I am currently running N scale factory two Bachmann 4-6-0 and one Bachmann 2-6-0 steam locomotives, DCC equipped for light, speed & direction. I would really like to add sound to them, but not sure of how to do it, and if the $s are worth it. Suggestions?
Have your opened the tender? What kind of space do you have?
I just looked at the DCC equipped 4-6-0 diagram at the Bachmann website and it has an main board and DCC board that seems to be soldered or plug into the main board.. To me, it seems like it will be difficult.
The 2-6-0 appears to have a single PC board.
SoundTraxx has a N scale sound decoder and a new Econami decoder that is slightly smaller. Figure about $80 for the decoder the last I saw.
LokSound has N scale decoder also.
You can also ask at the Bachmann site. There is an N Scale forum but scroll down a little so see that forum.
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.
No I have not tried to open up the tender because I am afraid I would ruin everything. I will check out the Bachmann site to see if they have any suggestions. Thanks for your input.
There are many N scale users there along with company reps parts page, diagrams, DCC documents, etc.
Take your time and look around. I have belonged for some years but use HO scale.
Just an aside....... my hats off to anyone that can do that with N scale!
ENJOY !
Mobilman44
Living in southeast Texas, formerly modeling the "postwar" Santa Fe and Illinois Central
I've done it in N scale. You just need a small enough speaker, decoder, and cap.
I have used the ESU LokSound Select Micro DCC Sound decoder for light steam. With the 4-6-0 you can use a sugar cube speaker, with the 2-6-0 you have to use a smaller speaker due to the smaller tender.
I have been looking at the 2-6-0 and 4-6 0 diagrams at the Bachmann site and you have to strip out the old PC board from what I can see.
I have only done Bachmann HO scale.
I would suggest pointing the speaker up under the coal load and drill real tiny holes in the coal load. Make sure you have isolation between the front and rear of the speaker or sound will be kind of low. Little diluted white glue brushed on top and sprinkle with coal dust. Some HO scalers do this.
This way you can leave the weight in the tender and I suspect you will need it.
If the loco has a LED, use a 1k, ¼ watt resistor in one lead.
Use a nine volt battery to determine the proper motor polarity for forward on the loco.
If no experience at doing a decoder install, might be somewhat difficult. The decoder will have instructions for proper wiring. The instructions always worked for me.
Take some time to look through the N scale diagrams for the few N scale with sound for a rough Idea of what Bachmann does.
FYI, Bachmann does not sell any sound decoders.
Before trying to squeeze a sound decoder and speaker into the N scale tenders, have you considered an "under the table" sound system, like SoundTraxx' "SurroundTraxx" system??
http://www.soundtraxx.com/surround/surroundworks.php