I got the Mogul today. Looks better in person than in the photos!
I installed an old Digitrax 8-pin decoder and verified it runs. Looks like it will perform decently (at least without any cars on it!).
The problem is that the old Digitrax decoder (DH163LO - a retired version) is too long for the tender body to fit over it.
The loco isn't lisited in Digitrax's decoder selector. SO... Can anybody tell me which decoder(s) fit this locomotive? Right now I'm looking for a basic decoder. I'll be adding a TCS Wowdound system in the future, but $200+ it too much to swallow right now.
I'm going to a train show next Saturday and would like to pick up a decoder there.
Mark P.
Website: http://www.thecbandqinwyoming.comVideos: https://www.youtube.com/user/mabrunton
If decoder size is an issue, I'd just get a Digitraxx N (DN126) or Z (DZ126) scale decoder. You only have two lighting outputs anyways, so the basic version will do.
Digitraxx's naming scheme is:
D(digitraxx?)
N(scale: H,N,Z)
1(motor current)
2(number of function outputs, 2, 4 etc)
6(lighting control version, FX3, FX6 etc. FX6 has more options than FX3)
TCS WOWsound has certainly grown in price. I make my own keep alives ($5), wire plugs ($1) and use ebay speakers ($3)...I also manually wire my decoders, and choose the 21 pin decoder varient since its the cheapest. So TCS's jump from $79 to $95 for their WOW121 while is definitely a noticable jump, doesn't effect me too much.
I also bought 6 decoders right before they announce the price jump, and paid $69 for each, so hopefully I wont need to buy one anytime soon.
PS hardwiring 21 pin decoders certainly isnt easy, but it definitely gets easier after doing a dozen of them. Basically use one of these $1 plugs which go into the decoder and solder wires to the pins.
Further info on how I do budget DCC installs can be found here (scroll to latter half): https://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/289165.aspx
Of course, what you save in money is often spent on additional time during the install. Still, I've become rather efficient with these installs, averaging 7 hours (an afternoon/evening) per brass engine, from drilling holes for wires and speaker, to making the engine tender wire plugs, to mounting SMD LEDs, to hardwiring the decoder.
Charles
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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
Mark,
I was perusing through some old copies of MR and found the original MR review of the Bachman 2-6-0 from 2012 In their review it said that the locomotive would pull 18 cars. Not bad for a small locomotive. Hope it works that well!!!
Scott Sonntag
I would opt for the TrainWorld / SoundValue option. You can get a good running, sound equipped engine pretty cheap. Bachmann offers boilers and tenders for the 2-6-0 engine as separate parts on their website, so it's easy to change railroads (or buy undec ones to letter for your own railroad).
They is a NMRA plug compliant in the tender. A NCE basic decoder is often a favorite. Cut the capacitor and remove the inductor and replace with a wire across the points. (It messes up with BEMF) The cap/inductor pair was only there for RF noise emmision compliance in Europe.
Drive is smooth and reliable. But it won't pull squat. Get that tungstun putty and bullfrog snot for the boiler!
Don - Specializing in layout DC->DCC conversions
Modeling C&O transition era and steel industries There's Nothing Like Big Steam!
wjstix I would opt for the TrainWorld / SoundValue option. You can get a good running, sound equipped engine pretty cheap. Bachmann offers boilers and tenders for the 2-6-0 engine as separate parts on their website, so it's easy to change railroads (or buy undec ones to letter for your own railroad).
Lakeshore Sub Mark, I was perusing through some old copies of MR and found the original MR review of the Bachman 2-6-0 from 2012 In their review it said that the locomotive would pull 18 cars. Not bad for a small locomotive. Hope it works that well!!! Scott Sonntag
Off topic, and not trying to defend a poorly functioning search function, but this is a good example of why things can't be found when looking for them.
I think the first title was a question about a locomotive type. Now it is about a decoder. And I'm not sure if any search function will properly identify a topic identified as "renamed".
DigitalGriffin Lakeshore Sub Mark, I was perusing through some old copies of MR and found the original MR review of the Bachman 2-6-0 from 2012 In their review it said that the locomotive would pull 18 cars. Not bad for a small locomotive. Hope it works that well!!! Scott Sonntag That's the old mogul under the spectrum line. New one is a fraction of the weight.
That's the old mogul under the spectrum line. New one is a fraction of the weight.
I have the Bachmann 2012 Catalog open in front of me as I type this.
There has never been a 2-6-0 Spectrum model.
The ALCO 2-6-0, introduced in 2012, is not a Spectrum branded model, it was one of the first of the new from the ground up improved regular line locos like the LIMA 2-8-4, and was one of the first "DCC sound value" locos offered.
These locos, like the LIMA 2-8-4, and the USRA 2-8-2 and 4-6-2 offered in the last 10 or so years, are Spectrum quality drives for the most part, but not quite Spectrum level detail.
There is nothing to suggest it was ever changed during its production.
It is completely different from the much older 2-6-0 that was based on the other two locos being discussed here, the 0-6-0 and the 2-6-2.
The 2-6-0 based on the 0-6-0 has not been produced since 2010.
Two COMPLETELY DIFFERENT models that share NO parts, the old 2-6-0, and the NEW 2012 release ALCO 2-6-0.
NEITHER loco is currently offered by Bachmann, obviously some retailers still have plenty.
Sheldon