I decided to venture into DCC this year. I just purchased the Bachman EZ Command controller, and a Bachmann Spectrum 462 loco to accompany it.

I figured everything out so far on basic operation except for the sound. The paperwork that came with the Engine and with the Controller is so vague, I'm not sure if I even have sound with this loco. The coal tender has what looks to be a speaker on the bottom, and wire connections to the loco, but I can't get any sound to work. Any help would be much appreciated.

Mike

I am wondering what other's experience has been lighting buildings.  I am working on an industrial building that will have interior and exterior lighting.  

I'm designing my next layout and I think I'm going to stick with Atlas code 80 track but use Peco turnouts. One lesson I learned was that I'm going to use manual turnouts vs remote turnouts. I've heard Peco is the best and most reliable manufacturer of turnouts. However, I have a couple of questions:

What's the difference / advantage / disadvantages of insulated vs electric frogs.

Can the turnouts be equipped with a manual throw (ie: those made by Caboose Industries).

Thanks-Tim

Thanks for viewing my post hopefully this wont be severely repetitious for you. I haven't  been model railroading for probably 20 years, things have changed since then and it seems for the better.  DCC is great I just need to verify a few things.

1. It seems that the old block control is out the window am I to understand that single wire both poles are all that is needed?  if not why?

2. Is it possible to connect any train engine to DCC with a decoder?  Is there generic decoders or are they proprietary?