Sorry I don't log in on this forum as often as others do, but when I do, ...I must say "wow", that
the responses are incredible.  Anyway, I'm kinda a neat freak, after working 40 years in my work environment kinda makes one think like work.  "A clean work bench is a safe workbench".
The guy in Baton Rouge with his bench working in another area, would be great for me, but alas, I don't have the work space for that.  As for having placing or performing work on the kitchen table, my wife would go nuclear/postal/you name it on me.  Let alone the fact that DCC decoders with sound make noise ...but in the kitchen?

I kinda like the idea of having only a few engines with sound, since all of my layout will be in the same room.  Like it was stated "...having to deal with a room full of diesels idling, including those on the other end of the railroad, i.e., across the 16 x 20 ft room (layout) that is supposed to be a hundred miles away" makes sense to me.  Let alone the added cost of the high price sound decoders.  I wonder why Bachmann doesn't sell cheaper versions of the sound decoders.

Anyway, after careful consideration of all the responses, I committed to one day convert a few of my old locos with maybe a DCC simple decoder.  I also will do something a little different in that, my workbench will be part of the train layout, where one leg will enter/exit the workbench area. That area can also be my track programming area.  Just remember too much noise will wake a sleeping beauty.

This brings up another topic, that I'll address in the general discussion area. 

Hummm,
In a different post I second your coupler fix, but I use I use the red Kadee (208) instead of the grey (209).     
Should I rethink use of the red over the grey?  My red ones, seem to work fine, but if the grey ones work better, I'm all for it.  What's your experience with the red ones, if any.

This info you are about to encounter may not help your direct question(s), but it may help you re- think how you use EZ command track power and accessory power.

When I moved all of my power systems over to DCC, I had issues with all of the non-DCC track turnouts operating as I would expect.  I decided not to invest the time to determine why the non-DCC Bachmann tracks sometimes worked and sometime not work.  I decided to separate the track power totally from the turnout power and any accessories attached.  This means that only the EZ command controller powers only the track and the DCC track turnouts.  All of my non-DCC turnouts and accessories are on a separate power supply.  This solved my intermittent turnout problems, and I haven't needed to add a power booster for running 3 trains.  Bachmann, I believe, only recommends 2 trains on one EZ command controller.  Mine you, my layout was 8 x12.  I'm expanding that layout currently to a 14 x 20 where I expect that a bus feeder and the power booster will be needed. 

Hopefully this might provide some rethinking on your power expectations.

Just so you know, I did benefit from your advice.  Thanks.

I second your drooping coupler fix.  The only difference for me is that I use the red Kadee (208)
instead of the grey (209).

All good questions.  Would like to know what you eventually found as the culprit.

Update:
Okay, I was expecting concerned on the standards that the Fleischmann track presents.  I could not find any info on the Fleischmann track as to its Code specifications.  The Bachmann EZ track is code 100.  The Fleischmann track still is a question as to what its specification is.  It may not even be an issue.   
A point that was brought up,  will the Fleischmann 3-way have an issue with use of DCC.  That's something that concerns me now.   I'm looking into the manual version of the 3-way.  So the electric switch issue is of no concern. 
 
I looked at the Fleischmann catalog and I could not find any info as to its use with DCC power. 
This is where Bachmann should fill in the gap and create an EZ track 3-way, my wishful thinking.

As for mating the two tracks, I really hate having to break off a good connector on my EZ tracks, since I'm constantly modifying the layout for all kinds of reasons.

Quote"I use a heavy-duty staple to keep dissimilar track from separating from the EZ-Track."

The main reason I love the EZ track is that I do not have to tie the track down with glue or nails.  The surrounding ground cover does it almost magically.  For instance, when a curve is made with the EZ track, I use my shrubbery to provide that support, and if that doesn't work well, then I place a nail underneath the track at both connection points, not through the track.  Yes, I use foam board, so the nails are easily placed and removed, thus without damaging the EZ track.

Moving on, I figure that if its HO scale it should mate with the EZ track rails fairly easily... Am I correct in this statement?  Or should I try looking at some other manufacturer's 3-way track.  The reason I chose the Fleis track is because it has a ballast/roadbed like Bachmann's, just not as thick.
 

In my opinion all of the previous responses are good.  I used to have all Atlas track, and still use them in small places on my layout.  So don't rid yourself of the track you already have.  If you do decide to move to EZ track, that track you already have will come in handy in the future.

Good luck and have the most fun of all....modeling till your hearts content.

From a earlier query from Mr. Yard Master I have another question. 

Will the EZ command Plus (44933) work with the discontinued EZ command walkaround companion (44908) and the EZ command walkaround controller (44907)?

The reason I ask this is the PLUS doesn't address whether the older discontinued walkaround will also be supported by the new Plus..., that is, backward compatible.  I'm hoping you'll say "Yes", cause I have several of the older EZ controllers and walkarounds.

Mr. Yard Master,
You bring up a new question with regards to the difference with the EZ command and the EZ command Plus.
So, I created a new topic... Please check it out...

Looking for advice on mating Fleischmann track with Bachmann EZ track.

The Fleischmann track has a roadbed, and I was wondering if it would be an easy connection.
Reason, the Fleischmann has a 3-way turnout where Bachmann doesn't.   I can save approx. 27 inches on my layout by using a 3-way turnout instead of using Bachmann's individual 2- turnouts.

The main reason I am not wanting to perform this DC to DCC modification is that I'm so far, not set up with a meticulous shop bench where I can peacefully perform circuit modifications   Maybe once I get a better handle on my shop bench, like owning a Dremel, smaller soldering iron, etc, then and maybe I'll tackle that.  I'm still in the initial phase of using hammers, large pieces of wood, large screws, tweezers, small screw drivers, and large soldering irons phase.

Quote

Quote from: Len on April 21, 2023, 08:13:07 AMJust think of it as a reason to start building a passenger fleet.

Len

No passenger fleet for my layout, for one they are too long.  I am using a short passenger train set.  Of course, it's battery and remote controlled operated.  What's great about it... is I can merge Bachmann EZ track with the plastic track that the passenger train came with.  My freight trains do not go where the passenger cars go, but the passenger cars can travel anywhere.   Now if only my kids will provide me grandkids they'll have passenger trains that they can operate/run along with my freight trains.

Let me get this straight, when Bachmann states that the locomotive is DCC ready, does it mean that you have to perform a rewire , i.e., soldering of more than wire to make the loco DCC capable, as you have shown in the TCS url.

Below image shows different Bachmann labels for DCC ready, and the last one states DCC.

I was thinking of purchasing the GE 44-ton switcher that is DCC ready, but it you are stating that DCC ready means making circuit modifications then DCC ready is not "plug and play" capable.


I haven't found the GE-40 ton switcher in DCC, only the GE-45 ton (as shown in bottom label in image).

I'm not setup to perform circuit modifications yet, no work bench, so DCC ready really means it's not Plug and Play.  Am I correct in this assumption on Bachmann locomotives?.
 

Hey, Maybe someday, I could become one of those Master Model Railroaders.