I'm already an "old guy", that's why I prefer EZ Command. I have used it for almost 3 years, no menus to go through, simple one button push to acquire a loco. I don't even have to look at the controller for all functions, so I can do what model railroading is all about (to me), watching and enjoying my trains, which is a task in itself with my eyes. I'm probably an EZ Command snob but I love it, enough to buy two more just for spares. And as Rusty said, good old Rule #1.

However, today's trains and control systems offer many new challenges and possibilities to help maintain interest, so that the hobby will not become boring as there is always more to learn. Aside from those features that don't provide any benefits for me, we now have the ability to control turnouts, signals, mars and ditch lights, beacons, independent control of headlight and taillight, access all the noises incorporated in sound decoders, map function buttons, even add BEMF for switching and grades. I think the advanced controllers are great, and I hope we see even more exciting developments. (such as better manuals)    They're just not for me since I'm having such good success with EZ Command.

I can afford any controller I choose, and if I were 10 years younger and had my sight back, I would probably be tempted to get a Zephyr to compliment my EZ Command.  All locomotives could be "tuned to the max" on a program track with Zephyr, but I could still enjoy the simplicity of running the main with EZ Command.

Bottom line, Daylight, why wait until you can afford a Zephyr when you can be enjoying the benefits of DCC now? Litchfield has EZ Command for $80 and no shipping charges.

Hi Matt,
I live in Northwest Colorado, about 200 miles from Denver. Here are a few suggestions.

Georgetown Loop Railroad, short ride between Georgetown and Silver Plume, highlight is crossing the Devil's Gate bridge. Their steam locomotives are being rebuilt in their shop, but even with the Porter diesel, still a breathtaking ride. New this year is the "Moonlight in the Mountains Dinner Train", check the schedule for dates.
http://www.georgetownlooprr.com/

Check out that "Rocky Mountain Prime Rib".
http://www.glrrupdates.com/updates/2009/june2009/june2009.html

Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden. They have many exhibits and special events, this year celebrating their 50th anniversary.
http://www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org/

http://www.coloradorailroadmuseum.org/event-listings

Caboose Hobbies at 5th & Broadway, largest model train store in the nation, in business 70 years.  They have a wooden railroad to keep the kids occupied while you shop. Here's their web site, and a great video.
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/index_home.php

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhzInvosLAk

If you need a night of lodging close to the above, Days Inn at Interstate 70, Golden exit is a great place to stay. 

If you need more information or directions, I'll be glad to send you an email.

Regards

Mike,
I have used only Xantrex/Trace SW series for my solar electric designs and installations, never had a problem with any sensitive electronic equipment.

Suggest you contact Outback technical support and/or Bachmann customer service for assistance.

Regards.

Hi R.B.
WGL is succesfully using a Zephyr with the Bachmann booster:

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,9386.60.html

Hi Gene,
I ran across a bit of history, I think is for your area, or regional:

http://www.virginiaplaces.org/regions/westva.html

Also, just watched a two hour documentary on the History Channel titled: "Hillbilly, The Real Story".  Great old movies and stills about early moonshiners, building the Clinchfield Railroad, and the Battle of Blair Mountain.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Blair_Mountain

Hi Jack,
I didn't get a chance to call Soundtraxx today, I'll try again tomorrow if I have time.  Actually you might get all the information you need for your definition file by emailing them, with a list of what you need. If you phone, ask for George, he is always eager to help.

I am also curious since others have inquired about the OEM versions, if I find out anything will post it here.

Regards.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dynamic_braking

Note the dyamic braking grids on the locomotive pictured, circled in red.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:TVS2018_2.jpg

Jim,
Mentioning wire reminds me of a huge mistake I made. About 5 years ago, at a local auction, there was a 3 foot wooden spool of wire. The auctioneer said it was heavy duty extension cable. The end was taped over, but it appeared to be about one inch diameter, so I bid and bought the spool for $5.00.

When I got it home, I discovered it was actually telephone trunk cable, with 100 or more tiny color coded wires inside the jacket. Not being into trains at that time, I figured it was of no use to me, so I took the spool to the dump. 

Well, it was probably for the best, can you imagine that big spool hanging over my work bench?   

From the Bachmann catalog:  "Performs best on 18" radius curves or greater".

WGL,

Congratulations on your success with the Zephyr and booster. Your experimenting and testing will help others with the same issues.

Good job!!

I don't care what my wife calls me, as long as she calls me for dinner. 

I'm curious if the Tech reference on the CD packed with the locomotive is specific to the installed decoder, or the same as the one on the website.

I would think the OEM decoders are matched to the class of locomotive, but I've learned not to assume anything.

Soundtraxx is just "down the road" from me, I'll call tomorrow and get a few more details. "George" has been very gracious about answering my previous questions about Tsunamis. I will also ask about the whistle selections on OEM versions.

Meanwhile, any members who have Bachmann sound on board locomotives might add comments regarding the installed sound version or limitations of their OEM models.

Jack, There are more manuals at the Soundtraxx site.
http://www.soundtraxx.com/index.php?p=manuals.php

Regards, and stay tuned.

You can also apply it to your face and hands for added realism. 

Bachmann Spectrum sound on board locomotives have "Tsunami Technology" digital sound decoders installed at the factory, explained on the following page:

http://www.soundtraxx.com/factory/

For specifications, please download the following PDF files:

http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals/Bachmann%20Quick%20Start%20Guide.pdf

http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals/OEM%20Steam%20Users%20Guide.pdf

User installed Soundtraxx sound decoders are made in Light Steam, Medium Steam and Heavy Steam versions, each for a specific model or range of models. I don't know if this applies to the Bachmann OEM models, you should contact Soundtraxx tech support for this information.

Bachmann currently does not offer sound equipped diesel locomotives, only steam.

Regards

I was wondering the same thing. Probably stuck in a mine shaft.

Maybe if we talk about him, his ears will start burning. We'll have to talk real loud.