OK Gene, then why did the headlight work on the DC track? Surely it was DAYLIGHT!!! There has to b e a problem somewhere, my guess is the DCC programming, but who knows?

BT9NR's- I personally have purchased rolling stock off of e-bay. There really are some great deals there, if you look hard enough. I recently got 14 cars, a mix of which one was a Lionel flat car. Beautiful little critter. Got them for only 6 bucks! They were cheaper than the shipping. Just look at the sellers credentials or feedback if you will. It'll tell you a lot about whom you are dealing with. Also you can email the seller usually for more detailed pics and info. There really are some great deals out there, especially if you are looking for rough-up cars for the young ones to rough-up on. Some might require some repair, and some will be ready to roll. Like I said, you just have to look. There are usually 20000+ items if you do HO Scale search under toys&hobbies.~TomKat

Gene, I am first getting into DCC myself, but the man you need to talk to is Jim Banner. Send him a personal message here in the forum email and he'll get back to you. The man is very knowledgeable when it comes to any train locomotive.~TomKat

Thanks to all of you for your input. The overhang is what most perturbs me. I have run it across 18, but it will derail at speed. If I take it slow it'll go thru, but geez, the overhang!!!
Alex- I wasn't asking JUST the Bachmann. I just wanted to know what they recommend. Also wanted youalls input too.
Bob- No I haven't seen it yet, but this is a new laptop and I might not have my mail set up correctly yet. And thank you for checking into this.~TomKat

Mr. Bachmann- I would like to know what Bachmann RECOMMENDS for minturn radius on a Niagara 4-8-4. This train is part of the Overland Set. I am building a layout and want to know what YOU (Bachmann) recommend~TomKat

Good answer!~TomKat

YB, yeah I have electronic experience, but, like you, it didn't start out digital. That came later. But don't be discouraged by the fact that it IS digital. Just remember, it's still a machine. Troubleshooting is still the same, a fault can be isolated and so forth. Just apply old school and new school will seem like kindergarten! HA! I make it sound easy, don't I? Ah well, the funs in runnin' 'em. When they break, well we can all lose our religion. Now to change the subject a little, I've read somewhere in here that you have GPS experience. Cool! I install Trimble Auto Grade systems for a living now. Started on my own 'bout 4 years back. Love the stuff(it's MOSTLY digital,HA!) Still they can throw fits like an old woman throws skillets. We'll have to chat on this subject again.~TomKat

Jim, thanks for the link to Dynamis! I like what I see, but there's a train show coming up and I want to see it operate first hand. Also the site showed "sold out/waiting for delivery" so I have some time to research and read. Thanks again for your knowledge and input.~TomKat

YB, in regards to your inquiry, yes my locos are Bachmann. Really like their stuff. I also have the E-Z Command running in my setup. But I have over 26 years as an electronic technician, so working with "CV's" is a normal day in the shop for me. The main reason though, is that there is a lot more control concerning not just the operation of the engine, but other things such as sound, fine tuning a consist to a 'T', not to mention bringing old locos up to DCC by installing decoders. For that last reason alone, one should have the capability to install & program their own decoders. Besides, it seems like the thing to do!~ TomKat

Very good. Well it seems as if the problem is definitely in the loco somewhere, pick-ups, wiring, possibly a bad motor. Keep looking and keep me informed to see if we can amend the problem.~TomKat

Gentlemen, thanks for your input. The GP-40 I recently purchased runs ok on DC, but I would like to fine tune it a little for my DCC layout. Thanks again. If you have anymore input, I will check in now & again.~TomKat

Alex, is this engine DC or DCC? If it's DCC and you're running electric cleaning cars on your track with the loco on the track, you've probably burnt the decoder. If it's a DC loco you need to get some help checking continuity (ohms) from the wheel pick-ups to the motor.~TomKat

Jim, look further down in the message forum for an article concerning the switches you might want to look at.~TomKat

If you wish to use your ez-command to run your switches, Bachmann sells decoder ready switches. Look online for DCC accessories.~TomKat

Alex, sorry I didn't get back to you. Is there oil on the wheel pick-ups or possibly dirt? Make sure they are clean. The only other thing I can think of is get the Ohmeter out and check continuity between pick-ups and motor/lights. Try that and I'll keep my thinkin' hat on to help you try to solve this.~TomKat