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No it's equipped with the decoder it shipped with - one of those Bachmann out of the box DCC equipped locos. I'll play around with the CVs a little and see what happens. Scott

I just got a brand new Spectrum 2-8-0 with DCC on board. But at low speeds (it's a 28 speed step decoder) - until about speed step 9, the motor buzzes like nothing else, but it does move properly. Speed 10 and above, runs and sounds just fine. Is this normal for Bachmann? I don't have any...

The only rule I have for my freelance railroad is that it has to have a REASON to be there. Doesn't matter what it is. So I just have a vague picture in my head of a few little towns connected by my railroad. Then I designed a rough track plan (changing it about 100 times since) lay down the...

What I ended up doing... In case anyone is interested. I tried a few things to raise a grade of a level foam surface. My grade is 2.5% and some quick math tells me that I get a 1/2" rise for every 20" in length. I cut a strip of 1/2" foam 20" long and maybe 4 or 5" wide. On the side (the 1/2"...

I had a good experience with them about 6 months ago. Purchased a large lot of flex track, turnouts and WS track-bed. It was shipped very promptly. I did have to call them back because I ordered 2 boxes of the WS track-bed and they only shipped 1, but customer service was very friendly and...

If you are concerened at all about internet privacy, you may want to avoid Gmail. Read this article for more info. Basically, Google can keep your e-mail, even after you delete it or close your account. No big deal? How about in a few years when Google's servers get hacked and they now can...

I have seen a few of these over the last few months, and you are correct in pointing out the web location. Always make sure it is an eBay site you are on, and it should also have an https:// instead of http:// in the address (s indicating secure connection). Also, the little lock icon in...

The quest for info on various DCC systems continues... I have heard that Broadway Limited locomotives have been difficult to program on some DCC systems (the Zephyr in particular), requiring Tony's booster to help out. I was wondering if anyone has any experience programming BLI locos with the...

I didn't realize I was going that far back in time! I was just hoping to get some quick texture down while I decide what to do next. Like I said, a few sites I stumbled across talked about it, but a google search didn't turn up much. Poster paint is pretty cheap, I may have to experiment next...

A few sites online talk about the use of "zip texturing" but none seem to describe exactly what it is. I was hoping someone at The Gauge might be able to help out. Best I can tell, it involves dry poster paint and plaster? I appreciate any help! Scott

Thanks Gary. I was beginning to question my DCC learning experience on The Gauge! OK. One more question. I plan on using the Caboose Indusries ground throws on my layout. (I know they are big, but tough -- my layout). All switches were designed to be well within arms reach of the end (furthest...

Ok, hold on. My reverse loops are simple reverse loops -- one way in and out. Each reverse loop has multiple sidings that stay inside of the reverse loop. My understanding is that you can have multiple trains inside a reverse loop, as long as two trains do not cross the gap to the mainline at...

Your choice. Do a search for some online hobby stores (you can even search The Gauge). Obviously, buying things independantly will be more expensive, but you won't be stuck with items in a starter set you may not want. Depends on what you want to do. As far as recommending starter sets (I think...

rpit73, Welcome! If you have a local hobby store in your area, it would be well worth a visit. Look around a lot. Look at locomotives, freight and passenger cars, buildings and kits, and scenery. There will likely be something that will spark your and your son's imagination. The Life-Like kit...

Yup, plenty of room in both loops for a number of trains. Not sure about the reverser yet. Probably Tony's, just from the description on their site about the solid state, no-relay, no spark idea. I'll take advice about other reversers as well. Thanks railwaybob. Scott

OK, the first tracks are about to be laid but a quick question. My layout is a loop to loop. The "main" section connecting the two loops is less than one train length. The two reverse loops are large and comprise the remainder of the layout, and each loop has a few sidings. In my limited...

Both have similar pricing and features. In fact, on some websites, NCE is actually priced slightly cheaper. I'm debating between the two and was wondering what you all think. There is plenty of info on Digitrax on this site, but not so much on NCE. My layout is (slowly becomming) a 12x18...

I am very quickly approaching this same dilemma in my layout. I have been thinking about this for a long time and I have leaned toward exactly what MasonJar said in his #3 statement, the cookie cutter approach. As far as holding the incline in place, I was thinking liquid nails with bamboo...

A neat site I just came across that might help someone. http://www.users.bigpond.com/richardstallard/marbelup/controls.htm About half way down he talks about point control and a little lower is a somewhat decent picture of it. I just might try something like this.... Scott

Will is right on the money. Amazing what you can find at the dollar stores. I like WS, but just like any popular product line, you are paying for the name. There are always great alternatives for anything, much of which can be searched for here at The Gauge. Scott