Hi Joe,

You can find the TCS documentation for the Sound Value GP35 here: https://docs.tcsdcc.com/wiki/Bachmann_Sound_Value_GP35_-_HO

Hi Peter,

The only thing that may be preventing you from connecting to the locomotive is if you have the power turned all the way up on the speed controller. Make sure it is running at full throttle when you try to connect.

Also, just to be clear, are you looking for the locomotive in the main Bluetooth pairing window on your phones, or via the E-Z App? Unlike other Bluetooth devices like a speaker or headset, the locomotive can only be connected via the E-Z App itself.

If you are still having issues after this, please contact the Bachmann service department.

Hi trainman,

Our newest run of USRA Pacifics (item #s 52901-03) will be DCC Ready and will not be decoder or sound equipped out of the box. We don't have any immediate plans for another run of DCC Sound models, but we'll make sure to specify which decoder we use if we announce a new run.

Hi Jack,

We designed the 44949 DCC Control Box with Turnout Decoder to make it easy to convert your analog turnouts to DCC. Just plug the switch in to the control box to replace the analog controller and assign a decoder address with your DCC system.

The 44949 Control Box is currently out of stock at Bachmann, but you can look for it at your local hobby shop or online. We do also have the 44950 Trackside Turnout Decoder, which uses the same tech, but inside an HO scale trackside shack.

Here's our how-to video showing how they work:

Hi Mark,

The corridor light and emergency strobe can be controlled manually using WOWSound's Light Mode. Press function button 8 twice rapidly to change from Sound Mode to Light Mode. Then, use function button 9 to turn the corridor lights on/off, and function button 11 to turn the emergency strobe on/off.

Hi Nate,

I'll answer your questions one by one:

What Bachmann HO starter sets feature sound/DCC locomotives?
We currently offer two DCC Sound Value equipped HO starter sets:

• 00825 Echo Valley Express
• 00826 Thunder Chief

We also offered the Limited Edition 00827 Transcontinental a few years ago.

I see some sets say DCC enabled, but no sound. Does that mean I can add sound to the locomotive?
Generally, the answer is "yes", but it depends on the specific locomotive. You will need a sound-equipped DCC decoder and a speaker. Most of our newer locomotives that are not already sound-equipped will have a space and holes in the chassis for a speaker, and may even come with a speaker pre-installed. Others may not have a specific space for a speaker, but you can still install it with some modification to the body and/or chassis. We recommend to contact the decoder manufacturer to get their specific advice on installations.

Also, is DCC an industry standard?
Yes, DCC was developed by the National Model Railroad Association and has been adopted as an industry standard. There are many different DCC decoders and systems available, but as long as they are NMRA compliant, they all interface with each other. For example, you can control Bachmann DCC locomotives with any DCC control system, and you can control non-Bachmann locomotives using the Bachmann E-Z Command system. You can learn more about DCC and how it works on the DCC Wiki.

Would I need a DCC controller, and do any starter sets come with that?
All of our DCC Sound Value sets, as well as the 00501 Digital Commander (which does not have sound) include the E-Z Command or E-Z Command Plus DCC controller. DCC locomotives can be controlled with a standard DC controller, but you will not have access or control of all the DCC functions (for example, in a sound equipped locomotive, the whistle/horn and bell will play automatically based on speed control.)

Let us know if you have any more questions, and have fun!

Hi Mark,

Removing the shell from the SC-44 is a pretty simple process. On the left/right side, using your fingernail or a small object like a toothpick, gently pry the shell away from the chassis, behind the front truck/in front of the rear truck (directly next to the fuel tank.) Then, slip a small piece of cardstock into the gap you've created above the fuel tank, between the shell and the chassis.

Repeat this on the other side of the locomotive, then gently hold the locomotive in place by the truck. You should now be able to easily lift the shell off the chassis from one end. (I recommend holding the front truck and lifting the shell up at the front end. This way you are less likely to damage the hanging hose/cable details above the plow when the shell is lifted up.)

Hi Fred,

The Williams True Sounds system was designed many years ago for Williams Reproductions by QSI. Because it was made so long ago by a third party and predates Bachmann's ownership of Williams, it is no longer available for sale or installation. You may be able to still find older upgrade kits on eBay or other sellers.

This thread on the O Gauge Railroading forum has a little more information on True Sounds.

Hi Greg,

The manual including with your Broadway Limited engine should outline the default function key assignments. If you are using the original E-Z Command, you will only be able to control functions 1 through 8, plus "10" for lighting. If you are using the E-Z Command Plus, you will have access to Functions 0 through 29.

Hi Paul,
When running an E-Z app locomotive for the first time, it should already be in DC mode (power pack control) until you connect it to Bluetooth with the E-Z App for the first time. So if you purchase a new E-Z App set, it should be ready to run with the power pack right out of the box.

If your set is used, or if somebody else uses the E-Z App to control the Scout Special locomotive, all you have to do to change it from Bluetooth to DC mode is toggle the direction switch 4 times within 5 seconds.

Enjoy!

Hi Quentin,

The inventory of our webstore is based on what we have in stock in our warehouse/distribution center. We sold out of all our stock of the ES44AC (and our other large modern diesel, the SD70ACe) in 2021, so they've been discontinued and are no longer available for direct sale from Bachmann. If you don't see a model on our webstore, your best bet will be to check with your local hobby shop or on eBay, to see if they have any stock left.

Happy hunting!

Hi Jrasche,
The E-Z Command is compatible with all NMRA-compliant decoders, no matter what brand and whether they're installed in Bachmann models or not. Just remember when doing your own decoder installations, to program them into the E-Z Command using a programming track separate from your main track.

Enjoy!

Hi 1Train2Many,

Kadee has general instructions on their website for converting Thomas, James, and "most cars" to Kadee couplers. Scroll down to the bottom here: https://www.kadee.com/hocc_bachmann

Good luck!

Hi Jeffrey,

As with the older 0-6-0s, the new Sound Value USRA 0-6-0 has the front pilot assembly, including the working coupler, attached to the chassis underframe. However, we had to redesign and change the shape of the chassis to accommodate the new DCC tether connection with the tender and other changes to the mechanism. This required a redesigned chassis underframe, so it will still not be a 1-to-1 conversion to the existing 0-6-0, and you will still have to perform some surgery to add the working front coupler.
We can still work on making the necessary parts available from the parts store once the Sound Value version is shipped.

We did make a Facebook post when the forum went back online, but we recognize not everyone uses Facebook. We'll make sure to include a message in our online newsletter this week.

(If you're not already signed up for the newsletter, you can do so here.)