wjstix wrote: ... The Bachmann track can be converted to a power frog, there is a wire under the turnout that has basically a track connector attached to it's end. There is a metal tab under the turnout that you slide the connector onto and that's it...
... The Bachmann track can be converted to a power frog, there is a wire under the turnout that has basically a track connector attached to it's end. There is a metal tab under the turnout that you slide the connector onto and that's it...
I have not used EZ-Track for a few months, but my turnouts, the #6 style, had solenoid actuators under them that moved the points with a click. The electrical contacts you talk about, would they not be for hooking up to the switch? There should be a black box with either a push-botton or a slide button with a red or green wire attached and a socket to slide onto the three tabs at the side of the turnout. Or has Bachmann offered a turnout that has a powered frog, as you say?
Just an update, I purchased the NCE PowerCab starter set and layed out track in an oval. I hooked up the DCC and in five minutes my train was running. I was very suprised. Now on to more complicated matters like trying to wire the switches. Always something to worry about, but so far I'm enjoying the journey.
Again thanks for all the advice!
I've tried out the Bachmann E-Z Track and Kato Unitrack, both are very good. The Bachmann track can be converted to a power frog, there is a wire under the turnout that has basically a track connector attached to it's end. There is a metal tab under the turnout that you slide the connector onto and that's it. I tested a Bachmann no.5 under DC and DCC and it worked great, even my smallest engine (Thomas) worked fine.
I have to agree with Surfstud about hating cork !! I used it on one layout in 1972 and never again. I've used "Ribbonrail" upsom board roadbed on my last few layouts, but the next one will be E-Z track. Why?? Two reasons, one is I like to build in stages and test things out. As someone mentioned above, you don't have to lay out all your track at once !! I plan on using flattop benchwork and putting track in in stages, starting with a fairly simple dogbone and once that is working, adding sidings and seeing what will fit where. I have a pretty good idea of my track plan, but no matter what, once you get track in place I guarantee new ideas will come up. With E-Z track those changes will be simple. Once the track is all in place and I'm sure it's working, I will add WS subroadbed risers, ballast and scenery.
Second reason is range of products available. Atlas and Kato code 83 track-with-roadbed looks great - but is very limited compared to the range of turnouts, crossings, curves etc. that Bachmann makes. Plus, I understand they are coming out with DCC equipped turnouts soon.
(BTW my layout will be largely a shelf layout, roughly a 25' x 37' "L" shape...and those Bachmann 3' long sections are nice to eat up the yardage!!)
I am planning on using newer modern trains on my layout. I think from what I have read and researched I am leaning towards Atlas track code 83, corkbed, and NCE PowerCab for the DCC system. I also think I will take Jim up on his suggestion and just start with an oval and a loco and start to add things from there. Sounds like a great idea for a newbie like me, thanks!
Also, I am going to a train show this weekend. I tell my wife I have to go for our 5 yr old son but I am going just as much for myself as well. One of these years I think she may catch on. My question regarding the show is are there any deals I should look for? Tony's Train Exchange prices seemed to be the cheapest I have seen.
Again all the input has been appreciated!
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Go slow, go easy.
Take breaks now and again, especially when you have a stumper.
Some thoughts. If like me designing layouts by computer isn't going to happen. I wish I could use them but I am a touch & feel guy. Below are a few ideas I used which helped greatly.
It really helped me get from layout design to layout building to have actual size templates to visualize not only if the layout would fit but if it "worked".
Oh ya. I got a Digitrax Zephyr - couldn't be easier, couldn't be happier. I added a hand held for my 7 year old.
Have fun!
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Welcome to the forum. You have a nice room. You have already got some good advice. I will add a few opinions,
Put Atlas flex track on top of WS foam with cheap latex clear caulk. It just is easier.
Go with a DCC with radio. I use Digitrax but some others also work. Being able to walk around the layout with your train, untethered is more fun than you can imagine. You give each engineer their own thottle and watch them all walk around and keep the trains apart is more fun than ever. This costs a little more, but saving until you get what you wany costs less than getting something cheaper that you decide later than you don't really want.
I have both power routed switchs and dead frog. They both work when wired properly. The advantage of power routed is that the old engines with less pickups run a little better and interior lights flicker less.
First, Back to the Drawing Board! Download one of the free track planning software packages. I used RTS from www.atlasrr.com, and there's also Xtrakcad from www.sillub.com. RTS is the simpler program, but Xtrakcad has more features. Since you've already got your layout's size and shape defined, you can enter it into the program and start laying virtual track.
Take time with this. Planning is very important when building a layout. It will force you to think before you buy, a common problem for those of us who go to shows or find bargains on the Internet - "What was I thinking? Why did I buy this?" Instead, layout software lets you see the trackwork and the open spaces where you'll want scenery. (Don't forget to plan roads. If you don't, you'll find that your roads all cross the tracks at weird angles, or a turnouts, or on curves.)
Next, figure out how to post your design here, and ask for suggestions on your problem areas. We've all been through this, and people here have come up with some pretty creative solutions.
This is just opinion mick. You have asked some loaded questions but your layout sounds similar to mine. In six months these are the decisions I made to answer your questions:
Here are a couple of pics of my layout under construction. This will give you an idea of the mthods I chose:
You will get alot of advice here and it will all be good. In the end, you will have to decide for yourself and go with it. The important thing to remember is to have fun!
My bench work is nearing completion and I am about to begin the layout stage. I have a general idea of how I want the track layed out. I have a u-shaped layout in a 12X12 room. I was interested in DCC. I am planning on using Atlas code 83 track. The layout will (hopefully) have between two and four trains running with several switches. I also plan on using cork as the track bed.
My questions:
Is there a specific Atlas track(and switches) I should be buying to be compatible with DCC? Is the wiring easier with some other brand? I am assuming the easy tracks (ex Bachmans E-Z Track) aren't too compatible with DCC.
Any ideas which DCC system I should be looking at?
Any thoughts on cork vs foam. I have heard/read arguments for both.
Thanks in advance for the input and info.