Train Decoder

[Anonymous]

I am wondering what type of decoder would work for this loco. It is a bachman F7A Union Pacific that came with the pioneer Silver Series Train set. Pictures are on layout site in my signiture under Decoder?

[Jacktal]

I suggest you visit Digitrax's website,they list I believe all their past and present produced decoders.However,depending on it's design,your loco may not be an easy retrofit and may require some special care to do so.

[tstage]

Jon,

You can also e-mail Bachmann directly and ask their recommendation on a decoder for the F7. I'm guessing that since the locomotive came with a set, then it's one of Bachmann's "Standard" series locomotives. It's worth getting their input.

As far as the this particular F7, I don't know if if's worth putting a decoder in it. For a little more, you can pick up an already decoder-installed Bachmann locomotive. No where near as nice as their Spectrum series locomotives but you don't have to hassle with purchasing and installing a decoder yourself. Some decoders are easy to install. These probably will be a bit more work.

Tom

[cacole]

My experience with trying to put decoders into Bachmann locomotives that are not Spectrum and/or DCC ready is that you are going to need to disassemble the frame halves so you can get to the motor and isolate it. The big questiion I always ask myself: is this locomotive worth the cost of a decoder and the effort of disassembling it? My answer is usually, NO.

[jwr_1986]

You might also try contacting Loy's Toys. They are very helpful and might be able to offer you some guidance as well as sell you the decoder.

Jesse

[Anonymous]

I was kind of thinking it might not be worth puting a decoder in but I only have like two trains and the other one is an old steam which i thought would be hard to put a decoder in for the first try at it.

[Anonymous]

Jon, does the loco drive on all wheels or just one truck? I have one of the Bachmann Plus F7s (all wheel drive, flywheels, etc) which will definitely be getting a decoder when I can afford one as it looks a simple installation and the loco's a great runner. On the Plus F7 you have to remove the piece of the pickup that presses against the frame - it's basically a brass "hoop" that passes the current from the wheels to the frame. My plan would be to clip this off, and solder a fine, flexible wire to the pickup instead (as on the other side of the truck) - this would isolate the frame from the rails. A piece of electrical tape would also be used to isolate the motor from the frame (taking no chances here!). I would recommend a decoder with BEMF as these give amazing slow-speed control. The one thing to watch is the current draw, as I hear some Bachmann locos can be a bit "hungry" (not tested mine yet, as it's a way down the "to do" list for DCC).

If it's the version with a single power truck then you really do have to ask whether it's worthwhile - Bachmann will sell you decoder-fitted FT A and B units in assorted schemes, they look pretty good models and are not much more expensive than a decoder. You could easily convert your existing loco into a dummy, then run it with an FT A and B to make an ABA set - would look pretty impressive!

[Anonymous]

yea its the two truck ran one. But also mine doesn't run very well and it isn't the roadname i will be modeling i am modeling the Rio Grande and its a Union Pacific.