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Adding DCC to Bachman Spectrum N-scale F7 A-B set?

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  • Member since
    January 2008
  • From: Stockton, CA.
  • 333 posts
Posted by Truck on Sunday, April 24, 2011 3:10 AM

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

   

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Saturday, April 23, 2011 11:08 AM

 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.

  • Member since
    December 2009
  • 8 posts
Adding DCC to Bachman Spectrum N-scale F7 A-B set?
Posted by MarkS on Saturday, April 23, 2011 8:57 AM

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

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