Homosote  Homasote can be sanded but its dust a big problem. Best not to9 sand but to cut to shape after it has been sealed with inexpensive latex paint.

Quote from: Terry Toenges on January 07, 2020, 11:35:04 PM
. . .. The SF cars are just a little longer than the On30 passenger cars. If the On30 cars are making it ok, then the SF cars should also.

One of the main factors is coupler swing.

Quote from: Terry Toenges on January 07, 2020, 02:47:06 PM
. . .
My question is about the turnouts - I know I won't be able to operate the turnouts without the DCC hooked up. Will they be ok in the layout if I hook up the DC for the DC trains and operate them manually? It won't mess them up will it?

. . . .

A E-Z Command DCC Turnout will not be harmed when DC power on track.

An E-Z App loco cannot be controlled by DCC.

Power
An E-Z App equipped locomotive requires either 16 volts DC or DCC track power but does not use DCC commands.

Control
For E-Z App locomotive control the Bachmann E-Z App, which has preset settings;  or the BlueRail Trains App is required on  a touch screen smart device running Apple IOS or Android supporting Bluetooth Smart also known as Bluetooth Low Energy.

An aside  ---

covenant instead of convenient   --- tongue-in-cheek typo    ---- This time it is not the voice to text software I use for most of my replies   

Runninrep,

Suggest viewing the following Bachmann video the first time with sound turned off as the misnomers and inconsistent nomenclature used may confuse you.

Click Here to view video

In the video you will see why only one red power wire is included in the Nickel Silver E-Z Track Expander Set


Short Red Power Wire - Old style (N, HO, On30, G Scales)

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Model/Item 44219 16V DC Multi-Accessory Power Supply

The Multi-Accessory Power Supply is covenant but not necessary to use. A less expensive method is to splice the red power wires to wires of a Wall Wart power supply/adapter/transformer  with an output rated  16 volts AC  and 1 Amp (1000 mA).  Remove the Wall Wart's plug at wire end, splice and solder its wires to the red power wires. There are many ways to connect without soldering. Using screw terminal blocks is one. Google connect small gauge wires without soldering to see more methods

You will have to use a DC power pack compatible with the DCC dual mode decoder.

From the Quick Start Guide included with the GG1

Operating in Analog Mode Using a DC Power Pack
.
.
.

Important: Your sound decoder will work best in analog mode when using a high quality, electronically regulated power pack, preferably one that supplies smooth, filtered DC   power. Older rheostat style power packs and pulse power packs will result in erratic and unreliable operation and should not be used with this sound decoder. If your power pack provides a Pulse power switch, leave it in the 'Off' position.

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The MRC Tech II Dual Power 2800 does not provide a means to turn Off its Automatic Pulse injection feature.

Quote from: ebtnut on December 30, 2019, 11:37:15 AM


OK, clue me in.  Did Bachmann release a new run of the Russians?

ebnut,

Click Here

The new 2-10-0 Russian Decapod release is factory equipped with TCS WoWSound decoder with Chuffinity™ technology.

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Additional decoder documentation coming soon per TCS website.

Replace the installed PCB and LED lights  with 

    Click Here

You can now use DC (Dinosaur Control) 

more . . .

For the supported CVs (Configuration Variables) and their factory default value,

  Click Here -- Bachmann HO EMD SD70ACe Sound Value Equipped document

  Click Here -- Bachmann HO GE ES44AC Sound Value Equipped document

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You may encounter misprints or omissions in the above documents.

Try yours --  some of the SD70ACe and the GE ES44AC locomotive with DCC Sound Value can negotiate 18 inch radius curve at slow speed with no load.

The first production run of both locomotives have non-operating ditch lights. The second production run (different road names from first production run) feature operating ditch lights.

Quote from: DMJ-Oregon on December 20, 2019, 08:36:06 PM
Hi - I too am new to railroading, having just received an Empire Builder set (N scale).  I have purchased a DCC loco and DCC controller.  Yes I understand not to let my DC loco set on tracks after connecting the DCC controller.  Going to have a 32x44 layout and don't really anticipate running both loco's at once but maybe later.  Just received the DCC controller and am struggling.  I found the Econami DCC User Guide, but frankly (at this point) I enjoyed the sounds - and absence of frustration - of running my DCC Light Mountain "Southern" loco on my analog DC controller.  Any tips?

Also, my layout has three turnouts, must I connect the turnout controller or can I just change the tracks manually as the distance (reach) is arms length.  If manual switch is an option, I could just disconnect the wires to the turnout track.  Trying to keep the number of wires/controllers to a minimum.  Thanks.

DMJ-Oregon

In future - Suggest starting a new subject for your questions - not hijacking or piggybacking in some else's

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The SoundTraxx Econami Digital Sound Decoder Steam User's Guide** manual contains how to operate a SoundTraxx Econami decoder and customize each of its CVs setting to fit your preferences and includes some helpful troubleshooting tips. This document is of limited use with a Bachmann E-Z Command Control Center as the   E-Z Command Control Center cannot program any decoder by user supplied CV (Configuration Variable) number.

Click Here for how the decoder in your Bachmann Light Mountain Steam N Scale  locomotive equipped with a Ecomani SoundValue decoder CVs have  been set in the decoder factory installed in the locomotive you have.

** Click Here for SoundTraxx Econami Digital Sound Decoder Steam User's Guide Manual


You will have to replace your Bachmann DCC controller ( E-Z Command Control Center) to take full advance of what can be done with DCC and leverage the capability of the DCC decoder factory installed in you locomotive.

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You can manual line each turnout.

Click Here - Bachmann announcement includes three Acela Express cars shipping in 2020.

E-Z Command Control Center allows you to control up to nine digital locomotives and will also accommodate your favorite non-digital DC locomotives (without DCC decoders). However, only ONE DC locomotive can be run at any one time on address button 10.

You can also connect a Bachmann DC controller (i.e. Power Pack and Speed Controller) that is DCC  compatible to the E-Z Command Control Center to run a DC locomotive.
Click Here and scroll to STANDARD DC LOCOMOTIVE OPERATION  on page  6 -  follow the instructions.  Note the Bachmann DC controller is not a standalone.

DO NOT use other band of DC controller or a Bachmann Power Pack and Speed Controller that is not DCC compatible. Bachmann Trains Online Store indicates if a Power Pack and Speed Controller is or is not DCC compatible.

While you can use  E-Z Command Control Center to run DC and DCC locomotive on the same track at same time --- realize there is always full voltage DCC power on the track never variable DC voltage.  Thus the DC locomotive is subject to overheating and being ruined.  Suggest you never run a DC locomotive using E-Z Command Control Center.

Sold as No Return to me is a Red Flag indicating seller is fully aware of Bachmann warranty that is a Lifetime Limited Warranty not a lifetime warranty.

Click Here for Bachmann warranty information, which includes, "Note: even if in original packaging, units purchased at flea markets, railroad swap meets, garage sales, online auctions of previously owned products, and similar venues are NOT covered by this or any other warranty."

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Hope you locate the part you need.