For N scale, I'd forget about trying to put a decoder into it, especially if it's the Bachmann standard line engine and not a Spectrum.
oooops
I forgot to mention N scale. I haven't bought this engine yet, looking for feedback to guide my decision
thx
Which type of tender does yours have? Bachmann makes three different versions of this engine with a Short Haul (Square) tender, a Vanderbilt (Round) tender, and a Slope Back (very small) tender. The decoder would have to go into the tender and you'd have to run at least six wires between the engine and tender if it has an operating headlight and seven wires if it has the smoke unit (two for electrical pickup to the decoder; two to the motor; two to the headlight; and two to the smoke generator, but one of them would be the same blue wire that also goes to the headlight).
I have one of the older versions of this locomotive and don't consider it worthy of the cost of a decoder because it does not run well enough.
You'd be much better off purchasing a Bachmann Spectrum 2-8-0 or other engine with a decoder already installed or at least having a decoder socket in the tender.
If you're not aware of it, Micro-Mark sells Bachmann Spectrum locomotives with DCC and sound already installed for very reasonable prices. Look at his web site at http://www.micromark.com
Hi
Has anyone put a decoder into the most recent release of this engine? If so what, where etc. Does the tender have to be upgraded to one of the newer Bachmann tenders first. Or is it not worth while to convert this loco.
All comments appreciated
Chris