I'm considering some Bachmann 0-6-0 (w/tender), 2-6-0, 2-6-2 and 2-8-0 locos as additions but will want them to wind up with DCC/sound. The ideal engines would be Spectrum, UP road name, with DCC/sound already but few of those fit all those desires. I have purchased mainly DCC w/sound locos so far, but have upgraded one DCC ready loco (Kato RS-2) to DCC w/o sound (simply plug in chip). My choices on the small steamers will be better if I can upgrade them myself but would appreciate your comments on the approach for some different cases.
a) some are not noted as DCC ready. I presume adding a decoder (and speaker) to them would be most challenging as it is not plug in ready for a decoder, so I would avoid that degree of challenge for now.
b) Some are DCC ready, so I presume a plug in decoder job, plus adding the speaker and enclosure. I assume the lighting does not have to be modified and the decoder will handle that?? Not too difficult I presume??
c) Some are DCC, but without sound. I presume to add the speaker and sound that the original decoder should be replaced, versus adding a 2nd decoder for the sound? Is the original decoder likely wired in or just unplug and plug in the new DCC/sound one and wire the speaker?
Thanks for your insight. I'd like to try some not too challenging upgrades but want to understand what approach would be needed before I order locos.
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
The only one of the ones you've listed that I would consider is the Spectrum 2-8-0. It's a real sweetheart of an engine.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Hi Paul,
I have Tsunami-ed both the Consolidated and 4-6-0 ten-wheeler, the latter being a bit tight but I'd strip out any power only chip to make room for the speaker. I've also got an undec 4-6-0 and decal'd to my own road.
A If there is no loco to tender plug & socket forget bit, unless you are a dab hand with an iron.
B Would be your best bet with a small cube speaker, they take up less space and are a reasonable sound.
C If there's a socket, get a sound chip and speaker and plug in, if not, m e, I'd find out which was pickup (usually the left pair), which of the others are motor and which are lighting , a DC controller set at minimum will tell you that and hard wire to the wires from the loco plug &socket using a Tsunami or similar. Hope this helps.
Be in touch.
pick.
I have both the 2-8-0 and 4-6-0 with factory DCC and sound (soundtraxx) and they are both excellent sounding and running engines. One point I might make though is that both have the same sound decoder and same sounds; whistle and bell. When I am running both locos I can't tell them apart by sound. Just a thought to consider.
-*Bob
Life is what happens while you are making other plans!
farrellaa One point I might make though is that both have the same sound decoder and same sounds; whistle and bell. -*Bob
One point I might make though is that both have the same sound decoder and same sounds; whistle and bell.
Let us not forget the new Bachmann 2-6-0 with the value sound. I have a couple of these units and am very impressed with these engines. They are not Spectrum models, but then again they are still excellent running, would recommend these.
I also have some 2-8-0's and 4-6-0's and would not hesitate to recommend either of these two engines. Bachmann having two versions of the 4-6-0's the low driver version with the 52": drivers and the high driver version with the 63" drivers have created in my opinion an early 4-6-0 and a modern 4--6-0, As I said great little engines.