[Robert Stokes]

Although I bought my Bachmann EZ DCC controller last year, I have only just got round to fitting decoders in three locmotives and started operating it.

One thing gave me cause for concern straight away. Suppose I press number 7 to start an express train and wind the control knob up to a fairly high speed. If I now press button 2 to start some shunting, the engine in the goods yard starts to accelerate and I have to frantically wind down the control knob. Of course, I can't wind down the control knob before pressing number 2 or the express will slow down.

The only way round this that I have discovered is to press 10 (for a non-DCC engine which I shall not have on the layout) turn the control knob all the way down and then press 2. I can then start the shunter very slowly.

Does this happen with all DCC systems? Have I got it right and there is no simpler way of doing it? Thanks, Robert.

 

[Robert Stokes]

All three engines have so far been chipped with TCS MC2 decoders.

 

[Robert Stokes]

Thank you for your replies.

Despite this little difficulty it hasn't put me off the Bachmann EZ. For the price (I paid £29 last year) I think that it's a good bit of kit. It does all that I want it to do - for now anyway. I am fortunate enough to be able to afford to replace it but why should I?

I only have seven engines and so the EZ limit of nine does not worry me. I don't think that I'll get any more (although I might replace one or two of the older ones) and certainly not more than two extra. Two express passenger, two local passenger, two heavy freight, one for pick up freight. What more do I need?

I've plenty to do on the scenic side now that track laying is complete. Four more engines to put decoders in, before or after replacement. Having a model railway and plenty of time for it being retired - I think that's a fair definition of being in heaven.