Don't want to clean track ----- then compare  CVP Products’  AirWire900 http://www.cvpusa.com/airwire900_system_info.php using their T9000 wireless throttle to the other control systems available for large scale model trains. Do take the time to download and read the manual for the T9000 wireless throttle.

Note --- I do not have any affiliation with CVP, Bachmann, Tony Walsham’s Remote Control Systems or any command control or decoder manufacturer, distributor or retailer.

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Tony Walsham are you getting close to offering a product that takes advantage of DCC features in your product line?

No --- you must use the power unit that comes with the E-Z Command system.

You can use the MRC Tech4 to power a turnout switch motor or other layout accessories on your layout but NOT to power the E-Z Command Control Center.

The exchange of information, assumes and belittling in several of the threads... 

I have a different point of view than some. It does not matter to me which control system one uses...   DC, battery with R/C,  DCC or a combination (yes, there is a command control system using wireless throttle, battery on board power and DCC powered by battery). However I, as I believe some contributors to this board, would desire a decision about the control system one uses be made on facts and not misinformation or misperceptions.

An involved model railroader, of any scale, can make decisions about what they want and are willing to pay for their railroads; but, only when relevant product information is readily available.

I informed Bach-man on several occasions, starting when I was given a head up Bachmann was going to use DCC in products, that DCC does not fit the Bachmann Business Model as I understand it. Because of the business model there a lack of relevant product information.

You may be thinking of Mike O.
Last I recall he no longer has a website.

Here is what is required if you have a Bachmann Plus line model.
http://www.wiringfordcc.com/hbdalite.htm

$300... I surmise the fellow is telling you he does not want to do the installation.

If you have a sound decoder, the E-Z Command will turn  on/off the sound assigned to Functions F1 thru F8. Likely F10 will turn on/off the headlight.

Jim’s info is to the point.

The following link may help out should you have more questions. BUT it has details and information beyond the scope of your question and the content possibly information overkill.

http://www.wiringfordcc.com/track_2.htm
Scroll down to REVERSING.
It is about half way down the web page.

Gene,
(Psst -- it is Homasote) 

Sealing the Homasote with in expensive latex flat paint makes it less susceptible to warping caused by moisture.

Quote(1)   the motor is already isolated from the frame?

Short answer -- Yes
DCC Ready means  the motor brushes are  isolated from the track power pickups and there is some means to accept the installation of a decoder be it socket, solder pads, wires or something else. For DCC decoder to work power can only reach the motor brushes thru the decoder. Easiest way to isolate the motor brushes is to isolate the motor.

Quote(2)   The front and rear lights are ready  to work with the DCC chip without adding resistors or changing bulbs, etc.?

Short answer -- Yes
What you are calling a DCC chip is better known as a DCC decoder.

QuoteIf so, can I just remove the 2 jumpers from the PCB and solder the appropriate wires from the chip, and be good to go?

Short answer -- Depends on the decoder used
Some decoders require you cut one leg of each capacitor.

Information in the following may help
http://www.digitrax.com/ftp/bachmann060t.pdf but use a DZ123 decoder

http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/Bachman%200-6-0%20Saddle%20Tank/Bachman_0_6_0_Saddle_Tank.htm

Quote from: Seasaltchap on February 26, 2007, 01:02:56 AM

"Suggest DCC should not be a Board Name under Scale (Category Name) but on a Category Name level of Command Control with a DCC board under it."

With respect, that is Double-Dutch.

DCC, Digital Command Control, is just one type of Command Control

Suggest DCC should not be a Board Name under Scale (Category Name) but on a Category Name level of Command Control with a DCC board under it.

In covering this matter offline with the Bach-man just a few days ago, he has based his decision to leave DCC as is, at the Topic Subject level, I believe on a misconception about his workload.

* Locomotive wheels *
Cut a Handi Wipes or the like in four inch strips, DO NOT use paper towel. Place one strip across the track and soak the towel part over each rail with about a half capful of Isopropyl Alcohol. Place one truck, for a diesel, on the wet towel and the other truck on the track. Hold the locomotive with one hand and slowly turn up the power pack throttle to spin the wheels. When these wheels are clean, turn the locomotive around and do the other truck. Spin as many wheels as you can at a time for steam locomotive. If wheels very dirty use “Goo Gone” (not recommended for use on rubber traction tires) all-purpose cleaner in place of the alcohol and gauze pad in place of the towel. After wheels are clean then spin wheels on dry towel to remove the cleaner residue. If you are using DCC make an extra effort to remove the cleaner residue. Finish with very, very small amount of conductive contact lube on each metal driving wheel tread and electric pick-up rub points.

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Do not clean wheels or track with a heavy abrasive product because it can do as much harm as good. The scratches left in the metal by an abrasive cleaning method provides a place for contamination to accumulate  and makes the next cleaning harder to accomplish and more frequent cleaning required.

If you want to have wires between the poles, consider using Spandex thread. It looks as good as wire and much easier with which to work. Its elastic property will be beneficial when hands or other objects come in contact with the "wires" when they should not.

Yes, you still can have the sag between poles. Attach with ACC. Spandex thread can be painted. It comes in different sizes although the fabric - sewing shop may have to order the size you need for scale.

Pole spacing depends on lots of factors. See how 40 to 60 poles per mile looks on your layout.

Accessory power wire AWG too large for HO scale telephone poles.

Rich,
Circuitron Tortoise is Stall type (as Robin wrote) and requires constant power.

If you want to control the Tortoise with a DCC stationary (a.k.a. accessory) decoder, make sure the decoder is designed to be used with it.

Bachmann list Item No. 44513 as 2.25" Straight Track. There is not currently a 2.5" or 1" E-Z Track piece.

Kevin's statement about the 2" is correct.