Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Is it worth Dcc-ing HO Grinch Loco?

1020 views
3 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 30 posts
Is it worth Dcc-ing HO Grinch Loco?
Posted by frankodragon on Saturday, March 7, 2009 6:19 PM

 I'm turning into a Grinch just by trying to get the Bachmann HO loco wired properly.  So far I think I fried a decoder due to the metal chassis.  I used an NCE "basic" decoder and -nothing-.  I wonder if it's like wiring an Athearn Gp-38 or 40 where I had to drill a hole to fit a screw and solder one of the wires.

 

Anyone out there had no problems converting this SOB into DCC or is it just not even worth the effort?

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Amish country Tenn.
  • 10,027 posts
Posted by loathar on Saturday, March 7, 2009 6:43 PM

Not sure which loco your talking about.(diesel?) If it's a split frame design, you need to isolate the motor pick ups from the side frames. Also isolate the truck power wipers from the frame halves. Run your own wires to everything.
NCE might replace that under warrenty. If not, they have a $10 fried decoder trade in program.

  • Member since
    April 2006
  • 30 posts
Posted by frankodragon on Saturday, March 7, 2009 7:23 PM

loathar

Not sure which loco your talking about.(diesel?) If it's a split frame design, you need to isolate the motor pick ups from the side frames. Also isolate the truck power wipers from the frame halves. Run your own wires to everything.
NCE might replace that under warrenty. If not, they have a $10 fried decoder trade in program.

 

It's a Bachmann EMD FT Diesel Loco.  I think the frame is not only one piece but it's also weighs down the loco.

  • Member since
    August 2004
  • From: Amish country Tenn.
  • 10,027 posts
Posted by loathar on Saturday, March 7, 2009 11:00 PM

It's probably like my Bach F9. I still had to isolate the bottom motor tab. I took some pics of wiring the motor and trucks  for a sound decoder. Don't know if these can shed any light for you or not.
http://s13.photobucket.com/albums/a277/loathar/F9%20Decoder%20Install/

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!