Quote from: brad on April 09, 2007, 09:16:08 PM
The biggest problem with consisting different manufacturers loco's is gear ratios. 2 Spectrums will definitely be more compatible than two different loco's.

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They're actually both Bachmanns, but the #3502 is a basic DCC model included with an EZ-Command controller.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/catalog/?function=detail&id=1454

I wasn't expecting it to be faster/stronger than a Spectrum.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/catalog/?function=detail&id=283

A couple of days or so I received a Spectrum Santa Fe #5418.  I've coupled this with my vanilla Santa Fe #3502.  Both are DCC.  I eventually want to 1) weather these engines, 2) put together a massively long train and have 2-3 engines pulling the load.  My vanilla Santa Fe is faster than the Spectrum though!  So I guess the #3502, which I have in the reverse mode, is actually pushing the Spectrum.

I'm eBaying for another #5418.  I guess I'll eventually sell my #3502 for whatever change I can get for it.  If I do get another Spectrum, can I expect it to be more in line with the other Spectrum?

Also, am I really getting extra HP by consisting?  It looks way more cool piggybacking like that, but I want to get something from it too.

Today I noticed that some certain rolling stock I have that there is some friction when going through the turns.  I guess it became really noticeable for me when I really loaded down my simple DCC engine and put every car I have on it, plus a new Athern Genesis 60' Hi-Cube boxcar.  Now, I just have a simple oval sitting on a 5'X9' or so rug, but I finally figured out that rolling stock that has a wide 'spine' on the bottom of the car will have wheels that rub the spine on the turns.  I have EZ-Track.  So, what's the problem here?  I haven't noticed that the EZ-Track I have is some super tight stuff.

While at a Hobby Lobby, considering selling all of my HO stuff for N scale, I noticed this Mod-U-Rail system by Woodland Scenics.  A little pricey, but maybe this is what I need to keep my interest in HO going, since my train set is just sitting on the floor.  $120 for a straight set, $140 for a corner set.  Of course, space is at a premium but the garage is in the process of getting cleaned out and I've thought about using part of it for train junk.

Just getting some opinions and doing homework before I commit to something.  Thanks a bunch.

Just making sure I didn't mess up.  I had to re-register.