Regardless, I don't think I could ever find it in myself to slice apart a brass model lol 

Terry, that 2-10-10-2 looks pretty spot on. I'd take that chassis and put a Hiawatha looking shell on it (maybe you need two spliced together lol).

My club started as all steam. The diesel guys came in so now it's mixed. Transition era, but anything goes...

As a long time Digitrax user, let me tell you it is way easier than you think. All "modern" Digitrax throttles are infrared capable (if you choose an infrared receiver, much less than duplex with near same results). Take a loconet cable, plug one end into EITHER slot on the back of the zephyr express, and plug the other into the UP5 (again, either slot on the back), or whatever plug you so choose. For the infrared and regular receivers at least, I haven't had to add an exterior power source, and haven't had any problems.

If you want photos, let me know. Good luck!   

So I'm a club guy...  We have a small modular layout that we take out twice a year but that's it.  The stuff that we run on it is always things that we are okay with getting grabbed or stolen.  But, a friend invited me to come with him to a modular club meet up one day after COVID ends.  What is appropriate to bring?  How many locos?  How many cars?

Thanks!  (Sorry if some people get annoyed because this is such an obvious question for the modular guys LOL  )

Thanks for all the advice!

Okay, so I understand that this forum is for Bachmann stuff, but this is related because I have some Bachmann rolling stock and some Plasticville buildings LOL...

I'm a club modeler.  The overwhelming majority of my efforts go towards various projects for my club.  But, I do maintain a 4x6 layout which I pretty much fully redo each year that keeps me busy.  For this layout, my setup is a Digitrax Zephyr Xtra, paired with an infrared receiver and single dial throttle.  I also use this system at train shows to set up a programming track for the club.  Well, my zephyr has gotten to the point where I have to reset it almost every week (though I do have to mention that it did live a pretty long life).  Since Digitrax doesn't really have any other smaller and cheaper DCC systems, along with some other personal contemplations, I've decided that I want to transition my 4x6 to NCE.  Two questions for the NCE guys:

- I run 2 engines back to back, with several others just sitting and making noise.  All sound.  Is the NCE Power Cab enough "power" for my usage?

- Are my Digitrax receiver and throttle compatible with the NCE system?

Thanks for all help!!

Mainline no closer than 4''

Run on full power (or just fast enough so that it doesn't fly off 18" radius curves, thereby launching your engine into the stratosphere), blow into the stack (popping any bubbles that could be prohibiting smoke flow).  It'll happen eventually, just be patient.  If, after a good 30 minutes it doesn't start smoking, just leave it on a table to let the fluid evaporate out.

Good luck 

1)  The Bachmann set includes code 80 n scale track.  99.99% of N scale starter sets will include this code track.

2)  In transitioning from EZ-track to flex track, the same rail joiners can absolutely be used, but definitely use cork roadbed beneath your track so that the heights of the two sections are roughly similar.

3)  The EZ-Command system will definitely be enough to power your locomotives, but it only puts out 1 amp.  The general rule of thumb is 4 engines per amp in N scale.  This number only counts the number of locomotives running not parked.  Though, if you plan on runing lots of sound locomotives, more amperage will be used per engine.  If you are looking to create a n scale layout of larger size, I may recommend either the Bachmann booster unit OR the Digitrax Zephyr starter set, either of which will get you a long way.

4)  Bachmann systems are very plug and play, without any soldering or cutting and stripping of wires.  The Bachmann booster will e much this way with simple plugs and sockets to connect command station to booster.  The Digitrax Zephyr is also heavily "plug and play".

5)  There are two DCC Sound sets listed on the Bachmann website as current products.  I could not find any additional DCC/Sound sets on major web retailers, such as modeltrainstuff.com or TrainWorld.com.  Unless you are willing to take the risk with Ebay, I think that these may be your only two choices.  Sorry!

Best of Luck

Yeah LOL, it keeps hinting about "original video", so I'm guessing the footage is pretty old.

There's always those little G scale loops in the back of people's yards, but I came across this video (that coincidentally is from today) showing something much more.  This is a very good sized garden line through a wooded backyard, not a concrete pad.  It's pretty cool, take a look.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOAwtnOLQiE

Thanks for the info about those carrying cases!

I transport my stuff all the time to the club and, well, I tend to break stuff just as much.  I recommend storing locomotives in original packaging.  If you don't have it, at least use tissue paper (preferably white but if not that's ok) against the engine, with layers of newspaper and/or bubblewrap outside of that.  For cars, honestly, just a single sheet of newspaper.  Store this all in a cardboard box because, trust me, bags break.  A lot LOL.

Change the master volume CV to zero.  You can find which CV this is by searching google for your model.