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Is there a sound decoder for GP38-2

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  • Member since
    January 2013
  • 257 posts
Is there a sound decoder for GP38-2
Posted by Regg05 on Saturday, July 6, 2013 4:51 PM

Hi,

I just bought a DCC equipped Bachmann GP38-2 in the Norkfolk Southern scheme off Ebay for a pretty good price. This one already comes DCC equipped.  The problem is that I want to add a sound decoder but when I take the shell off there is no room for any other type of speaker installation or sound decoder.  Why would Bachmann make a engine and leave absolutely no room to put a sound decoder in it. Is there any workaround for this???

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • 3,312 posts
Posted by locoi1sa on Saturday, July 6, 2013 5:17 PM

 You will have to remove the already installed decoder, cut and mill the weights to make room for the speaker and decoder.

           Pete

 I pray every day I break even, Cause I can really use the money!

 I started with nothing and still have most of it left!

  • Member since
    February 2008
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Posted by maxman on Saturday, July 6, 2013 6:39 PM

Looks like the assembly diagram is here: http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H617X_IS001.pdf  I can't tell from the diagram exactly what the weight arrangement looks like.

What is inside the cab?  I have an Atlas GP 38 where I was able to remove the cab interior and install a round speaker in the same location.

  • Member since
    January 2011
  • 893 posts
Posted by PennCentral99 on Sunday, July 7, 2013 6:35 PM

Regg05

 Why would Bachmann make a engine and leave absolutely no room to put a sound decoder in it. Is there any workaround for this???

Because they don't care about your "after market modifications". For them: you want sound, buy an already equipped loco with sound from them. That means more $$$ for them

A sound decoder can be added by simply replacing the existing decoder board. In order to install a speaker in the loco you just bought, you'll need to remove some of the weights

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