Running Bear's December 2025 Coffee Shop

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Maybe someone here can answer this question. A friend of mine wanted to get started in DCC. I started looking for entry DCC units. I see the Bachmann E-Z Command Plus units offered for $86.73 save 83.08 off what they're going for at model train stores. Train World etc. I want to know is why is a beach ware and bookstore even selling a DCC controllers. Swal
DCC_01.jpg
 
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Good Evening Folks. Clear with an almost full moon tonight.
The meat that I took out to thaw wasn't ready in time for supper tonight, so we went out to eat. Had a very private meal at the Red Lobster, giving them another chance after almost a year and after the ownership change. I say private because there were more employees there than customers. Four servers, a host, a bartender, two cooks and a manager for a total of nine. When we came in, we were the second couple there. When we left, there were two other couples, but the first couple had already left; meaning just six customers. This place will be closed soon with this kind of business. On the other hand, the food was better than we have experienced in the past, prices were actually more reasonable and servings didn't seem to have been reduced.
As I posted, I don't know how much longer they can stay open. And they're not the only ones. Another place in town, Outback, is in the same shape, but with a reduced menu, higher prices and increased competition. Newer places like Texas Roadhouse, Longhorn Steak and Saltgrass, have full parking lots every night. All with better (in my opinion) food. Casual dining has gotten really cut-throat in Denton lately.
 
NYC_George said:
Maybe someone here can answer this question. A friend of mine wanted to get started in DCC. I started looking for entry DCC units. I see the Bachmann E-Z Command Plus units offered for $86.73 save 83.08 off what they're going for at model train stores. Train World etc. I want to know is why is a beach ware and bookstore even selling a DCC controllers. SwalView attachment 249992
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May be a scam.

Seems like there are a lot of those popping up the last few years.

I ran across one not too long ago selling BLI DCC/Sound locomotives for $69.99. Knew right away it wasnt legit.
 
santafewillie said:
Good Evening Folks. Clear with an almost full moon tonight.
The meat that I took out to thaw wasn't ready in time for supper tonight, so we went out to eat. Had a very private meal at the Red Lobster, giving them another chance after almost a year and after the ownership change. I say private because there were more employees there than customers. Four servers, a host, a bartender, two cooks and a manager for a total of nine. When we came in, we were the second couple there. When we left, there were two other couples, but the first couple had already left; meaning just six customers. This place will be closed soon with this kind of business. On the other hand, the food was better than we have experienced in the past, prices were actually more reasonable and servings didn't seem to have been reduced.
As I posted, I don't know how much longer they can stay open. And they're not the only ones. Another place in town, Outback, is in the same shape, but with a reduced menu, higher prices and increased competition. Newer places like Texas Roadhouse, Longhorn Steak and Saltgrass, have full parking lots every night. All with better (in my opinion) food. Casual dining has gotten really cut-throat in Denton lately.
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I don't think ours will survive much long either. Every time I go by there isn't even half of the parking lot filled and several of those cars have to be employees. We used to love the place and it was our go to during Lent, and several other times during the year. Its been a couple of years since we have been, but maybe its time to give it a try again. If it survives much longer.
 
Evening peeps, its currently 40 outside but its nice and warm inside. Got the furnace replaced with a brand spanking new one, I guess 18 years is all the previous furnace wanted.

My folks asked if I wanted to grab some mexican food with them, well I can't say no to that!😁 We hit up a local joint (notice I didn't say restaurant) for some properly made mexican food👌Full and lazy...
 


NYC_George said:
Maybe someone here can answer this question. A friend of mine wanted to get started in DCC. I started looking for entry DCC units. I see the Bachmann E-Z Command Plus units offered for $86.73 save 83.08 off what they're going for at model train stores. Train World etc. I want to know is why is a beach ware and bookstore even selling a DCC controllers. SwalView attachment 249992
Click to expand...

I would never buy that for a beginner. NCE Powercab is about the standard entry-level DCC system. There are others, but nothing is plug and play like the Powercab. And it has full programming capability too.

I've read too many posts on other forums about the disappointment experienced with this below entry-level unit. It is not worth the frustration to a person entering the hobby or converting from DC to DCC.
 
NYC_George said:
Maybe someone here can answer this question. A friend of mine wanted to get started in DCC. I started looking for entry DCC units. I see the Bachmann E-Z Command Plus units offered for $86.73 save 83.08 off what they're going for at model train stores. Train World etc. I want to know is why is a beach ware and bookstore even selling a DCC controllers. SwalView attachment 249992
Click to expand...
I agree with RHB. That's probably too basic. I took a look at the manual for it and you can program the loco address and direction. That's about it. I think the person will want more capability and out grow this quickly.
 
-Possum- said:
Evening peeps, its currently 40 outside but its nice and warm inside. Got the furnace replaced with a brand spanking new one, I guess 18 years is all the previous furnace wanted.

My folks asked if I wanted to grab some mexican food with them, well I can't say no to that!😁 We hit up a local joint (notice I didn't say restaurant) for some properly made mexican food👌Full and lazy...
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I replaced mine about six years ago. The heat exchanger was shot and rusted out. It nearly caused a fire as there were flames coming out of the front of the unit as I was wondering where all of the soot was coming from floating down from above.

The HVAC guy couldn't believe how old it was. He told me it dated from the mid-70s. The new one sure is nice.
 
TLOC said:
I like this scene, looks like a good candidate for a backdrop. So I plugged it into Google Gemini, here’s what it returned

This scene strongly suggests a modern, high-density, waterside city, likely based on a Japanese or highly modern Asian metropolis (like Tokyo, Yokohama, or a similar port city) due to the architectural styles and the visible elevated rail lines.

It went on for another page suggesting ways I could use it for a model railroad backdrop.
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It was right. Yokohama.

We’re in Tokyo now (25 mile trip) and the sky is blue with haziness on one side.

Sitting waiting for women folk who are shopping. Shopping plaza by Tokyo Dome. 55F
 
CambriaArea51 said:
Are you referring to the reflective striping on the bottom the length of the car.
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no.

i was thinking there are in some yards, tiles of the track marked yellow. before a turnout. so that the parked cars stand behind the line so another train can pass without touching the parked cars. but i more and more think, that was something i saw on a layout not in reallife :)
 
traiNscale said:
no.

i was thinking there are in some yards, tiles of the track marked yellow. before a turnout. so that the parked cars stand behind the line so another train can pass without touching the parked cars. but i more and more think, that was something i saw on a layout not in reallife :)
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It's called a fouling point or clearance point marker. Did a search for railroad siding markers and found this.

Fouling Point Archives | Aldon Company, Inc.

Stay compliant and avoid unnecessary accidents. Aldon Company, Inc. has the quality products you need to keep you on track.
www.aldonco.com www.aldonco.com

Scroll down to the FAQs for the definitions.
 
NYC_George said:
Maybe someone here can answer this question. A friend of mine wanted to get started in DCC. I started looking for entry DCC units. I see the Bachmann E-Z Command Plus units offered for $86.73 save 83.08 off what they're going for at model train stores. Train World etc.
Click to expand...
As @migalyto said, that is too cheap. But that could be to clear an overstock. End of the year inventory taxes can be expensive and shelf space is valuable as well. If an item is not moving, selling at half price is better than tossing it out.
NYC_George said:
why is a beach ware and bookstore even selling a DCC controllers.
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The Bachmann DCC system is a natural progression for those who buy novelty sets from places like the Bradford Exchange, bookstores and others.

I have one of those, it is a fast and simple entry into DCC. I used mine to see how DCC worked and for a simple oval with sidings under a Christmas tree. As others have said it has extremity limited capabilities. It is great for a simple oval with a few sidings. It will quickly disappoint a more serious modeler.
RhB Michael said:
NCE Powercab is about the standard entry-level DCC system.
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I can attest to NCE being a good entry level DCC system. I have one of those as well. I have only used it a few times, but I can say it was simple to setup and use.
 


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