Digital Commander by Bachmann! - Little Review and show.

So I treated myself two weeks ago.
The locomotive's visual's are simple but its a fun little set and I can not wait too convert my other locomotive's over too DCC.
I will do a further in depth review on the locomotive's & likely the rolling stock at some point.
Also pardon the audio at the start, I could not get my blue tooth mic to work on the recordings again.
sighs Hopefully soon my truck will have working brakes again so I can go nab some lumber.

[@russcole5685]

I brought this set 8 years ago for my son, the controller he was able to figure out with ease, being only 6 at the time. Later on got an estate sale that had a Spectrum K4 4-6-2 with DCC sound and a 5 amp booster. The 5 amp booster is a must if using DCC turnouts to stop any surging. My only complaint is there is not enough functions on the controller. Limited to 10 turnouts, 8 locos. No programming. I've no need to upgrade. MY only other complaint being is that I got a basic Hornby controller to widen control, Bachmann DCC turnouts do not switch with commands from any other system. Unless I have not found out how

[@thehobbyistden3720]

So by surging you mean when you press a button to flick the turn out or surging from when the locomotive returns over on a reverse loop? If its a reverse loop you should not be running it on DCC unless you have installed a "Auto Reverse" for the track polarity too prevent shorts. But yes the controller is lacking for advance functions outside of what is out there. It is after all setup as a introduction unit for 8x4 or even 16x4 bench works. Your son would have to invest into Bacchmann's newer Dynamis DCC control system that carries all sorts of function or other control systems offered by Digitrax or NCE to name a couple.

[@russcole5685]

@@thehobbyistden3720 yes the surging was caused by throwing of a turnout point motor.

[@thehobbyistden3720]

@@russcole5685 That does indeed sound bad.

[@russcole5685]

@@thehobbyistden3720 was a problem with using only the EZ Command controller by itself. All stalling, surging ended once it received full current from the 5Amp booster. Otherwise, price for value of product I have no real complaints. You do get what you pay for, and well, 8 close to 9 years later it is still going strong. I did add some lights to each turnout, between the sleepers to indicate which track was open for use. And have worked out how to do block detection traffic lights all using the Bachmann EZ track system, wires hidden under the roadbed. So you can still break it down, set it up again without need to drill holes in table ect. Greetings from New Zealand

[@robertc.maxfieldiiphotography]

I bought the EZ Command setup with a GP40 for under $100 US a few years ago and it works really well. I have a 4x10 layout and that is all I need. Simple to use and dependable. So it lacks a few features but it's got enough guts to run 4 locos at the same problem no problem.

[@animalyze7120]

For entry level DCC starter sets I always recommend the Digitrax Zephyr system. There's better out there but for 160 dollars it cannot be beat, and it's LCD makes it so much easier to access all the trains settings and change default speeds, max speed and all the numerical locomotive programming settings in one easy to use and operate device. They even sell remote throttles that will allow you to have multi-play/Use sessions with friends. Like I said there's better systems out there but the Digitrax has my vote for it's price and ease of use and you don't get stuck with Bachmann's toy grade locomotives either, though they are great budget locomotives you'll quickly grow out of them when doing elaborate scenic setups and big operations. I would never recommend these toy sets for people new to the hobby but they do have the value of a complete ready to run system, though their Dollar price is double their actual worth making it harder for people to jump into the hobby and not feel ripped off. You can spend a bit more and get a lot better doing piece by piece than resorting to these all in one toy sets, kids will love them and if it's a gift it's an excellent hobby entry point. I just wouldn't recommend buying this as a starter set for your layout as there's much better options and ones you'll be far more satisfied with getting into the hobby.

[@thehobbyistden3720]

I read about the Zephyr Controller before sadly couldn't find it for sale any wheres. Today its going for 199.95USD on Mciro-Mark (254.01CAD) or $235.00 MSRP USD from Digitrax home page. This however its just a controller set and doesn't come with anything else, no locomotives, no track. I do want to at some point this year do a video showing what too do, to start getting into the model rail road hobby from scratch without the use of a boxed ready to run train set. However when it comes to just plug and play Bachmann that I've seen first hand and experienced, their two HO Scale DCC boxed sets (or their N Scale counter parts for those looking to cram more in on a smaller scale / space) are a good start point to go from their too include going into a more serious approach with DCC weather some one wants to go the Digitrax route, NCE route, etc for DCC control to the more advance automation via a laptop or desktop computer.

[@monmixer]

that's cool with two DCC ready engines is a great deal, just wish they had the sound card in them or even if you can add it. Has to be an 8 or 9 pin card slot I have been told.

[@malanstecker]

Are there locomotive sounds, bell and whistle like the Lionel trains? Also is there a problem with derailments and uncoupling like my older Bachmann set?

[@thehobbyistden3720]

In this set the locomotive's have no sounds. They are equipped with Bachmann's basic DCC Onboard boards which only allow for programing an assigned number for stand alone or double heading+ operations (I haven't tired yet but I do believe you can adjust the CV's for the motor throttles to get them to better be in sync) along with turning the lights on or off and making the lights dim or bright. As for derailments & uncoupling. I haven't had any issue's with the locomotive's or rolling stock in the set derailing. As far as uncoupling issue's go while running a train on a single locomotive so far not yet, if its a 10 car+ long and double heading then the plastic couplers on the locomotive's do tend to over stretch and decouple when double heading though.

[@joshbolt9654]

I'm considering this set and building a layout with it.

[@thehobbyistden3720]

Thanks for watching! It really is a great little value for your buck set. Thought things got more interesting when I picked up the small expand set (steel rail) and was able to ad a nice little shunting yard to it.

[@joshbolt9654]

@@thehobbyistden3720 it will be my first layout but I have some other dc trains. I like the idea of using a switcher and magnetic couplers to build loads and being able to control multiple trains at once.

[@thehobbyistden3720]

@@joshbolt9654 Being able to not get your hands involved doing a switching yard operation is great and less fiddly especially with the new style of plastic and metal couplers. Although the new style plastic couplers can not withstand long trains as they do decouple as plastic being flimsy as it is and now I want to do a video testing how many can actually be pulled without coming apart.

[@joshbolt9654]

@@thehobbyistden3720 so I ordered the digital commander set tonight, and it will be ready for store pickup tomorrow. I also got a decoder for the 484 that comes in the overland set I have as well. I'm probably going to start the process of switching to kadee couplers.

[@thehobbyistden3720]

@@joshbolt9654 Very nice! That is something I need to add to my set of tools, a solder iron tool.

[@vnflightsimulatorgameplay2660]

Good video! Just make the video quality more high.

[@khrishborn2675]

does it have a horn

[@thehobbyistden3720]

This starter DCC set does not come with locomotivve's with sound on board, just basic DCC.