Quote from: ppowell on April 13, 2017, 06:47:32 PM
will a Bachmann 2-4-0 N scale steam loco run on 8.5 radius track? I want to pull Civil war cars and I own a Spectrun that is quite old but runs perfectly.

I was unaware they had a 2-4-0, the only real life ones I am aware of to have operated in the USA are at Cedar Point in Sandusky Ohio.

I am not familiar with HO code 55 that seems like N scale to me, but I have tried mine on code 100, code 83 and code 70 with no problems.

Well you can use two #6's, but if you don't intended to run any engines or cars with a 22" minimum radius, you can use two #5's but you would need a short straight length in between, you can cut it to fit your existing ovals.

Thanks Len, I forgot about that as I do not use EZ-track on my layout.

Yes you will need to cut gaps in the rails if you need to isolate the loops.

Try a Bachmann decoder in the engine to see if it works, they are usually available at a low price online.

Bachmann makes a #6 crossover (right and left)

That would be what I would use.

Thank you for that information, I guess it just must be out of stock through most online retailers at the moment who are awaiting a new shipment.

https://www.amazon.com/Bachmann-Trains-Command-Wireless-Infrared/dp/B000W2BAGE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1491529049&sr=8-1&keywords=bachmann+dynamis
Dynamis on Amazon for $130-150.

The EZ Command may be either out of stock individually or it might be phased out soon so that might be affecting prices online. But I see it at flea markets and train shows for about $30 used or $50 new all the time.

Quote from: Warflight on April 06, 2017, 05:38:07 PM
I keep seeing the Echo Valley sets coming up new in box for between $130, and $199... considering the controller by itself tends to pop up at about $150, or $250 if it is the controller and engine alone. Plus... getting that set will be my first ever DCC/Sound engine. (I have a DCC engine right now, as well as a DCC ready one, that I MIGHT put sound in someday)

The controller in the set does not sell for $150, the Dynamis sells for about $150 but the one in the set (the basic controller) is only worth about $50 or so.

The newer GS4's are much more reliable than the older models from the 1970's and 80's and also have DCC if you choose to go that route.

When programming an address it is easiest to have only one on the layout or test track. Otherwise you can have as many as you want as long as they have unique addresses.

The cost of the parts from NWSL exceed the value of the engine. Use it as scenery in a roundhouse or something. Buy a new Bachmann steam engine and you will have a much better engine.
That is my advice, but ultimately do what you want.

Full length passenger cars generally need a minimum of 22" radius, some even require 24 or 26" or more depending on other factors. Also #4 turnouts are generally equivalent to something that lists an 18" radius, while a #6 or larger should be used for something that requires a 22" minimum radius.
I personally would not run anything longer than 60' on #4 turnouts.

If the divergent route of the turnout is part of the route your passenger train will run on then it will not be a good idea.