Hi everyone. Well here's the question: I recently purchased a DCC unit (Bachman E-Z command),Yes I read all the pros and cons about this unit but wanted to get into DCC without a great expense (still have to buy food for family). Anyway I have several old Roundhouse kit locos, all steam, HO scale. Can I successfully convert them to DCC/sound equiped without a lot of failure or expense, or will I just wasteing time and money? Thanks
- Luke
Modeling the Southern Pacific in the 1960's-1980's
How old is old? I have a couple of the old, all metal Roundhouse kit locomotives from the 1960's-70's and won't even try to install decoders in them because they would require a total rebuild with a new motor and gearing, and I don't consider them worth the expense.
If yours are the same vintage, you'd be better off purchasing a new Bachmann Spectrum engine with sound already installed. You'll have a much smoother running engine and Tsunami sound for less than you would have to invest in the old Roundhouse products.
DCC and sound in Roundhouse locomotives at:http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/1905/roundhouse_sound/
The main problem is lack of pickup on all the tender wheels. Haven't got around to adding pickups to the locomotive drivers. That is coming.
Thank you if you visit
Harold
I am using the Micro-Tsunami in my Roundhouse locos. They are the newer locos so you would have to use Harold's ideas since I suspect you have the older style locos. Harold also has a good idea for equiping the tender with all wheel pickup. I would also suggest pickup on the fireman's side for the drivers.
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 plan on adding a PCB bottom plate on the frame and adding pickups to the locomotive drivers rather than depend on pickup through the axle bearings.