Rich,
Will it run on DC --- you must read the reference for each brand and version decoder you have.

FYI -- If you bought a Tsunami decoder made by Soundtraxx and installed it.
Know CV 29 Bit 2 default setting is 0 and your locomotive will not run on analog (i.e. DC)

REF: Tsunami Technical Reference, page 24 and 25
CV 29 default setting is 2
This means
CV 29 Bit 2: APS, Alternate Power Source enable -- is set to 0 = NMRA Digital Only (i.e. DCC Only)

Rich;

Decoders are not the same. Let us not try to go into the component and firmware differences between decoders; you just focus on what is covered in each decoder’s respective user and technical manuals.

For now, disconnect all the NCE DCC equipment used to place power and signal on the track. Now connect a DC power pack with no locomotives on track. Test run, with only one locomotive on the track at a time, each of your locomotives powered by the DC power pack.

An aside: Is your programming track a physically separate track? Or is it connected to your layout track and isolated by gap in both rails and using a toggle switch for run or program? The reason I ask, is a command station can be damaged if the gap is bridged between the programming track and the mainline track when the toggle switch is set for programming.

Quote from: the Bach-man on May 27, 2007, 11:57:26 PM
Dear Ernie,
The Bachmann home offices are in Philadelphia, and the equipment is made in China.
Have fun!
the Bach-man

Erine,
For the rest of the story… here are some reading assignments for you.

Bachmann company history â€" click http://www.bachmann.co.uk/home.php4
Note -- 1984, Kader acquired the Bachmann Company in its entirety

Info on Kader (located in Hong Kong) click -- http://www.bachmannindustries.com/

Here is another reality for you -- Bachmann USA in headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Bach-man does not work in Bachmann’s Headquarters. Further more he does not even live in Pennsylvania. That is but one reason why he advises all to contact the Service Dept, which is in Philadelphia, PA.

If you are asking about a real locomotive,
•   the builder assigns the model identification
•   the railroad/railway assigns their classification and  road number

In the USA,  all make general use of the Whyte classification system based on wheel arrangement.

Quote from: r.cprmier on May 27, 2007, 08:09:13 PM
...

Again, to all; especially Hunt, thank you very much for all of your feedback here, and the knowledge contained herein.  None of it hurts to acquire.

Rich

Rich,
You're Welcome.

Had hoped it would be something simple. But your statements of conditions after trying a few things is the reason I suggested you contact NCE.

Consider having NCE install (check the cost) the current firmware version as they repair or replace your unit.

When you get your NCE command station back, do disable the Power Source Conversion on all of your decoders.

---

Gus,
Your Reply #16 on: May 21, 2007, 08:52:41 PM to Cookie, was a waste of time except possibly for the birds of a feather. Such a frame of mind as depicted by that reply is a major impediment to learning.

Quote from: conradin on May 27, 2007, 06:07:08 AM
Is it possible to setup a F9A-F9A-F9A consist?  Would that be historically correct?

Is it possible to setup a F9A-F9A-F9A consist? -- Yes
Would that be historically correct? -- For ATSF, I speculate no. Ask the ATSF Historical Society.

Quote from: conradin on May 27, 2007, 06:07:08 AM
If the case of the Explorer trainset, it is F9A and F9A.  Would that meant it should be 215L-215A in real life?

If ATSF 215 (which was a F7) was run as A-A it would have been 215L - 215C

Quote from: conradin on May 27, 2007, 06:07:08 AM
I'm afraid the photo you show is F7A-F7B-F7B-F7B.  I cannot find the cab on the last unit in the photo...

The photo may be as you see it (seems to be that way to me too), may not. Nevertheless, per ATSF locomotive equipment roster the 215, as built, was an ABBA.

Builder – EMD (Electro-Motive Division, General Motors Corporation)
All built during Nov 1949
EMD Builder Number, Model,  ATSF unit/road number
8288,                        F7A,     215C
8287,                        F7A,     215L
8297,                        F7B,     215A
8298,                        F7B,     215B

Here is the real ATSF F7 number 215 It is a consist of four units.
Photo at http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/atsf/atsf215c-ads.jpg
Photo taken in Amarillo TX - 06/26/1973
Shows ATSF F7 4 unit consist of locomotives 215C, 215B, 215A, 215L
215L and 215C are F7A units
215A and 215B are F7B units

An ATSF four unit locomotive consist always is L,A,B,C. For 215, unit 215L is the lead locomotive and 215C is the backend unit. For ATSF if the consist were run in the other direction the numbers in the number boards may have been changed (very rare) and 215C would become 215L but usually 215C would just be the head locomotive during that direction of run. Numbering scheme depended on the Railroad. This is ATSF scheme.

The blue/yellow version of the Warbonnet paint scheme was adopted for freight locomotives in 1972.

Quote from: the Bach-man on May 25, 2007, 11:06:41 PM
Dear All,
Our turnouts are indeed DCC friendly, although they are not yet DCC controllable.
Have fun!
the Bach-man

Bachmann E-Z Track Turnouts are controllable from a DCC command station.  This is possible by using any DCC command station that can address a stationary decoder and a stationary decoder compatible with the type switch machine used in the Bachmann E-Z Track turnout.

---

Bach-man,

The Bachmann E-Z Track turnout use low current, twin-coil snap action switch machine?

What you are not yet familiar with is there are three general types of decoders,
  •   Mobile
  •   Function/sound only
  •   Stationary (a.k.a. Accessory)

Not all DCC command stations can address a stationary decoder. (The Bachmann E-Z Command Control Center can not address a stationary decoder).

You must select a stationary decoder made to control the type of switch machine (examples: bi-polar, snap switches or slow motion machines) used to move the Point-Rails of a turnout.  Some stationary decoders can operate more than one type of switch machine and more than one switch machine.

Start your learning curve by reading about the types of stationary decoders made by Digitrax.
http://www.digitrax.com/menu_statdecoders.php
Then move on to  http://www.lenz.com/products/decoders/accessory/index.htm
Note the LS-150 NMRA DCC Switch Machine Decoder.

Above just a sample of the stationary decoders. There are other manufacturers’ stationary decoders available.

---

My definition,
DCC Friendly Turnout â€" A turnout less prone to create a short circuit due to its construction and electrical features as metal wheels of a train controlled by DCC roll through the turnout.

Caveat -- If you have researched one DCC system or component (example- a decoder) and think all the others are the same â€" you are mistaken!

---

Now your question, "Are Bachmann turnout DCC friendly? "

What say you Bach-man? 

Quote from: Paul W. on May 23, 2007, 09:28:21 PM
In this latest issue of Garden Railways, Kevin S. did an article ...

FYI --- That be Kevin Strong who is a contributor on this Board. 

Count the straight and curved pieces of track you have.

Bachmann Track Connecting Clips
Long clip:   for straight-to-straight track and straight-to-curved track
Short clip:  for curved-to-curved track

Don’t know if you have a Long or Short clip in your hand, what the clip is for is on the side of the clip.

Quote from: robertscountrylady@eastex on May 22, 2007, 11:06:41 AM
I have a vintage metal train track. ...

Is your track heavily rusted? If yes, you will better off buying new track that goes with a train you like.

What do you have to connect to the track to power a locomotive?

Bachmann - No
Peco - Yes
Walthers (made by Shinohara) - Yes

Be sure you note the rail code.