HVBL Just a follow up to the doodlebug upgrade. The parts I ordered from NWSL arrived a few weeks ago and the upgrade was seemless. The bug runs fantastic now and even somewhat quieter. I wish my Dad was still around to see this thing go!! Well worth the money spent. Rich
Just a follow up to the doodlebug upgrade. The parts I ordered from NWSL arrived a few weeks ago and the upgrade was seemless. The bug runs fantastic now and even somewhat quieter. I wish my Dad was still around to see this thing go!! Well worth the money spent.
Rich
That's great news! NWSL stuff is expensive but should last a lifetime.
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Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO
Youtube Channel: www.youtube.com/@trainman440
Instagram (where I share projects!): https://www.instagram.com/trainman440
I wish I would have checked out Paul's video sooner. Nice looking bug! I went ahead and ordered the replacement wheelset from NWSL for 50 bucks. I hope to see it before springtime arrives, but that's up to the folks at USPS.
Hello All,
I too have a Bachmann Spectrum Doodlebug- -DC only.
When I bought it was with the intention of converting it to DCC.
Unfortunately, when I removed the shell I found there was no place to fit a decoder.
I don't run sound so fitting a speaker is not an issue. Fitting a decoder will require milling out the frame.
Good luck, keep us informed on your progress, and...
Hope this helps.
"Uhh...I didn’t know it was 'impossible' I just made it work...sorry"
The Goose engine sound would be good for one that hasn't been converted to diesel. Check some of the Euro projects for small diesels of the sort that would have been used in re-motoring some. The small doodblebug at the Strasburg RR was converted to diesel, I think it's a small Deutz motor.
Allentown and Auburn has an ex-PRR Brill car similar to the Bachmann model that the PRR re-engined with a Hamilton diesel engine (after riding this car, I don;t remember if it still has that same diesel or if it's been replaced).
Pretty much any small industrial diesel sound could be used - really the main engine sound of most 4 stroke diesels is very similar. Only the Detroit/EMD 2 strokes are VERY unique and different from anything else. And the FM opposed piston motors, but you won't find something that big in a motor car.
If there's a way to turn off the second motor in the dual motor 44-tonner sound, that would be a reasonable size diesel to find in a doodlebug.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
peahrensI hard wired a LokSound Select decoder and loaded a Baldwin VO-6 sound file. I no longer remember why that seemed ok, maybe just because it was an old, small diesel (I think some doodlebugs perhaps were changed to diesel).
Aren't there historical recordings of historic gas and distillate engines as well as operable cars? A reference like Keilty would have the specific diesel-engine type for many repowers...
I bought a used one some time ago, which came (not unexpected) with cracked gears. After discussing options with NWSL, I decided (don't remember why) on the NWSL Stanton drive kit #1171-4 which replaces both trucks. I hard wired a LokSound Select decoder and loaded a Baldwin VO-6 sound file. I no longer remember why that seemed ok, maybe just because it was an old, small diesel (I think some doodlebugs perhaps were changed to diesel).
Here is a short video:
https://youtu.be/bMQZ44inZkA
Paul
Modeling HO with a transition era UP bent
NWSL has the goods. I might be able to fix a few in my Pop's collection now...
rrinker Pretty sure the Bachmann Philly address is little more than a business office any more. 40 minutes from Philly? You could be near me, dependin on how fast you drive and if you are considering traffic - can take me anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours to get to Philly. --Randy
Pretty sure the Bachmann Philly address is little more than a business office any more. 40 minutes from Philly? You could be near me, dependin on how fast you drive and if you are considering traffic - can take me anywhere from 45 minutes to 3 hours to get to Philly.
I'm just up the road in Bucks County. On a good day I can hop 95 south and hit the bridge exits in 30 minutes. Rush hour, forget it. All bets are off, lol. Bachman parts dept emailed me back anyways, it's a discontinued item, no luck. I'll try one of the links above.
I've thought of getting an HO scale doodlebug but would want to install sound. Does anyone make such a decoder?
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
I just did a search, found many old threads in here on the same problem.
Check NWSL.
https://nwsl.com/products/geared-wheelset-ho-36-88-2mm-x-0-751-flush-axle-bachmann-doodlebug-and-emc-gas-electric-15-teeth-reverse-worm-gear-4
Mike.
My You Tube
I've been all over EBAY but no luck looking for Bachman parts so I sent an email to the parts dept at Bachman. I live about 40 minutes from them so a ride into Philly is no big deal if they have anything in stock. Shapeways appeared to be a CNC manufacturing facility which is what I do and that gave me another idea.
Last time I looked it was only N scale. I will try to look again.
Maybe NWSL.
Try a search but search for HO scale.
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.
Check out Shapeways for 3D printed replacements...
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
Well, after a quick test run I realized we had a slight issue. I also checked my stash of decoders and found an 8 pin DP2X. My project came to a crash when I found this...
Thanks for the replies.
I have a couple of doodlebugs and have sold a few more. All of the ones I have had have had an 8 pin plug Makes it easy. All of mine have made gear noise as well.
Here's one suggestion:
https://tcsdcc.com/installation/ho-scale/1235
Good Luck, Ed
I have a Spectrum Doodlebug that I am going to tear into this weekend. It seems to run fine in DC with a little bit of motor or gear noise but I figured since I have it apart, I would install a decoder. Anyone have a suggestion? I was going to use a simple Digitrax like a 123 or 126 piece. Is there a specific one for the Doodlebug ??