Matching Engine with Power Unit

[cruzMOKS]

I am new to model railroading.

I am wondering how to know what engine will work with what power unit.

 

[Rico]

You may need to be a little more specific.
Engines are power units, depending on how you look at them.
Do you mean what motors will go into what loco?

 

[cruzMOKS]

To rephrase my question,
How would I know what transformer unit goes with which engine.

 

[Larry]

To rephrase my question,
How would I know what transformer unit goes with which engine.

What scale are you running? N-HO-S-027-0 or G?

 

[cruzMOKS]

I am looking to buy my first 2 engines in ho scale.

 

[lmackattack]

for HO scale you can buy just about any DC transformer and it will work. MRC makes some good ones. If your seriously getting into the hobby and plan to build a layout look into DCC systems.

 

[cruzMOKS]

Will DCC run most engines if I put a decoder into them? Or do I need a special engine for dcc? I want to run multiple trains on my layout.

Bachmann Commander is a set that has DCC and will run 2 engines included in the set. If I buy that set, will a better dcc (digitrax) run those engines? Or do I have to change the decoder in the engines?

 

[Motley]

Any DCC equipped engines will run on any DCC command stations. So yes the Bachman will run other DCC engines you buy. It's all compatible with each other. Any DCC command system will run any DCC decoder equipped locomotive with sound or without sound.

Now installing a decoder is another story. I would recommend you buy engines with DCC factory installed for a newbie.

 

[cruzMOKS]

Thanks,

I now plan to go with the Bachman starter DCC set, and will be able to use those engines later with a better system.

 

[galaxy]

Thanks,

I now plan to go with the Bachman starter DCC set, and will be able to use those engines later with a better system.

The Bachmann Digital COmmander 2 engine set is perfect for a starter in DCC. It will give you the Bachmann EZCommand DCC system which is easy to operate and is capable of running 2 locos at the same time{sometimes 3 depending onthe amp draw of the engines.} on a small layout with just two wires connected to the small layout trackwork. ANy Larger layout and you will want to add feeder wires.You can program up to ten locos to trade on off your layout.
Be sure to read the booklet AND view the DVD that comes with it on how to operate your EZ Command system! Not all info is in the book, some is on the DVD.

I have several Bachmann DCC OnBoard locos {without sound as i don't care for sound} and all perform very well and in 4 years being back in the hobby, i haven't had a problem with a single one of them. They control direction, speed from real slow creep to higher speeds, and lights on/off with the controller. They are reasonably priced as well...around $40-$50 for diesels and a bit more for steamers.
It will serve you well to get into DCC and the price is great. But you may find down the road, as I have that you may want to upgrade to a better system {in my case the Digitrax Zephyr Xtra from SANTA hopefully next year}.When you upgrade you can still use your Bachmann loco or any compliant DCC loco

Here is a place to get the 2 loco set for $159.99 if you haven't found it here yet:
http://www.wholesaletrains.com/Detail.asp?Scale=HO&Item=160Set&ID=200411080

GOod luck and have lots of fun!
________
MERCEDES-BENZ SSK HISTORY

 

[Toyguy]

The only thing I can say that's "bad" about my Bachmann DCC loco is that it is exceptionally noisy. It moans and groans like I do when I get up in the morning when it starts moving. A better decoder will fix that and NCE makes a drop-in replacement.

 

[cruzMOKS]

Thanks for all the info. I'm going to get a set.