Quote from: jward on April 07, 2011, 07:56:19 AM
the compatability problems doneldon is referring to would be between different makes of track with roadbed. there are 3 i can think of, ez track, power lock, and atlas true track. all of them have different methods of connecting together, and cannot be used with each other. there may be adaptor pieces out there which would allow mixing of brands. the atlas true track also uses a smaller rail size (code 83) than the others (code 100).....

if you go with the much cheaper track without the roadbed, this compatability problem is largely absent as long as you use the same rail size throughout. you can connect a peco switch to atlas or model power track for example with no problems. the only thing you'd want to watch for are "dcc friendly" switches. most manufacturers who make them take pains to let you know they are "dcc friendly"....... another advantage to using this type of track are the huge variety of pieces available, and the flexible track you can use for situations where there is no appropriate piece available.

Yes, thanks, that's what I'm thinking. My current idea is to start expanding with Bachmann EZ NS code 100, including some of their DCC powered switches. And then expand again later with NS code 100 Peco or Atlas flex track and use homasote roadbed to match it up to the EZ track level...

Shouldn't be such terrible problems with this method, right?  (Hopefully???) 
Chazzlee

I

Two ways:

A DC-only engine can run on the DCC EZ Command module, using address 0.

Another option is to pickup one of those small DC controllers that come with newer Bachmann  train sets. (If you don't already have one with the Thomas set?). This gets it's "To Track" plug inserted into the EZ Command "Jump" throttle socket, and nothing else needs to be wired.. Then you will free up address 0 on the DCC controller and will also be able to run one (only one at a time here) DC-only locomotive off that small plugged-in  DC controller.

One piece of good advice I've gotten... When you're not running your DC loco around on the DCC setup either park it on a switched-off unpowered siding, or take it off the track altogether. DC engines can sometimes overheat left sitting on powered DCC track too long w/o running...

Chazzlee

Am returning to MRR hobby after many decades away from childhood Lionel..;>})
And I've now got me the basic EZ Com controller, also an extra DC jump throttle,
to use with one DC-only and two DCC locomotives. Am now in the process of
setting up just a simple test oval with EZ track, but would also like to add a
siding or two fairly soon...

So, what turnouts would folks here recommend? What do y'all mostly use? I see
Amazon has the EZ DCC turnouts on sale and I'm wondering whether
to go with two of those to use with the EZ DCC controller, or go with Atlas or
Peco DCC friendly turnouts and wire them with separate toggle switches?
What's the general feelings re the pros and cons of these different turnouts?

Also, what about EZ manual turnouts? Will they work okay with EZ DCC powered trackage without special gaps and/or wiring needed?

And one more question?  -if I want to use code 100 flex track with  EZ nickel silver track, would cork roadbed bring the flex track up to the right height to match with the EZ's gray plastic roadbed stuff?  And if not, what's a good pre-fab roadbed that would?

Thanks for any assistance here,
Chazzlee ;>})