Altho' I'll stick with my first place vote for the N&W Class J, especially for steam,  my second pick (and first place for diesel) would be the Alco PA-1 "Spirit of 1776", decked out in bright white with red, white, and blue trim.   It pulled the seven car American Freedom Train through all the states (48 at that time) from 1947 to 1949.   See http://www.freedomtrain.org for pictures and history. 

Another vote for the Norfolk & Western Class J.  I lived in southern Ohio (Portsmouth, Cincinnati) when these streamlined steam powered beauties pulled the Powhatan Arrow and Pocahontas passenger trains along the Ohio River.  They were hard to beat for looks, strength, speed, and durability. 

Thanks for the info, Rick and Bob.  Altho' I haven't ridden the Acela or any electric in the USA, I rode a bunch of electrics in Europe last year.  They're very quiet, so I'll skip sound and go with motive DCC only.  Looks like simple plug n play. 

Any recommendations/experience for DCC/sound decoder installation for subject loco? 

Thanks. 

I see the DCC ready HO HHP-8 regularly on EBay at reduced prices.  Any predictions when a DCC/Sound HO AMTRAK HHP-8 will be available for order? 
Thanks. 

Dave
USAF (Retired)

Please search message "Bachmann 5 amp Booster" on this forum.  Full discussion of this issue starting on 3/30/2007. 
Good Luck! 

Bob,

I bought my Spectrum 2-8-0 in late 2004, factory equipped with Soundtraxx, Release 2.0.  Decoder manual that came with it is dated 2002.  It's one of my grandson's and my very favorite locos for running and sound!

Since #722 was used for Southern steam excursions, we have it pulling five old Scenemaster SOU HW passenger cars, our own little "Carolina Special".   

I have Bachmann Spectrum DCC/sound model #11413 SOU 2-8-0 Road #722.  Instructions with it specify NOT to run on DC so I have never tried.  It runs and sounds great on DCC. 

EZ Track has at least seven curve radii:  35 1/2", 33 1/4", 28", 26", 22", 18", and 15", so should be no problem for four main lines.

Good luck,   

I stand corrected and apologize for misleading "The Old Man".    The adaptors with the 90 degree crossings (nickel silver item #44541) are 2", not 1" as I previously stated.  But they are definitely shorter than the 2 1/4" track pieces which can be bought in packs as nickel silver item #44513. 

I can confirm that the 90 degree crossing 1" adaptors are truly 1" and are just like all other EZ track.  Since my grandson and I like double crossings, we've got "a bunch" of crossings and the 1" track pieces with them. Those 1" pieces come in real handy at times. 

As a dad and grandpa who runs trains with his son and grandsons, I highly recommend EZ Command DCC and EZ track with 2 or 3 non-sound and/or sound HO DCC engines and assorted cars.  We find it's a hoot running more than one train at a time with one simple wire connection to the track.  EZ Command has no problem running several non-sound engines on a lot! of track, but soon reaches its limit with multiple sound engines (max of 3 we found).
Great way to start DCC at "reasonable" cost.  Kids today expect and do well with computer based technology.    Good luck!   

Dave
USAF (Retired)

I have a Marklin HO #4411 boxcar with center pickup shoe that powers a lighted marker lantern on the end of the car.  I would like to convert it for use with standard two rail EZ track and DCC so lantern will still work like it does on Marklin "third rail" track.   Any suggestions for conversion?   

Thanks,

Mr. Bachman,

Now that DCC FTs are out, any plans to produce historic 1939 EMD FT #103 in GM demonstrator colors? 

Thanks,

I would add MRC Prodigy Express, Prodigy Advance Squared, and Advance Wireless to the list for consideration.  My grandson and I started DCC with Bachmann EZ Command which was great for us beginners, both in cost and capabilities!  When we were ready 2 1/2 years later, we upgraded to PA Advance Squared, then Wireless conversion.   So far, very happy with our choices.  Comparison shop around on-line no matter what system you choose.  Some good bargains out there from reputable dealers.