Strange, I checked e-bay a while ago and there they were, multiple listings of pairs and clearly marked in the ads as defective merchandise not able to run.

Quote from: BaltoOhioRRfan on February 01, 2008, 08:06:49 PM
don't tell me Bachmann is pulling an "Athearn" By going all sound on everything new.

Please tell me that the Spectrum sound unit is not getting the same type of negative reviews as Athearns/ MRC sound units?

I would suggest that the locomotive you choose should be in porportion/scale to the layout you intend to build.

If you are looking at a smalerl 4' x 8' layout I would suggest a small engine such as a 4-6-0 Spectrum, if your layout is going to be larger with wider radius curves (such as 22") then larger engines would be appropriate.

The large engines do look out of place on layouts with the smaller radius curves.

I myself quite like the electrical connections on the new "Mantua Classics", I would be quite satisfied if these were the new standard plugs and adopted by all manufactures.

Probably are patent protected............

The Spectrum connections are to say the least problematic. Only a matter of time before one or more engines get returned to Bachmann for replacements or repairs.

So the small baldwin tender (Non-Vanderbilt type) will only mate up with the 63" Spectrum 4-6-0 then? And of course the 4-4-0.

I assume that any other engines would likely require swapping the boards and/or  re-wiring?

No one has tried to mate a small baldwin tender to a Spectrum 2-8-0 or a 2-10-0?

Has anyone tried swapping the "small" baldwin tender with any other steamers? (not the vanderbuilt versions)

If so which ones would simply plug in and which would require rewiring?

Thanks

Quote from: paulb321 on January 20, 2008, 04:03:16 PM
Your description of your product #89731
an ho tender say's it is "DCC READY".I own one of your
dcc train sets now.My question is,does one have to
install any thing to this in order to operate it on my dcc layout.
I see on some descriptions of some products a statement
that say's "DCC EQUIPPED".What is the difference
if any.thank you

This means the tender has a plug for a DCC decoder. You must supply the decoder. Older units may or may not have a socket for a DCC deconder, meaning you need to buy a decoder and wire it yourself.

Also note that if you are thinking of matching the tender with a Spectrum engine it may or may not match the wiring. Check the forum for threads dealing with the matching of tenders.

The manual instructions

REPROGRAMMING DECODERS WITH PREVIOUSLY ASSIGNED DIGITAL ADDRESSES
You can use the E-Z Command system to control locomotives that have a previously assigned digital address other than number 3. If
the previously assigned address is a number less than 10, follow the directions we’ve just described to assign a new address to a
locomotive decoder. Just substitute the locomotive’s original digital address number for the number 3 in the standard programming
procedure.
However, if the locomotive’s digital address is a number higher than 10, you can reprogram it by following this procedure:
First, remove all locomotives from the layout. Next, follow the standard E-Z Command programming procedures as described in the
“Programming a Locomotive to a Specific Address” section (but without any locomotive on the track), including pushing and
holding down the number 3 button and the “Stop” button. At this point, you’re ready to assign a new digital address to the
locomotive. Simply place the subject locomotive on the track and assign a new address by pressing a numbered E-Z Command
button (1 to 9). The locomotive will move slightly to signal that you have successfully assigned a new, lower address. Finally, push the
“Stop” button to exit the programming mode and begin operating your locomotive at its new digital address.3

My vote would be for a Harriman 2-6-0 or a 2-6-2. 

Quote from: grumpy on January 12, 2008, 05:05:05 PM
My reasoning was basically the same. To go one cautious step farther I purchased a Bachman EZ Command which was very inexpensive and simple to install and operate. I now want to  join the two together but first I must decide on the what DCC system I will replace the EZ Command with.
Don

ditto here,
A friend of mine went to their lhs and bought me a new DCC system to replace the Bachmann - unfortunately the lhs neglected to tell my friend that the unit was very old stock and did not have many of the new features - it is an MRC Prodigy. Tried to get a credit for it but the lhs refused. Have not told my friend as it was a case of pure rip off and do not want them to know they got taken....

Quote from: grumpy on December 31, 2007, 02:41:16 PM
On my layout the innner track is DC and the outer is DCC.
Don

I also have a similar layout under construction. It is more or less a dog-bone with the outer layout for larger engines with wider curves and the inner layout for smaller engines including shays using smaller curves. The layout out is basic a 8' x 12' x 8' U shape.

Part of the reason for the DC and DCC is that it will be some time before I have decoders in all of my engines. This allows me to be able to use all of the roster during the interim. It is my intention to switch to an all DCC at some later time.

Anyone running the Berkshire on a layout with 18" radius and #4 turnouts?

RobertJohnDavis

How well does this engine pull? Have you grades on your layout?

http://www.modelrectifier.com/resources/trainsound/0001639.pdf

Hopefully this is the decoder. There is a fair amount of documentation on the MRC site regarding their decoders.

Looks great, had a look at some of your other videos especially liked the 2-6-6-2 and the climax videos. Would you still recommend the MRC for the 2-6-6-2?