Bachmann Alco S-4 in Northern Pacific Livery.

[NP2626]

richg1998

 

NP2626

WOW!!

The Bachmann Forum is run by some pretty power hungry folks!

They remove a thread at the drop of a hat!

 

 

 

 

That happens once in a while when someone comes in with an "agenda'. Seen it a few times. I was watching.

Been watching that site since maybe 2009.

 

In these forums, an administrator usually locks down the thread. Seen that happen here before.

Rich

 

 

Yes, my "agenda" was to find out information on this loco, a product of Bachmann's and if the sound decoder they install to make the loco a "Sound Value" locomotive was available as a separate item.  Or, if anyone had recommendations on what decoder to use in this locomotive.  I knew this “Clandestine and Subversive” thinking of mine might cause me trouble! 

 

 

[richg1998]

NP2626

WOW!!

The Bachmann Forum is run by some pretty power hungry folks!

They remove a thread at the drop of a hat!

 

That happens once in a while when someone comes in with an "agenda'. Seen it a few times. I was watching.

Been watching that site since maybe 2009.

In these forums, an administrator usually locks down the thread. Seen that happen here before.

Rich

[NP2626]

WOW!!

The Bachmann Forum is run by some pretty power hungry folks!

They remove a thread at the drop of a hat!

[NP2626]

ba&prr

That round part is the baffle for a speaker...   Joe

 

I figured that was what it was.

[ba&prr]

That round part is the baffle for a speaker if you add a sound decoder. When I put a sound decoder in mine(board style) I was not happy with the sound level using the attached baffle. I bought the baffle with speaker from Bachmann that theu use on teh soundvalue loco.Much better sound level.  Joe

[NP2626]

I have finally found a little time to mess around with this loco.  I test ran it and it is working fine in DC.  I did find that the lights came on; but, are not directional.  I removed the shell and found that a fairly large circuit board is installed that is as wide as most HO decoders are.  There would be no problem installing a typical HO decoder and there is no need to go with a Z scale decoder. 

There is a round object that is installed just ahead of the motor, where a speaker would be installed.  The exploded view supplied with the loco labels this item as 00J03.  There are no leads coming off this part; so, it must simply be a bracket for the forward screw securing the circuit board.  My guess would be that this loco could be made into a “Sound Value” loco by the simple replacement of parts: a sound decoder and speaker. 

I wonder why Bachmann doesn’t simply offer all of these locos as available in both DC and DCC?  This would increase their sales by being a tad bit more flexible in what they offer.  However, I guess It is what it is!    

 

[NP2626]

richg1998

 

NP2626

RichG1998  So, if Bachmann does not have a sound decoder installation for this locomotive how is it that Micro-Mark is selling one with sound?  Certainly Micro-Mark is not installing sound decoders for Bachmann!

http://www.micromark.com/bachmann-ho-standard-line-alco-s4-diesel-locomotive-with-sound-erie-lackawanna-no-528,11200.html

 

 

 

 

 

Sigh. It is obvious you did not look at the links. Bachamnn sells the loco with sound but does not sell the sound decoder separately.

Rich

 

Rich,

 

No, I did not check the exploded views you offered as one came with my locomotive and it and the ones you alluded to, really don’t answer the question I posed.  Since I just received this locomotive on the 27^th, I am simply looking at my options at this point.  I was hoping that Bachmann offered the sound decoder they use for their sound equipped S-4, they don't, so I will buy a Digitrax non sound decoder to install in my S-4.

I must have missunderstood what you said in the post previus to the one you quoted above and I'm hoping that you aren’t upset with what I have; or, have not done; or said!  Since Christmas day I have been busy with family things and haven't been on this forum.

I don’t have lots of money to throw at this hobby so although an option, buying a sound value equipped S-4 and swapping shells isn’t going to be the option I take.

 

[Geared Steam]

richg1998

 

NP2626

RichG1998  So, if Bachmann does not have a sound decoder installation for this locomotive how is it that Micro-Mark is selling one with sound?  Certainly Micro-Mark is not installing sound decoders for Bachmann!

http://www.micromark.com/bachmann-ho-standard-line-alco-s4-diesel-locomotive-with-sound-erie-lackawanna-no-528,11200.html

 

 

 

 

 

Sigh. It is obvious you did not look at the links. Bachmann sells the loco with sound but does not sell the sound decoder separately.

Rich

 

Hang in there Rich, you tried to help. 

[ba&prr]

Bachmann sells the S4 with and with out sound. It depends on the road name. I bought an NP one as well and put in a Soundtraxx decoder init. If you have soldering skills, it's not to hard. I replaced the speaker enclosure with the one with a speaker in it that BAchmann uses in the sound equiped ones. I had to modify it a bit: I filed down part of the enclosuer that fits under the decoder and put a hole in the top front of the encloser to fit the resister in for the headlight.  Joe

[richg1998]

To my knowledge right now, companies that sell locos with onboard sound do not sell that particular decoder separately. Onboard sound decoders are usually stripped down versions in many. The decoder might not be suitable for a different type of loco for one thing. Usually the horn sounds.

Some people do not like stripped down sound decoders either.

Rich

[richg1998]

NP2626

RichG1998  So, if Bachmann does not have a sound decoder installation for this locomotive how is it that Micro-Mark is selling one with sound?  Certainly Micro-Mark is not installing sound decoders for Bachmann!

http://www.micromark.com/bachmann-ho-standard-line-alco-s4-diesel-locomotive-with-sound-erie-lackawanna-no-528,11200.html

 

 

Sigh. It is obvious you did not look at the links. Bachamnn sells the loco with sound but does not sell the sound decoder separately.

Rich

[gmpullman]

I've had a Bachmann B&O S-2 for over a year now. It came equipped with a sound value DCC decoder and I picked it up for just under $90 at the time.

I'm quite satisfied with it and I think the sound is great for being in such a small package.

I put some non sound decoders in LifeLike S-2s and SW-900s and it was a little tricky stuffing everything in there and getting the headlights wired, etc.

I wasn't sure you were even interested in sound so I was just watching this thread at a distance but I was going to jump in and mention that for the cost of a speaker and sound decoder you could get a sound value equipped S-4 and just swap the shells. For the value of it I think $110 is a pretty good deal for DCC sound in a switcher.

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/product-p/bac-63211.htm

The price went up a little, of course.

I don't know if they offered the NP in sound but I'd be willing to bet they did (or will.) Bachmann is usually pretty good at keeping inventory levels up.

Just an option for you... Ed

[NP2626]

RichG1998  So, if Bachmann does not have a sound decoder installation for this locomotive how is it that Micro-Mark is selling one with sound?  Certainly Micro-Mark is not installing sound decoders for Bachmann!

http://www.micromark.com/bachmann-ho-standard-line-alco-s4-diesel-locomotive-with-sound-erie-lackawanna-no-528,11200.html

 

[richg1998]

I just saw the "no sound decoder" for this loco in the Bachmann forums. The Alco S4 uses the GE GT 553-A prime mover. the Tsunami suggested by Soundtraxx is the ALCO 539T sound and should be ok.

I think ESU, LokSound says the same.

i think this loco DCC ready has a spot for a 1/2 inch speaker.

The DCC ready diagram is below.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HO_ALCO_S4_%28DCC_READY%29.pdf

The diagram for the sound on board is right below.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HO_ALCO_S4_%28DCC_SOUND%29.pdf

Note, this is probably not a drop in for a new user.

Rich

[richg1998]

Bachmann sells a basic non sound which the last I knew is a low end Lenz. been discussed a lot there. It is called an EZ Command decoder. The usual suggestion has been to buy a quality decoder. Maybe that has changed.

Bachmann does not sell a sound decoder. take time to look through all the Parts page.

You can buy a Tsunami or LokSound.

Below is the SoundTraxx selector page. Alco 539T sound.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/choose/step3.php?t=ho&s=Bachmann

For the Tsunami, you will remove the stock PC board and Install the new light board type. Just follow the instructions with the decoder. i have done this type in other diesels. easy.

The LokSound ESU come with eight pin plug I believe and a speaker. Have not used that type. The Alco 539T maybe. Some think LokSound is a little better.

http://www.esu.eu/en/downloads/sounds/loksound-select/loksound-select-usa/

 Rich

[NP2626]

I have been having trouble logging in to the Bachmann site and so could not ask this question there.  However, I have figured out what the problem was and have now posted my quetion there. 

[NP2626]

Thanks John Bruce III for the suggestions!

[richg1998]

TCS makes quite small decoders also.

I have used the Digitrax DZ125 with eight pin plug on it. Very small decoder.

rich

[richg1998]

I just looked at the loco diagram at the Bachmann website. There is a eight pin socket.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php

Go look. You can see it in the diagrams and parts list. I just looked at both.

if you want to use Bachmann products, I suggest you go join the forums.

There are company reps there. i have been watching the site for some time.

The last I knew, they use a low end Lenz non sound decoder.

For the sound locos, they use a SoundTraxx somewhat stripped down decoder.

Rich

[JOHN BRUCE III]

I've added decoders to several Bachmann Alco S switchers. Pretty much any one that has an 8-pin plug and will fit will work. You remove the shell by unscrewing the coupler boxes and pulling them out. I've found the Digitrax DZ126PS is handy for many installations like this, because it's dimensionally small and easy to tuck inside a shell.

[NP2626]

I think in the last two months I have purchased every locomotive available today for the Northern Pacific!  I felt it was my duty as a Northern Pacific modeler, to support those manufacturers who have supported me.  (If I’ve overlooked some manufacturers who are producing N.P. locomotives, by all means inform me).

Anyway, fairly new on the market is an HO Alco S-4 switcher produced by Bachmann.  Bachmann states it is DCC ready.  I have not read the instructions with the loco as it arrived only yesterday and I simply haven’t had the time, yet.  I will be looking them over shortly. 

I am a Digitrax guy!  I support Digitrax when I can, if they have a product that would work for this locomotive, that would be my preferred supplier.  However, I would look at other suppliers.  I would be interested in considering sound, if the conversion where easy.  However, I am mostly interested in a simple DCC decoder. 

Do you have a recommendation?