Is there a prescribed way to lay out the tracks that link a multi-track sector plate with connecting tracks on the scenic part of the layout?

I would like to have a two track sector plate on a layout that I've just started. Either of the two tracks will be able to access each of the three tracks leading to the rest of the layout.

The fiddle yard will be separated from the scenic section of the layout in front by a partition/backscene and I want to make sure that I can get the maximum space I can for the aforementioned scenic section.

I understand the concept but wonder if there is a formula or calculation for spacing the tracks on the sector plate correctly so that one track can be aligned to one scenic section track and the other sector plate track can be aligned to an adjacent scenic section track.

Many thanks.

I thought I'd start this thread as a list of DCC controllers.

Many forum members have different systems and I thought it wouldn't be a bad idea if we had a single thread with basic reviews of the systems we have.

This is not a I have this controller because it's better than that one, it's basically a review written by an owner, hopefully we can all add to it with our own views on the systems we own, be it good or bad.

If you can include what the system is such as handheld,  console, wireless(radio or infra-red) PC based etc.

Power supply, such as Volts and amps as this helps with how many locos it can run.

Then your own personal findings how you use it, what things you don't use or like or improvements that you would like if you were to improve it.

Hopefully we can then have a single thread with USERS reviews of the different DCC systems out there which will I think be a useful resource.

If there are any questions by other members it might be better to start a new thread in the Questions or information relating to the DCC controllers list thread in there you can post a link to the review in question, that way this thread can stay clean and just contain DCC system reviews.

Here's the first!

Bachmann E-Z Command.

Console type system

Firmware :- Can't be upgraded.

Basic 1amp system as supplied in the Bachmann digital train sets.

The E-Z Command is a very basic DCC system, it can't read or write CV's but will allow locos fitted with a decoder to be re-addressed by using PoM or programming on the main.

You must remove all locos from the track apart from the one you want to program, or it will reprogram all those on the track!

It is a fairly bullet proof system and has been around for years.

I really like it for it's simplistic use and the nice large round speed control knob and it's reliability.

It can't control any accessories such as points decoders, it's purely for controlling locos.

You can run 10 digital locos assigning them addresses 1 to 10 or you can run 9 digital locos on addresses 1 to 9 with a DC loco on address 10.

It is possible to plug the power supply into a basic Bachmann DC controller, then taking the link wire from the track output from this controller and plugging into the E-Z Command DC Controller input.

This way you can use the DC controller to control the DC loco and still use addresses 1 to 10 for digital locos.

I have never been able to get that to work correctly!

As it's possible to damage DC locos running them on DCC it's not really ideal anyway.

You can also operate functions, press the address of the loco you want say number 3 if you now press the yellow function button the LED next to number 3 will flash, this shows that loco 3 is under control and it's flashing because you're in function mode.

Pressing button 10 will turn the direction lights on/off if fitted, F1 to F8 will control functions that are assigned to these function numbers in the decoder.

In the box the controller comes with the link wire for the DC controller to the E-Z Command, a 240v to 16v ac transformer.

It also has a clear plastic cover and some ID labels which fit on the controller between the address buttons.

I measured this up and printed off my own so you could see which Loco was on which address:-

This photo shows my printed off label, I have put DC loco only on address 10, but as you can see it does show a lamp, so if controlling a digital loco you press the yellow button to turn on function mode and then press button 10 and the direction lights can be switched on off.

You can do a consist but both engines have to be set to the same address, never tried this so I can't say how effective this is.

There are a few connections on the back:-

The I/O port is for a Command Companion to plug into, this looks identical to the E-Z Command but has no power point and comes in a black plastic case.

It comes with a cable to plug in to this port, this allows two locos to be controlled simultaneously one loco on each controller, I have tried this and it does work really well.

You can also control the functions of each loco on the two controllers as well.

The track output is the two wires that go to the track the lead is supplied, it has the brass track connecting clips on one end and both wires go to the 3.5mm jack plug, this breaks fairly easily I've found and it takes a bit of working out where the wires need to be soldered in a new plug.

the next port is for the 16vac 1amp power supply which can run 4 OO locos, although they were standard and not Heljan heavy ones or Sound fitted which may reduce the amount you can run.

The last port is for the link wire which runs from the DC controller.

CONCLUSION

All in all a bullet proof DCC controller which does what it says on the box.

It would be better to have a plug & Socket or terminals for the track connections as the jack plug can get damaged.

The DC connection I've never managed to get working, although not too much of an issue as I don't like to run DC locos on DCC.

The 16v AC power supply gives out a huge voltage to the rails, I measured it at about 20volts.

I've never had an issue but this to me is very high, more so when using it for N-gauge.

Obviously Bachmann supply this, but for MY peace of mind I bought a different power supply with different outputs so I could lower the voltage going in which reduced the track voltage to about 15v.

For a start in DCC you can't really go wrong with the E-Z Command, when bought in a set it's the cheapest way of getting started in DCC and you will not lose money on it as you can easily sell it if wanting to upgrade to a better system.

If your happy with the limits of the system you won't want to change, it's that easy to use.

Cheers

Ian

EDIT:- The I/O port can also be used for connecting the Smart Interface which will allow smart phones to connect to it and be used as handset controllers.

Thanks Ron for the information.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/docs/E_Z_Command_Smart_Interface.pdf

The Boat Warehouse Scene.

The boat warehouse scene covers construction of two simplified boats, packing cases, warehouse  crane, timber fence and a couple of items covered in previous blogs. The water is still receiving  repeated coats of varnish and PVA, as suggested in the RMWEB forums. Further attempts were made  at moulding street lamps as covered in the 'Cab Shelter Scene' blog which resulted in one more  street lamp for this scene. Its worth a mention that the water clear resin used for this purpose  has not hardened as expected and retains a certain amount of flexibility somewhat similar to  liquorice.

Snitzl.

Walls Traverser Cover - Part 1.

It was only last February that I thought to myself that Snitzl Town only required a  traverser and transportation rack to finish, then I could get on with some rolling stock  modelling. Thinking about the traverser, instead of using two pieces of plywood to hide the traverse sidings from the viewing public, what about an actual model of stone walls  and walkways. Searching the internet for ideas with search terms such as ' fantasy  castle ', ' stone walkways ' revealed little, but I did discover a few pictures of Bramhope Tunnel , Leeds, which became the starting point for the 'Walls Traverser Cover'.

Don't know how many Blogs this traverser Cover will take, here is Part 1.

Snitzl.