I have a (DCC)  EZ Command Control Center and 2 locos.

Every now and then a loco will speed up and go out of control with no way to stop it except by unplugging the power to the unit. It has happened to loco #1 as well as loco #2.

Then I can't get anything to work when I plug the power  back in even though the lights come on properly (no blinking).

Then I unplug it and wait about  30 minutes then  I plug the power back in and it works fine.

Am I doing something wrong or is it a defective unit in need of repair?

I'm setting up track today and have 2 - straight 9" and 2 - 18" curved rerailers.

Are there any general guidelines on where to place the rerailers?

Can someone recommend a couple magazines for someone just getting started with HO?

Thanks.

All good points.

Since I am new to this I was not aware of the DCC "ready" vs "equipped".

If I remember correctly all the site said was DCC . Perhaps the price differential was indeed due to ready vs equipped. But it also said the switcher was new. I was under the impression that all new Bachmann locos were now DCC "equipped".

Yes, both are DCC.

Where is the $30 difference?

How can a 45 ton be smaller than a 44 ton?

Can someone please tell me the difference between these two switchers:

HO GE44 DCC Switcher

Spectrum HO GE45 DCC Switcher

Is it worth spending the extra $$ for the Spectrum? (one supplier was charging $30 more for the Spectrum)

I have the same set which I recently purchased for the grandchildren when they come visit. I haven't had a train set before but I haven't noticed any unusual loud humming noise. But there is a little hum when just starting the loco at very low speed.

BTW, my local train hobby shop recommended I set up my layout on a ping-pong table which is 5' x 9'. That way you can accommodate the 22" curve track which they say is necessary for passenger cars.

This same hobby shop said there was "free" computer programs on the net that allows you to design your own layout. Your son might have fun with that. The one I found was by anyrail and has several track systems in their program including the Bachmann EZ track which comes with the set we both have. They limit you to 50 pieces out at any given time. If you want more, then buying the program is not that outrageous given the overall cost of this hobby<g>. But beware that these computer programs are very exact and that there is a little fudge and wiggle room when assembling a layout. This was pointed out recently to me by the author of Bachmann's HO layout booklet.

I recently ordered some more track to expand my setup. I found the best prices and inventory at trainsetsonly.com. I ordered from them and received the shipment 3 days later!!  Having said that, a friend recommended e-bay. I checked and there were even better deals there but not one source that had everything I wanted. In the interest of time and convenience i went with trainssetsonly.com. Be careful on websites. I found a really great deal on one website but there was no street address or telephone # given if there were problems. Forget it.

One dilemma I had was the DCC controller not supporting any remote turnouts (44561 and 44562). So I went to e-bay and found a HO power pack reasonably priced.

Since I have a wood shop in the basement I have constructed a fire house and and loco maintenance facility. I used "Model Builder" to print out some siding (with windows and utilities) and roofing on matte photo paper which I attached with spray adhesive. Had some trouble with Model Builder at first but they are very accommodating in helping via e-mail and phone.

Good luck.

Can someone recommend a good software program for designing buildings, especially the decorative aspect.

I am in need of a good program for materials such as siding (brick, wood, etc), roofs (shingles, tile, metal, etc.).

Also windows and doors.

I recently bought one but and I am not pleased with the quality.
Should have asked here first.

Thanks

On page 115 of the book there are 2 22" radius curved sections as listed in the materials. Where is the placement of these two pieces? I can't tell from the layout.

Chris,

Thanks very much for your reply. It was extremely helpful.

I was not aware of the "fudge" and "wiggle" aspect of E-Z Track.

Now that I am aware of that, along with the availability of the short track assortment, the task of doing my layout became much easier.

As you can imagine I was becoming very frustrated. Now, life is good

Thanks again for your quick reply.

I have this book and was wondering if anyone has had trouble building some of the layouts?

For example, on page 37 there is a layout for "Iowa Central". I am using the AnyRail computer design system and when I plug in the pieces as indicated on page 37 they just don't fit.

A closer examination of the pieces on the drawing on page 37 indicates different lengths for 18" R track in the upper left corner.

Is anyone aware of a correction to this layout?

And on page 114 there are short curved sections in the layout but do not appear below in the track materials list. What are they?

Any help would be appreciated.

Does anyone know when this assortment will be available and the retail cost?

AnyRail lists small pieces of 3/4", 1", 1 1/4", 1 1/2", and 2" sizes.

My local Bachmann dealer says they might be available in March.

Are there any other new track pieces that will be available?