connection switch?    That is, couldn't you have the gap further into the curve and still have the loop function?

Is the Dynamis controller getting a bad rap?
I performed a more in-depth search on the four models of EZ command controllers, I also did this for other manufacturers (not included here).   What I've concluded is that the EZ command (like everyone has been informing me) is a basic system.  Okay, great, I understand that based on the table below.  The controllers I have are the "discontinued" ones, or the catalog just doesn't list their model numbers.  The EZ Command Plus seems to have basically the same functions as my controllers.   

When I compare the Dynamis to the EZ Command there is a significant difference.  As one forum member indicated the Dynamis is a "Standard DCC system".  I take issue with that since, if you buy a "standard car" it will have four wheels, doors, and engine/motor, headlights, and maybe a radio.  The EZ command to me is that "Standard DCC system".  The Dynamis is an, for all practical purposes, an "Advance system".  Just like an "Enhanced Car" that has the standard features and also have GPS, Bluetooth, premier sound system, front and rear cameras, fancy keys for ignition, you get the picture.

So, in my travels around the US visiting the few model railroad clubs and asking questions about the controllers they use (of course, most know that answer) I'm still at a lost as to why the Dynamis isn't one of the controllers being used.

Dynamis vs EZ Command

|    select       |  E-Z Command  |     EZ Command      | Dynamis    | Dynamis Pro    |                     |  (discontinued) |       (Plus)                 |                   |           ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Max number |         2                |          2                     |     1            |      128    |  of Cabs         |                          |                                 |                   | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Max number |         2                |          2                     |     1            |     128    | of Addresses |                           |                                 |                   | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | 2 or 4 digit    |         2                |          2                     |     1            |    128    |  Addresses    |                           |                                 |                   | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Consist          |       Max 3*         |            ?                   |     40          |      40    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |Speed Control|       Knob           |         Knob               |  Joystick     |  Joystick ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |  Current        |       1.0 Amp      |         1.0 Amp          |  2.5 Amp    | 4.0 Amp ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Support for    |        Yes              |        Yes                   |     Yes         |    Yes    | Walkaround   |                           |                                 |                   | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | DC controller |        Yes              |        No                   |       ?         |     ?    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Support for    |        Yes              |        Yes                   |     Yes         |    Yes    |Power Booster|                            |                                |                   | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Support for    |        3 or 4          |       3 or 4               |    >4            |  >4  |Sound Decoder|      functions     |    functions             | functions    | functions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ | Accessory      |      Limited by     |     Limited by         |      ?             |    ?  | decoder         |       Current         |     Current              |                    | | Capability      |        capacity       |      capacity            |                    | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------                  | Number of     |        Max 10        |        10 or ?            | > 10            |  > 10  | CV functions  |      functions       |       functions         | functions    | functions ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            | Wireless         |    No                   |        No                  |   Optional    |  Yes | Capability      |                            |                               |                     |  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            | Computer      |        No                |        No                  |   Optional    |  Yes | Control          |                             |                               |                     |    | Capability      |                             |                               |                     |  ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------            | Warranty       |       1 year           |         1 year             |    1 year       |  1 Year    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Notes:  ? -indicates ambiguous information, unable to definitively determine
            > -indicates varying information sources, but definitely greater than the number given
            *  -indicates my experience with EZ command with 3 locomotives
          --- -Based on the Bachmann 2024 catalog, the Basic EZ command (model 44932 & 44901)
                 were deemed discontinued, replaced by EZ Command Plus


References:
This forum search "Dynamis".
Programming Long addresses With EZ Command
Converting to DCC.
Model Train forums websites - several
U-Tube search on "Dynamis"
Google search via European Model trains by Bachmann

PS. If you are wondering why I'm traveling down this path.  I am worried that the Bachman company might give up on advancing their basic controllers.  The EZ plus maybe just a step away from becoming an advanced version of itself.  I don't want Bachmann to can (quit) that advancement like they did the Walk-around.   

All opinions/corrections/etc. welcome...
 

The model numbers (44829 and 44899) that you were referring to are "N" scale track.

There is an easier way to gap tracks for a return loop.  It's slightly more pricey but you don't have to cut EZ track.  Bachmann's 9-inch Terminal with Insulated Gap Track is easy to use.  It's model 44597.  The plus behind it, is you can still use it as a regular 9-inch straight track even with the gap, and that's just by closing the connections on it's bottom base.

Hope that helps.

QuoteI believe the answer is yes to both questions.

I got that much, but what some of us ole Bachmann users would like to hear is, "Does the Dynamis user(s) consider this system worth its weight in gold, per say?"   U-tube on the Dynamis doesn't provide any incentives, from my point of view, with the exception that it does what those who have the "upgraded, or professional level, or the anti-knob systems have".

QuoteIf you want more than that, you have to get a more advanced DCC system.

Being the person that I am, I really like the basic system, it performs quite well, in that, all the extras do not seem to enhance by desires.  The little kids (and maybe one day my grandkids) really enjoy the simpleness of EZ command.  What I do have interest in, is the "Dynamis" and maybe its because it's directly compatible with the existing EZ command, or just that I may have an affection for Bachmann.   But what I do not understand is that my friends and even ones on this forum are pushing a change to the (what most call) "more advance" systems.
I comment on this same issue in Topic forum "Converting to DCC"
Performing a search on "Dynamis" on this forum provided some information.  According to topics in 2007, the Dynamis was introduced in Europe first, then sometime later introduced in the US.   The forum topics regarding Dynamis stopped in 2016. 

My curiosity may kill the cat, but why noone seems to support the Bachmann Dynamis system gives my that "why"?

There will be a continuation of this Dynamis discussion in a new forum topic.

 

QuoteEZ command is basically DCC training wheels

Ok, I have to defend Bachmann on this one.  The EZ command is a basic DCC system, I'll admit that.  It's not a training system.  Yes, if you set the CV's on another system, the EZ command can support its use, provided one uses single digit CV's.  I've had the EZ Command for quite some time without issues.  My one sound locomotive works with the EZ command, not that I use it that much. 

Bachmann introduced the "Dynamis" system (I haven't bought it yet) but was looking into that system which does have the features that everyone seems bent on having.  (In another post, I ask for anyone that has the Dynamis to kinda give their thoughts on its use.  No response as of this post)

Disclaimer: I'm not professing that Bachmann is the greatest, nor the worse, and I'm not being paid to support or refute any Bachmann products. 

For additional info: Programming Long addresses With EZ Command    

Let me get this straight, consisting involves two or more locomotives on the same train with many train cars.  Consisting two or more locomotives on the same train with the locomotives placed in different locations of the train is also considered "consisting".   That is, one locomotive at the front, then another locomotive could be located in the middle, or at the back end of the train.  This is also considered consisting.  Is that correct, cause Wikipedia doesn't distinguish the locomotives.  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Train#Terminology

Then when I run my dummy locomotives behind my powered locomotives, the dummy locomotives are called DIC (dead in consist)?

This brings up a question.  The Bachmann (Model 36508) EZ Command Dynamis Wireless DCC System can handle multiple addresses?  That is, be programmed with long addresses?  Also the Dynamis also can program/control the multiple CV's like other manufacturers.

Inquiring minds would like to know are there any Dynamis users out there?

I ran into this same problem where I wanted the EZ track to match up to a slight incline on my layout.  All of the EZ track short sections were either too short or too long.  This is where the Flex track comes in.  If it's a slight curve flex track can be cut to fit.  If it's a short piece of straight track then the Atlas straight track can be cut down to fit.  The best part is that the EZ track does not need to be modified.  That's right, you do not need to cut into the connector of the EZ track.  The atlas and flex track will attach directly to the EZ using a connector pin piece.  The other connector piece is supplied from the EZ track.
Financially, EZ track is expensive, the Atlas and Flex is much more economical and cutting them up to make EZ track fit in my view, provide the least expense.
Hope this helps.

As always, I'm late to the conversation....

Quote...I have a few DC engines from back in the Jurassic that I'd like to run sometimes....

Quote...I understand why people want to try to keep partial DC, to keep locomotives they've already invested in. But really, it's like graduating from elementary school to high school....

My experience: If you have a large enough layout, you could keep both the DC and the DCC systems.  And yes, you could just install a DPDT switch as suggested, or separate the two electrical systems, DC and DCC from one another.  Two entirely separate tracks electrically isolated.  I wanted to keep my old "steam locomotives" which I hardly run, and the few DC diesels that I have, and they are on a separate (although short length of track).  This is what I call my museum pieces.  I can operate them, it's just that they don't go far.   My DCC track is the mother of all layouts and for the most part, I never left elementary school with the DC, but jumped directly to graduate school with DCC.  I will need you guys to let me know if I ever move from either elementary, high, or higher in this modeling career.

If you decide on the DPDT, make sure it's a "break before make" switch.  This will ensure the two power sources to not make contact with each other.   There will be an instance where someone will forget to turn off the power supplies and switch that DPDT. which is an accident waiting to happen.  Also understand that there are some models of DPDT switches that are made to make continuous contact when switching from one to source to another.  (Like switching systems from say, a DC battery supply to a DC power source.  It's called an uninterruptible power switching, where switching that DPDT switch does not cause a loss of power).
...and if you are wondering did I do that, no, but my kids did.  That's why I now have two separate power systems on my layout.

QuoteCan you imagine what would happen on the real railroads if the engineer had to keep running from unit to unit adjusting throttle settings?

That's why it's so much fun, it isn't a real railroad!  I know... real railroaders need that matching, remember they are doing it for efficiency and well human factors.  But since it's a model, having to make those adjustments manually adds to the excitement and actions that only the few "never been on/worked on a real railroad" can enjoy. 
This is the best part: With two engines addressed differently in a consist, one can speed up or slow down using different throttles.  In my case, I have the EZ controller and the other is the EZ walkaround (discontinued).  This may seem archaic to professionals (those who use those more fancy controllers) but having that basic speed knob makes it quite easy to control during consisting.  It can get really exciting when you hand one controller of  that consist to a kid.

I think I just learned a new term "doubleheading"!

For those who are economically strapped, like myself, there is an alternative to purchasing the "Coupler height gauge".
If you are a user of the EZ track, the Bachmann Hayes Bumper (model 44791) from my experience, the actual bumper is a perfect way to determine if your car is at the correct height.  The Hayes Bumper stop should hit the coupler of the car in the center.  When it does that, you can be sure the car coupler height will be where it should be.
See gauge image in Topic (click for image)
or
use that Bachmann EZ track Hayes bumper.
 

I'll say it again.  Thank goodness the Diesel engine has taken over; two-way radios are the norm, and three points of contact has been emphasized in the safety of personnel.
It's interesting noting the changes in safety of personnel from that time period to today, but we're still fighting today the risks people take in performing work.

Interesting video though.

The quick answer to your question is: Yes, you can daisy chain feeder tracks back to the original power source.

First Question to actually ask is, Do you really need the extra feeders?  If your EZ track is new, and the track connections are quite tight, then you may not need the extra feeders (This is based on how far the oval section is from the power source).  If you are experiencing locomotive slowing down, lights dimming when at the farthest from the power source, then adding a feeder at that far end is needed. (This also means that the track connection resistance is high). 

So, if extra feeders are needed that is easy to do with the rerailer (model 44502).  You may have to use the straight rerailer (model 44510) just before the curve track if you are using curved EZ track other than the 18-inch curve.

For these connections (simple diagram):

                          Track                                Track                                 Track
  Power }  ------- | |--------------------------- | |--------------------------- | |---------------------- for
source }   ------- | |--------------------------- | |--------------------------- | |--------------------- additional
                          Rerailer                            Rerailer                             Rerailer                              Feeders

Also ensure that the connectors are the correct polarity, that is, positive to positive and negative to negative.  Understand that the EZ track rerailers have connections on both sides of the track (roadbed) as shown in the simple diagram above.

Hope this helps.