I Googled and searched these forums first but wasn't able to find info. I am doing my first ever DCC + sound project. I was given a Bachmann Spectrum 0-6-0 Saddle Tank that is DCC ready (says on the box). The diagram in the box shows what I think is where the 8 pin socket is. However: 1) I can't get the body off. I removed the big screw under the smokebox, gently lifted. It comes apart... but I can't figure out how to get it all the way off. There are two tabs at the back of the bunker, but they are immovable. Any thoughts? 2) What is the right DCC decoder and sound chip to buy? Would love a Stay Alive as well. I am happy to stuff the cab full of speakers and the stay alive if necessary. Thanks if advance, a complete newbie to adding DCC and Sound... but handy enough to get 'er done if I can get a better understanding. Thanks in advance!
Well, here's a how-to for a TCS M1 (motor-only) decoder from the TCS website:
https://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/1177
There doesn't appear to be much additional room for a speaker and keep alive for one of those saddletank steamers. Streamlined Backshop makes a curved speaker baffle for hiding a speaker up under the roof of the cab:
ESU makes a Loksound 5 micro that's about the same size as the TCS M1. Unfortunately, ESU steam files are still very limited compared to TCS and Soundtraxx.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
Some years ago I belonged to a SoundTraxx Yahoo Group and somone put a SoundTraxx Micro into one. A little machining for the speaker.
You might find it in the new Group. Just a guess. There were two places for photos. I have not belonged or looked for some years. I use to post when Yahoo ran it.
https://groups.io/g/SoundTraxxUsers
There are Groups for different decoder companies. I use to belong to four.
Rich
If you ever fall over in public, pick yourself up and say “sorry it’s been a while since I inhabited a body.” And just walk away.
There's a couple ESU sound files that would be fine for this loco, the bigger problem is the limited whistle selection. Chuffs aren't that much different, as long as you don't use the sound project for a big articulated like a Big Boy, or a geared loco like a Shay or Heisler.
Those curved speakers are where it's at. Up under the cab roof, all but invisible, should leave plenty of room for a decocder and a keep alive.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
doublereefedWhat is the right DCC decoder and sound chip to buy?
You'd be installing a sound decoder, not a decoder and a separate sound 'chip'. Some companies (ESU comes to mind) make "micro" sound decoders that are fairly small.
Bachmann engines can be a bit hard to take apart, they seem like having small 'hidden' screws that you have to hunt around for. At the Bachmann website you can access an exploded diagram for your engine, that should give you an idea what needs to be done.
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/references.php
I have a Bachmann 0-6-0 Saddletank that came with a decoder but no sound. Since my layout uses it only in the carfloat terminal, a small area, I just bought a SoundBug and programmed it for a small steam engine. Then I mounted the SoundBug in a structure in the center of the terminal area, not in the engine itself. As long as the engine stays close to home, the illusion is pretty good.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I have that engine too, and I installed a (non-sound) DCC decoder which I got to just barely fit.
While I would like sound, and I think I could fit a sound decoder instead of the non-sound decoder, I just can't see how/where to add a speaker into that engine, and hide it from view.
In particular for a first project, that would be a rather difficult one.
I really like MisterBeasley's idea of a soundbug in the yard in which the engine is operating.