MDC Roundhouse Boxcab conversion

[Lostboys]

Hi all, Does anyone have any detailed info on how to take a MDC Roundhouse Boxcab and convert it to a GE Electric locomotive. I mostly interested in how to remotor the unit, it appears the motor and drive is noisy and clunky. Perhaps taking the chassis of some other loco that fits with will little modification? Info that includes DCC would be greatly appreciated. 

I am fairly new at this so I don't have all the lingo or knowledge to follow highly technical jargon so if you could dumb it down just a little that would b great.

I modelling in HO and the end game for this project is to produce a electric locomotive like those that were used by CN in Montreal on a commuter line.

Cheers

Lostboys

[mlehman]

Sounds like an interesting project. The MDC boxcab is infamous for its noisy drive. Because the wheelbase is even shorter than a GE 44-tonner, it's hard to find a chassis that will be an easy drop in. It's only a foot or so difference, so maybe it could work?

Here's a writeup on how one fellow improved the drive on his:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/small-layout-design/message/8436

A thread where there was some success in adapting 44- and 70-tonner chassis:

http://forum.railroadforum.com/lofiversion/index.php?t1031.html

There was some discussion about a repower kit made by to NWSL that fits this and the Old Time Climax that MDC built on the same chassis.

[Lostboys]

Thanks Mike,

There is some really good info in those two threads, I like the second thread option, it requires spending more dollars but it will make for quieter operation and  the DCC install will be much simpler, plus the styrene mods don't sound too difficult.

Great info, thanks again.

Cheers

Paul (Lostboys)

[richg1998]

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/744/p/204747/2239654.aspx

Rich

[Lostboys]

Hi Rich,

Thanks for posting this, great info, very informative. Looks like using the Bachman 44 ton chassis will bring the best result in terms of operational noise and DCC application.

Thanks again, much appreciated.

Cheers,

Paul

[mlehman]

Paul,

The current generation Bachmann 44-tonners provide an excellent chassis and motor. You also get a free DCC decoder. Based on my and others experiences with the decoder, you're advised to substitute your own decoder for the free one, as it will save you aggravation.

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with.

[richg1998]

Check LokSound and SoundTraxx for what "might" be an appropriate sound. No idea myself.

I put a LokSound Micro v3.5 in two different 44 ton single motor locos and a LokSound Micro  v3.5 in a single motor 70 ton. All three have a 16mm x 35mm oval speaker with home made baffle.

I ripped out all the other stuff. I had to cut a little out of the 44 ton frame to clear the speaker. I put the details somewhere in the DCC forum.

Pushing the current limit for the Micro but never had any temperature issues but I run them a little under the prototypical speeds for the locos.

I guess a Tsunami Micro would work.

Rich

[Geared Steam]

I used a Micro Tsunami in the 44 tonner for my MDC Climax and Boxcab, rip out the factory board and toss it, (you will need the extra room)  and hardwire the decoder.  in the Boxcab I used two speakers. 

http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/2012/02/tsunami-sound-decoder-install-mdc.html   Climax 

http://gearedsteam.blogspot.com/2012/01/installing-sound-into-boxcab.html    Boxcab

Have fun!!

[hon30critter]

Paul:

I'm not sure if you are aware or not but the 44 tonners actually came with two different drive systems. The older version had two motors - one in each truck, whereas the newer version has a single motor. The older version is not a particularly reliable mechanism. The motors burn out very easily, and if the locomotive is stalled the brush holders will actually melt. Bachmann lists replacement motors for $10.00 each.

The newest version with the single motor is also DCC equipped and they can be found regularly on eBay. Sometimes the prices get a bit rediculous but other times they seem to be quite reasonable.

If you are looking at a picture on eBay you can tell if the unit is newer or older by looking at the packaging. The newer units are packed in black foam whereas the older ones used a gray plastic mould.

Dave