While cleaning out my storage unit I ran across a brand new still shrink wrapped Spectrum 44 ton locomotive. Non DCC with a motor in each truck. I don't recall ever buying one especially one not in my traditional livery. I broke out my old DC power pack and tried it on the test track and it ran surprisingly well. I haven't given it a stall test yet but I see no reason why I couldn't stuff a TCS MC2 decoder and a pair of LEDs in it if I can isolate the two motors.
Has anyone done one of these? It looks challenging. There is only a simple light board on top of the metal frame. Looks nothing like the TCS installation pictures show.
Pete.
Hello All,
What a great find!
I have a Bachmann 44 tonner and I can't imagine two (2) motors in that little package.
Perhaps you could fit two (2) small N scale decoders, as they now can handle more amperage.
Keep us updated on your progress.
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
I did it with one of the very early two motor ones that had three pole motors. Bachmn changed them to 5 pole motor and they preformed much better.
I put the nce decoder in the cab area with room to spare. Dont need to decoders. Those motors dont draw much power and I have just one decoder doing the job. For many years now. The motors are isolated already. it does need wiring changes to work though. It has a board for directional lighting where everything is wired togther making it easier to add a decoder. That board does have to come out to create space.
Shane
A pessimist sees a dark tunnel
An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel
A realist sees a frieght train
An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space
If you look around the internet, you will find a few articles on how to change the wiring for the 2 motor. i've had both the 2 motor and 1 motor and the 1 motor was much easier to change over. My current single motor has a small N/Z scale decoder in the cab.
Scott Sonntag
Thank guys.
It will be awhile before I get time to mess with it. There's too many projects in the queue right now.
Funny what you find that you don't remember having. Found a P2K E7 A&B set, two NY,NH&H Spectrum steam engines and a bunch of Bowser round roof box car kits. I imagine the stuff not in PRR paint were gifts from years back. The E7 set is PRR and the Bowser kits too.
Wow, I wish I had magic closets like that!
If memory serves, those Bachmanns were plagued with weak gears. I would fully lubricate them before getting them to work on the railroad.
Simon