This HO scale Alco RS-3 diesel locomotive from Bachmann Trains features the firm’s new E-Z App control system. Using Bluetooth technology, this app allows modelers to run an E-Z App locomotive using an Apple iOS device. Watch senior editor Dana Kawala, run the E-Z App RS-3 and trigger sound effects along the Model Railroader staff’s train layout, the Milwaukee, Racine & Troy.
Video: Bachmann HO scale E-Z App Alco RS-3
By Angela Cotey | February 18, 2016
| Last updated on May 6, 2021
Check out a demonstration of this Bluetooth touch-screen model railroad control system from Bachmann Trains
Nice features, however, still needs upgrading to DCC capabilities.
I bought one of the Pennsylvania RS3's when they first became available in mid-December. After running it, I liked it so well, I immediately ordered another, this time a Southern F-unit.
I have been running these locos on my club's modular layout which is DCC, and there is no interference with the DCC operations or vice versa. Same thing goes for running it on DC, I just set a DC train running and then play keep away with the E-Z App locos.
I am very impressed with this control system, and am more excited about E-Z App than I was when I got my first Digitrax DCC system back in 1993. I have had a couple of stalls happen when running on dirty track at low speeds, but these have been simple to deal with, just reduce the throttle to zero, then bring it back up again. All in all, For an initial release, I think this system is most impressive, although there is some room for future improvements, such as having the sound come out of a speaker in the loco, consisting, and adding a keep alive circuit (which Dana has noted). I'm pretty sure all these things (plus a lot more) are already being developed, and I believe the first user-installed board will have solder pads for on board battery power.
Bill in Ft
I can think of some interesting possibilities. One, add on board video in loco, with second screen in display, so could have virtual layout fer real. I wonder how far away the iPad can be from the loco (I'm thinking running my train layout distant from home!) Two, I could finally make all my diesels into steamers!
It's a start and it'll improve in the coming months/years. BTW, towards the end of the video, be careful with the needle and record… you'll scratch it!
A tremendous innovation for the train set market, this will certainly go a long way to making model trains more attractive to contemporary youth. It's not quite ready for the high-end hobby market, but tremendous potential. It will not be long before we have wireless railroads run from small wireless controllers with Dolby quality locomotive and railroad specific sound. This is a glimpse into the future.
I agree that as it currently exists, the idea is neat for a kid. But at its core, isn't the idea of a battery-powered Bluetooth controlled locomotive the closest we might ever get to the real thing? Notwithstanding the electrified portions of the rail industry, wouldn't locomotives driven by on-board power be truly prototypical? Also, image how much more simplified (and realistic) laying track, switches/turnouts, and other track work would become? Obviously the technological would have to mature to become more complex, with on-board and accurate sounds being a top addition. But once it does, it could revolutionize model railroading in the same way DCC did, couldn't it?
Nah…I'll pass. Good for a kid's first train set though.
Interesting concept that has potential to do more. I think if they could address consisting, make specific loco soynd, and make an Android app, if would take off big. I kinda like the sound from the device. Plug in some nice head phones and you get some good sound. Bachmann has been improving IMO. I think their model coming out know are nice for the street price they hear. They run good too. I have a GP38-2 that runs quieter and smoother than my Genesis GP38-2. No exaggeration. For the price difference I wish it wasnt true.