Old Bachmann Steam Engine question

[CNW 6000]

I have an old (18-20 y/o) Bachmann 2-8-0 that was originally lettered for ATSF and has the power pickups in the drivers, not the tender.  I'm thinking about converting it to DCC.  Any advice or suggestions?

[richg1998]

You could try this guys idea for tender pickup. I use the idea with old tender drive locomotives on DCC. It should work on the 2-8-0.

http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/bachmann_4-4-0/wipers/

Rich 

 

[jeffrey-wimberly]

With a loco that old it's a pretty safe bet that the motor is grounded to the frame. Make sure the motor is isolated from the frame or any decoder you put in will go poof.

[CNW 6000]

How well does it run on DC?  Installing DCC will only make the loco run more finiky.

David B

It runs well on DC and decently on loco address of "00" on DCC.  I just was thinking that it might be worth the effort.  I think the frame is not grounded to the motor as I've coupled it with an old 'BB' athearn loco and didn't have sparks between couplers.

[richg1998]

I forgot about the motor. Below is a link to the discussion in the Bachmann Forums of the motor type in the present day Bachmann locos.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,4500.0.html

If you are mechanically talented, you could buy your own motor and replace the old one. This may be more work than you care to do.

Rich