My question is specific to Bachmann item 66703 Louisville and Nashville E7A.   This is the non-sound model.  The locomotive comes with two lights that burn steady.     I'm thinking it would be possible to create a mars light effect by getting a multi-function decoder and programming the proper CV.  However, I don't want both lights blinking/pulsating.   Does anyone know if both lights are connected to the same circuit on this model?   If not, it might be the simple process of putting in a decoder and changing the CV.   If they are the same, then the bottom light would need to be connected to a different circuit which is a more complex modification.

To limit confusion,  I would appreciate replies only if you can answer the actual question. Thanks.

I have a layout that is approximately 12 x 6.   I am considering if I need a booster for the EZ Command.  From past posts, it appears the EZ Command power supply can run three sound loco's without any problems.  Is that the limit or could you run the three sound loco's along with one or two non-sound at the same time?  Since my layout is not huge, I could only see running three sound loco's at the same time in a consist.   I could posssibly have another loco or two on the outer tracks.  However, since I would likely not have this many loco's on the layout at any one time, is buying a booster overkill?  Thoughts or advice?  Thanks. 

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Someone posted a note about adding a MRC Sound DCC Decoder to this locomotive.  Is adding one as easy as plugging it in?  Will it work with the Bachmann EZ Command and will the sounds coordinate with what the locomotive is doing (such as moving forward)?  Let me have some advice as I never thought of doing this.  I have worked with regular DCC decoders but did not know sound could be as easy as just plugging it in.  Let me know if I am missing something.  Thanks.

Someone posted a note about adding a MRC Sound DCC Decoder to this locomotive.  Is adding one as easy as plugging it in?  Will it work with the Bachmann EZ Command and will the sounds coordinate with what the locomotive is doing (such as moving forward)?  Let me have some advice as I never thought of doing this.  I have worked with regular DCC decoders but did not know sound could be as easy as just plugging it in.  Let me know if I am missing something.  Thanks.

Has anyone seen the Bachmann HO 81608 Spectrum USRA Light 4-8-2 in road name Louisville & Nashville?  This is an older model and I am curious if they look good or kind of cheap?    Also, does it convert to DCC via a quick plug? 

Has anyone seen the coal loads by Model Railstuff?  Do they look significantly better than the coal loads made by Athearn or Accurail?  The Athearn loads I have seen were for the 34' hoppers. 

I would be interested in any opinions.  Thanks.

Has anyone ever used the lighted bumpers made by Model Power that fit the EZ track?  My question is, are they compatible with DCC?  Thanks.

I called Atlas and they said the DCC locos are sometimes programmed based on the last two digits of the road number.  Since this one was 00, they weren't sure what would have been used.  I used the EZ Command  method of going into program mode with no loco on the track.  After the EZ command began to blink, I placed the loco on the track and assigned the number I wanted.  Fortunately, this worked and the Atlas loco ran fine.

I bought an Atlas SDP-35 which has DCC installed.  The trains runs fine on DC but is dead on DCC.  I made sure the plug was in the correct position, so that is not the problem.  I called Atlas who suggested reprogramming it back to the original settings (change CV8 to 33).

My question is if the EZ Command has a way to reset the DCC back to the original settings?

Has anyone used Xuron shears for cutting small kit parts off the sprue?  If so, I was wondering if the 410A or the 410T was better?  The company says a lot of modelers use the 410T, however, the 410A is advertised as having almost no pinch.  The kits I work that have the smallest most delicate parts are made by Proto 2000, Branchline and Intermountain.

Any experience with either or both would be appreciated.  Thanks. 

Terry,

You are correct, my fault.  Have you ever used the Bachmann Crossovers?  If so, have you had any trouble with trains derailing?

Terry,

I noticed you made a comment about Bachmann turnouts.  I have four Bachmann crossovers.  I have exchanged them several times as they seem to be prone to derailment.  Based on your note, this appears to be a problem you are seeing with all the Bachmann turnouts.  If I am understanding your comments correctly (which I may not be), it doesn't appear there is much you can do to make the Bachmann work better.  It does sound like your idea of using Atlas turnouts might be a good option.  Could you use the Atlas track that already has the road bed and just cut off the plastic locking mechanism on the Atlas and EZ track ends? Let me know and feel free to clarify if I am misunderstanding anything.  Thanks!

Terry,
On the sidings you have pictured, did you use the standard EZ track switches?  That would be versus the #5 switches?  I want to make sure I get the right thing to try this.

Could you tell me the minimum layout width I would need for the following curve radius:

22 radius -
26 radius -
28 radius -