I have a Bachman Spectrum N-scale F7 A-B set that I'm thinking about putting decoders in. These are the older type that ARE NOT "DCC frieldly". I have some questions:
1. Have I completely lost my mind?
2. Is there a step-by-step anywhere with photos?
3. Any advise from someone who has done this?
4. What kind of lighting did Prototype B-units have? The model has none, but somehow that doesn't seem likely.
Thanks...Mark Stewart
If it looks like this one, there's a bit of work involved, including milling of the frames.
http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/N_Scale/Bachmann/F7B/index.html
Doesn't look incredibly difficult, but clearly not just a case of soldering on some wires.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
You should follow the link Randy gave you to isolate the motors, and give you a basic idea of what is involved. When I did this set I didn't even know TCS excisted. On the A unit I milled the rear top of frame for the decoder to sit in, IT WILL NOT FIT OTHERWISE BECAUSE OF THE CAB I also used the OEM bulb for the headlight. On the B unit they use the same frame as the a unit so the decoder can be mounted where the cab for the A unit would be. Good luck.
A UNIT
B UNIT