I have started a new HO 2' x 8' switching shelf layout. Sold the old layout which had DCC, old Command 2000 that worked great. Since the new shelf layout is essentially a point to point and will only be running one engine at a time, I want to keep it as simple as I can. My question is will the cheap EX DCC Backmann have the power to run at least one of the out of the box DCC SOUND equipped engines like Atlas, Proto 2000, Blue line etc ?
Appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks, DON
Dr. Frankendiesel aka Scott Running BearSpace Mouse for president!15 year veteran fire fighterCollector of Apple //e'sRunning Bear EnterprisesHistory Channel Club life member.beatus homo qui invenit sapientiam
Vincent
Wants: 1. high-quality, sound equipped, SD40-2s, C636s, C30-7s, and F-units in BN. As for ones that don't cost an arm and a leg, that's out of the question....
2. An end to the limited-production and other crap that makes models harder to get and more expensive.
A true friend will not bail you out of jail...he will be sitting next to you saying "that was friggin awesome dude!" Tim...Modeling the NYC...is there any other?
Packer wrote:But you won't have acces to all the functions. IIRC, there are 12 sound functions, the EZ DCC only has 10. I bought a Zephyr for my RR.
both the Bachmann EZ Command and the DIgitrax Zephyr have only EIGHT functions plus lights, to have twelve functions on the zephyr, you have to add a UT4/DT400 throttle.
I operate four sound locos, plus two non sound locos, with an EZ Command on a small switching layout all the time, the Zephyr (which I also have and operate my larger layout with) has more options, but it is also two-three times the price.
DONFLA wrote:Since the new shelf layout is essentially a point to point and will only be running one engine at a time, I want to keep it as simple as I can. My question is will the cheap EX DCC Backmann have the power to run at least one of the out of the box DCC SOUND equipped engines like Atlas, Proto 2000, Blue line etc ?
Don,
As others have said, the E-Z Command should work fine in your situation. I was able to operate 3 locomotives simultaneously with my E-Z Command; one with sound.
As mentioned, the one major drawback is the fact that you won't have any CV control. You will have 8 sound functions plus lights with the E-Z Command. I originally picked one up for $53 and enjoyed it for the year that I had it. It is simple to use.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
- Luke
Modeling the Southern Pacific in the 1960's-1980's
Thanks for the help everybody. My question was answered.
Appreciate it, DON
Might want to think about a Prodigy Express. That will give you more control than the Bach EZ.They're selling for around $120 now. Here's Tony's review on it.http://www.tonystrains.com/technews/mrc-prodigye-review.htm
river_eagle wrote: Packer wrote:But you won't have acces to all the functions. IIRC, there are 12 sound functions, the EZ DCC only has 10. I bought a Zephyr for my RR. both the Bachmann EZ Command and the DIgitrax Zephyr have only EIGHT functions plus lights, to have twelve functions on the zephyr, you have to add a UT4/DT400 throttle.I operate four sound locos, plus two non sound locos, with an EZ Command on a small switching layout all the time, the Zephyr (which I also have and operate my larger layout with) has more options, but it is also two-three times the price.
I have a UT4R throttle I got from Litchfield station for 100 bucks. They sent me 2 though, so I sent it back and got the shipping paid for in store credit. (I though of keeping it though)
DONFLA wrote: I have started a new HO 2' x 8' switching shelf layout. Sold the old layout which had DCC, old Command 2000 that worked great. Since the new shelf layout is essentially a point to point and will only be running one engine at a time, I want to keep it as simple as I can. My question is will the cheap EX DCC Backmann have the power to run at least one of the out of the box DCC SOUND equipped engines like Atlas, Proto 2000, Blue line etc ? Appreciate any help you can give me. Thanks, DON
Yes it should be able to handle one sound equipped locomotive.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/products/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=1453
Also Lentz made this DCC system for Bachmann.
I am thinking about using one of these on my next N Scale ISL...Going N Scale..Not enough room for a HO ISL.
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
I use to use the MRC 2000 with hand held remote. It was great for bringing in a helper loco to the rear of a train while moving.
That should work fine for a switching layout. If you can live with the restrictions and want to save money, go for it. Remember, there will alwys be someone who will tell you that you can get more, no matter what the DCC system you buy.
There is a Bachmann forum also.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
My grandson and I used Bachmann EZ Command to run up to three sound locomotives simultaneously around a temporary EZ track layout on the floor of a 14' X 18' room. The layout included several switches and crossovers and no feeder wires. It's a great starter dcc system that we used for over two years until we "graduated" to MRC Prodigy Advance Squared wireless system to access CVs, more sound functions, and control more trains.
Good luck!
Dave
USAF (Retired)