I'm beginning a basic, non-sound DCC installation in a Bachmann Spectrum H16-44 (Baby Trainmaster). I've located a few resources on the internet with regards to how to accomplish this. Problem - the pictures are either too small, the description not detailed enough, and/or conflicting information between resources. I would like a step-by-step guide detailing how I can convert this loco to DCC. Train Control Systems does a wonderful job of giving installation pictures - it's just too bad they don't have my particular locomotive on their website. Could someone please point me in the right direction - thanks.
Chris
Pretty easy if you understand the basics of DCC. If not, will be a challenge.
Isolating the two motor contacts will be the challenge. Then only seven wires to connect.
Remember, light bulbs have a limited life. Not LEDs. Twelve volt bulbs are known to run hot when run on DCC. A few people have noted a diesel shell deforming from excessive heat. On a DC layout, the bulb never gets to twelve volts.
I just looked at the diagram at the Bachmann site and I see light bulbs on the PC board. You could also join the Bachmann forms and ask someone else. Jim Banner who did the conversion is long gone.
http://members.shaw.ca/sask.rail/dcc/tmaster/tmaster.html
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
I have done a Bachmann split frame 0-6-0. It worked but the poor pickups were the issue. Lots of work to improve the pickups. DCC does not like the slightest interruption.
NCE sells a nice lightboard decoder specifically mad for Bachmann diesels that would work and comes with LED's. Google NCE Bach-DSL. The instruction manual is online also.
Again, if you understand the basics of DCC, a piece of cake.
Do a lot of research if new to DCC. Google should be your best friend, Has for me for some years.
There was a how to article in RMC a number of years back maybe 8 or 10 years back.
Ron High
Hi Chris.
When MRR did the Virginian project layout I remember an article where a Bachmann H16-44 in Virginian colors was converted to DCC. The article was extensive and went through all the necessary steps. I believe it was in the DCC column, however, I can not recall which specific issue. The Virginian project layout first appeared in the January 2012 issue and ran until April 2012. That article would be exactly what you are looking for.
All the best.
Joe F
Just search the NMRA index and the Trains.com index. Fairly easy to do.
Hello all,
I too have a Bachmann Spectrum H16-44 that is DC that I bought to convert to DCC.
When I removed the shell I found out that the chassis is two, large, solid cast pieces with no room for a decoder. Because of the high-hood design the chassis takes up all the available space in the shell.
The conversion process from DC to DCC can be simple and straight forward.
However, with this chassis I will not only have to isolate the power pickups; which I have done successfully many times, but also machine-out a place for the decoder.
Once a decoder "pocket" has been made the conversion should be straight forward.
As far as decoders I am installing a Digitrax HO Scale DH126P 1.5 AMP DCC unit hardwired.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I have used the Digitrax DZ125 deocder in a non DCC Bachmann 44 tonner with two motors and the Plymouth 0-6-0 switcher with pancake motor.
No chassis modification needed. I used the original light bulbs.
The decoder is not much larger than a USA dime. Good for one amp. Hard wired.
FWIW, when I did my H16-44 I used a Tsunami TS-1000 and it fit quite nicely between the top of the shell and the frame. I used double sided foam tape to hold it in place.
I did have to remove some of the frame to fit in an oval speaker with a commercial enclosure. It is just under the rear screens. If you were to use iphone speakers with shallow enclosures you would have to remove a lot less material.
I would not use an older Tsunami in this unit if I was doing it again. It took a lot of playing with the CVs to get the locomotive to run properly. I don't know how the new Tsunami2s perform. I would use a Loksound Select.
In case you are wondering why there are so many wires, the locomotive has operating red/green/white marker lights as well as illuminated number boards.
One other point. I didn't run the H16-44 on DC for more than a few seconds. I failed to notice that the engine loped a bit at very low speeds. Make sure you test the locomotive thoroughly on DC before installing the decoder.
Dave
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
thanks for everyone's help on this project. I ended up putting in a Z scale decoder (no sound), wired in some LED's bulbs, and it's up and running. Thanks!