Construction. Like other components of the Bachmann E-Z track system, the DCC-equipped turnout features nickel-silver rails attached to plastic roadbed. The roadbed is molded gray with ballast detail. The brown painted ties have wood grain and spike head detail.
The E-Z track system uses separate rail and roadbed joiners that are easy to connect and disconnect. Our no. 5 wye turnout also includes a separate 21/4″ straight track section.
The turnout has a metal frog, which can be powered by connecting the supplied jumper.
I checked the turnout’s dimensions with my NMRA standards gauge, and they all matched NMRA standard S-3.2.
Easy to use. I tested the no. 5 wye turnout with a Bachmann E-Z Command Control Center. After installing the turnout, I pressed 9 on the controller followed by the “function” button. Then I pressed 3, the turnout’s factory-default address, to toggle between normal and reverse positions.
The turnout was simple to program using the E-Z Command Center as outlined in the instructions. To enter programming mode, I used a pen to hold down the turnout’s programming button, located between the ties of the right leg, for two seconds. A gray plastic cover is included to conceal the button when it’s not in use.
The points toggled twice to indicate that the turnout was in programming mode. I then entered the new address.
I also operated the Bachmann turnout using a Model Rectifier Corp. (MRC) Prodigy Advance DCC system. I pushed the turnout’s programming button then changed its address. No matter what DCC system you use, you must first program the turnout’s address using that system, or the turnout won’t function.
The turnout has a sliding switch along the roadbed for manual operation. The turnout motor won’t work on DC layouts.
Ease of operation make Bachmann’s E-Z Command turnout a great option for expanding an E-Z track layout.
Price: $48.00 (train set), $60.00 (no. 5), $63.00 (no. 6), $80.00 (no. 6 single crossover)
Manufacturer
Bachmann Industries Inc.
1400 E. Erie St.
Philadelphia, PA 19124
www.bachmanntrains.com
Description: Digital Command Control remote-control turnout
