That model is even sold out on Bachmann's own store page.

Looks like you need a medium length, center-shank coupler.  You can try using a Kadee HO 'Standard head' Whisker coupler, some of my cars have those and work well with my Bachmann E-Z Mates.


Edit:  I just realized that model is for the original E-Z Mate line, they've been replaced with the E-Z Mate Mark II.

Look up Bachmann part number 78025, that appears to be in stock at several sites.

I also use the NCE Power Cab system.

Ideally you should connect a feeder to each rail segment, but my On30 E-Z Track layout has feeders every 3-5 feet along a 90 foot bus, and the Power Cab has no trouble keeping up with that length.

Non-sound locos tend to draw half an amp to a whole amp when active, and the Power Cab can handle up to two amps at a time, so you shouldn't need a booster.

You can remove the blocks to simplify the wiring if you like, or rewire them so they control individual sidings so you can 'turn off' locomotives to save power.

Your existing track, turnouts, and crossovers should work just fine on DCC, but your locomotives will need to be converted to DCC if they don't already have dual-mode decoders installed.

You can use your current DC controller to power the turnout's and crossover's solenoids since DCC controllers don't support them.  Unless you want to replace them with Bachmann's DCC versions that are powered by the rails.

If your layout has any loops that allow a train to change direction on the mainline, you'll need a Reverse Loop Module to change the loop's polarity when it detects a short.


An aside: Are you planning to get the E-Z Command System or Dynamis Infrared System?

Personally, I think DCC simplifies the wiring:  Left bus to left rail, right bus to right rail, and reverse loop modules take care of shorts for uninterrupted running.

Which DCC system are you using?

How many locomotives will you be running at once and do they have sound?

How are the feeder wires currently spaced?

Thanks, I ordered a few.

The NMRA says to use 18 gauge wire for HO and smaller scales.

"Bus" is a contraction of the Latin word omnibus.

What kind of LEDs does the On30 Heisler use?

I don't see them in the list of replacement parts.

Quote from: charon on January 27, 2019, 12:49:13 AM
Pik #756;
Is that a 6-2-0? Any info on it?
Thanks,
Chuck

Info and a second picture can be found about 3 quarters of the way down on this page:

http://www.douglas-self.com/MUSEUM/LOCOLOCO/chimney/chimney.htm

Yes, #4 turnouts would work, but #6 ones would be better if you have room for them.

Ideally you want to use the longest turnouts available.

These will give you less S-bending as cars move to parallel tracks, and locomotives with long wheelbases will be able to negotiate the turnouts better.

(In case you don't know, an S-bend is when you have two opposing curves in close relation to each other, you want have a straight section at least the length of your longest car or locomotive between them to avoid problems.)

Quote from: Hunt on January 22, 2019, 11:57:48 PM
Before the keep alive is installed program CV 29 to disable DC operation.  This will avoided some anomalies.

Which keep alive product are you installing?

Thanks, Hunt.

I'm planning to use a TCS KA4, it's small enough to easily fit in the On30 Heisler bunker I'll be using for the tender shell.

Quote from: Hunt on January 22, 2019, 07:48:19 PM
Hopefully, SoundTraxx will provide Flare the decoder's illustrated diagram identifying the CurrentKeeper (their keep alive) connection points.   If not, I will have to make time to look for mine.

I got a response from Soundtraxx today, they sent me this photo showing where to solder the wires to keep both the motor and 'sound module' powered:

I read that article, but it's for the 0-4-2 Sound Porter:  The 0-4-0 version appears to use a different board since they have different part numbers in bachmann's store.

I just ordered one of these gems and I'd like to build a tender with a Keep-Alive capacitor inside when it arrives.

Looking at the decoder board in the e-store, I see two pairs of soldering points that are separate from the eight DCC connections.

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=71_677&products_id=10471

Might one of those pairs be compatible with a Keep-Alive to keep both the sound and motor going for a second or two over unpowered turnout frogs or other trouble spots on a layout?

Sadly, the EZ Command Control Center is a 'simple' DCC controller.

One of its shortcomings is that it cannot reset malfunctioning decoders.  (Typically by setting CV 8 to

See if a hobby shop, club, or individual in your area has another DCC controller and maybe they can help you.