Quote from: usher42 on November 14, 2007, 01:08:28 AM
I'm using 19" radius curves for my layout. I want to know how many curves for 2 10" straights on each sides.

I'm far from being a math genius, but using 19" radius curves and 20" worth of straight track on each side, should come out to a 38"x58" oval.
I don't think it'll fit on the diagonal either.
The number of curve pieces will depend on whose track you're using, but I believe most 19" radius stuff requires 16 pieces to make a circle.

Mike

Quote from: usher42 on November 11, 2007, 12:47:42 PM
Is it ok to spray paintmy layout plywood board or should i paint it with a brush. I know spray paint is cheaper is then regular paint. which would you suggest.

If you spray paint the plywood before you do anything else, you won't have to mask anything except everything in the area that you don't want covered with overspray.
Since you asked, I'd visit the local big box or paint store and look for mismixed paint in some shade of light to medium tan or brown latex wall paint.  Typically, it can be had for ~$5/gallon.  There will be a LOT left over for touchup and scenery painting further on during construction.

Mike

Have you tried calling customer service?  They seem to have their act together.

Mike

Quote from: reher on October 24, 2007, 07:26:04 PM
Like having two kids, you better come home with 2 ice cream sandwiches.

I see that the e-z command, isn't as sophisticated as some of the more expensive systems, and knowing me and how I fiddle with everything, it won't be enough to hold me for too long, but hell it was $54 on ebay, brand new, so I saved $20 on retail, which is enough for a DZ123 !!

Another question.  I read somewhere, that even after I have my DCC Onboard, the engine will still run on an analog system.  This gives me the impression that they are backward compatible. 

Regards,
Jay

There are a lot of places where the DZ123 is available in the $15-16 range, it just takes a bit of sleuthing around the online DCC specialists.  I can personally vouch for Aztec Trains for frame milling (if required), Gadget Tom's and Litchfield Station for decoders and fast shipping, etc.  Everyone has their favorites (as you'll soon see)!

Most (if not all) decoders can be set to operate on DC, but there are possibilities of motor overheating and total loss of control... not good.
I don't think that any DCC control unit will handle a DC loco directly, that it would need to be done with a dc pack.

And yes, There will be a need for a DCC message board when (and if) the Dynamis ever hits the market here.  I'm really surprised that there isn't already one for the EZ-Command.

Mike

Quote from: Simon Greasly on October 22, 2007, 02:09:39 PM
quick query here about some of those bachmann trains that have come and gone.
Recently i just purchased an old Bachmann Amtrak Plasser and that thing runs wild on my track it is quite possibly the fastest running thing on there. I've heard that other people have had trouble with theirs so i could understand why they were discontinued. My question is though what prototype it is based on.
Second why exactly were the N scale Doodlebug and Metroliner discontinund i've heard that they were some of greatest bachmann had to offer.
If anyone can help me out that be great. also if you want to post you're own thing about discontinued bachmann do so here.

I can only part of your questions.  The Bachmann Plasser is loosely based on a Plasser track inspection car such as this:
http://www.northeast.railfan.net/images/amtkN68401.jpg

The UP, SP, and others had similar vehicles.

Mike

Quote from: reher on October 24, 2007, 05:21:54 AM
Thanks Mike !

If your computer is down, how did you post ?

I checked out the DCC Wiki at http://www.dccwiki.com/Main_Page and it was helpful, and I have searched this forum.

I have an e-z command controller on the way, along with a DCC Ready F7 Diesel A & B , Sante Fe Warbonnet. 

I have a small layout, on a 3' x 6', with 2 nested lines, with overlapping figure 8's, and a lot of trestle work.  At most I can only see two engines running on the main lines, and maybe a switcher of some sort doing a bit of work in the yard.

I read that the e-z command would run up to 5 engines, and I didn't want to spend a ton on some fancy DCC controller, for what I see as 2 engines running most of the time.

How many different types of decoders are you using ?  I'll need another one for the diesel on the way.

Thanks again,
Jay

Don't think for a minute that my wife would let me have a computer without her having one also!

The EZ Command will let you run your trains, but regrettably, it won't let you change CVs, and making consists, etc. is rather awkward.  It's best feature is to let you get your feet wet in DCC without spending a lot of money at first.  It WILL run two engines just fine.  I, personally don't see where anyone would be able to keep up with 5 engines at the same time...

Most of my small fleet is made up of older engines that weren't designed for DCC, so most have 'hard wired' decoders (the DZ123), but the newer 'plug-n-play' engines have various decoders that are all Digitrax brand.  I don't have any particular allegiance to Digitrax, but price and availability for a particular loco have guided my purchases.

Enjoy!
Mike

Quote from: reher on October 24, 2007, 02:57:23 AM
I'm new to all this DCC technology.

I just bought my first DCC Ready engine, a Bachmann 2-8-0 Consolidation N Scale, Unlettered.

I started with the empire builder set, analog controller.   I built up the track using Kato unitrack, and all is well with where I am with that.

So I was shocked when I put the new 2-8-0 on the track and it ran.  I read on some site that it was not recommended running it on a dc system, so I stopped.

Now I've read two separate statements, one on a  bachmann web page, and another on this forum, that it's just fine.

So can someone point me to a good DCC FAQ on what is different about DCC Ready versus an Analog Engine, and can someone recommend a good decoder for this engine ?

Thanks.
Jay

Jay,
All that "DCC ready" means is that the motor is electrically isolated from other components that might cause a short circuit that would likely be fatal to a decoder, and that there is some provision for space to install a decoder.

Your "DCC ready" 2-8-0 will do just fine on DC until you get ready to go DCC.

I installed a Digitrax DZ123 decoder in mine, and it was a REAL tight fit, but can be done with some patience.  There  are a couple of other decoders out there that are a bit smaller, and you might best consider  one of them for this  engine.  My computer is down right now, but  there are several places on the net where you can get installation decoder installation info for your (and other) engine.

For further reading about the basics, two recommendations:
http://tonystrains.com has "DCC For Beginners"
http://www.litchfieldstation.com has "DCC Unniversity"
Both are worth your time.

Welcome to the future!
Mike

Quote from: Paul M. on October 18, 2007, 10:10:52 PM
I made another video that I put on Youtube.

As Seen From A Commuter Train

From the looks of their Rock Island Shops, TRE has been buying lots of equipment!
I hope you also have lots of pics of the T&P station in Ft Worth.

Mike

Quote from: sonQbano on October 15, 2007, 05:42:19 PM
Thanks Fieromike
I am thinking in using the Bachmann 44902, but i dont know if this model allows me  controls switches, i have 30 switches to contol. Please let me know the model  to use

The 44902 is too basic to control turnouts well, if at all.  I'd recommend one of the other systems on the market.  NCE, Digitrax, MRC, Atlas, and others make solid small entry level/fairly inexpensive/whatever systems that will do most everything that the big guns will do.  Bachmann has a new system, the Dynamis, coming out soon, but we haven't seen much about it here in the U.S. yet.

Mike

Quote from: dickle222 on September 18, 2007, 02:35:09 PM
LOOKING FOR LAYOUTS FOR N GAUGE WANT TO IT IN E-Z TRACK

Google for small layouts or snap-trak layouts.  You should come up with lots of them.  They won't be specifically for E-Z Track, but you should be able to make adjustments as necessary.

Mike

Quote from: sonQbano on October 10, 2007, 05:06:02 PM
Hi, I am new in the digital era, and I want to know which is the device to control switches and trunouts, and the decoders for each one too.
If somebody can sugget smething to me, I will be gratefull

You can still control your turnouts the same as you have in the days before DCC.
If you want DCC contol of your turnouts, you will use the same equipment that you use with your locos, but you will use it to control special stationary decoders.  They come in two major types; one for solenoid operated switches like Bachmann, Atlas, Peco, etc.  The second type is for the slow motion types like Tortoise.  NCE, Digitrax,  and others manufacture them.

Quote from: charlii on October 08, 2007, 11:59:09 AM

Couple front views


http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc230/chuckaluick_photos/?action=view&current=2-8-0-front-001.jpg

http://s215.photobucket.com/albums/cc230/chuckaluick_photos/?action=view&current=2-8-0-front-003.jpg

Nice!

Mike

Quote from: usher42 on October 08, 2007, 02:42:35 AM
I have dvd of world greatest hobbies that shows using liquid nails to fasten ez track to foam  is that ok to use to hold ez track down if not what would you suggest.

Works just fine, but make sure that you get the kind that can be used with foam.  The other stuff will melt the foam while you watch...

Mike

Quote from: Inder on October 07, 2007, 12:12:54 PM
Thanks Charles,

I figured since you're already running 4 other wires why not run an additional two for power pick-up.
I figure the more the merrier. 

Since the 2-8-0's tender and the loco are electrically connected through the drawbar, you only really need 3 wires from the tender to the engine; grey and orange for the motor, and white for the headlight.  The blue wire on the headlight board should hook to one side of the loco frame, and the blue wire on the decoder is taped off and not used.

Mike

Quote from: engineerkyle on October 04, 2007, 10:39:57 AM

This ATLAS C425 II quit working this morning. I can hear noise from it when I thottle it up, but it does not move. It has a DIGITRAX decoder and I reset it to the factory settings, thats CV8=8 on this one, and now it runs well again but is MUCH noisier than it used to be....



Thoughts?



THANKS,

First thought is what kind of noise; coffee grinder full of rocks, motor whine, or....?

Mike