Considering a Bachmann Spectrum steam loco with an MRC decoder, unfortunately don't know which one.
Is this a reasonable combination or are their potential problems?
Thank you for your thoughts.
Richard
Not knowing which Bachmann loco is an issue. Diesels and steamers are quite different for decoder installs.
I have both with LokSound and Tsunami.
I understand the newer version of MRC decoders are ok.
Sounds like you are doing your own install and remember to clip the capacitors on the PC board if you keep the PB board, at least in the steamers. Some diesels have the caps on the motor.
TCS shows quite a few Bachmann installs with their decoder but a little more expensive.
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.
cowmanConsidering a Bachmann Spectrum steam loco with an MRC decoder, unfortunately don't know which one.
You don't know which locomotive you are considering or which decoder to consider?
Thank you for the responses.
It is a Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2, but the documentaton only says it has an MRC decider, doesn't give the number.
Thank you for the information.
Have fun,
This must be a dated locomotive, perhaps used, or older New In Box (NIB) stock? Bachmann has used a variant of the Soundtraxx Tsunami decoders for many years now, so if you are certain, or convinced, that it's indeed an MRC decoder, it is very likely to be an older one. If the person selling it has recently installed the decoder him/herself, it's very likely to be the newer one. You should ask because the older MRC decoders were awful and were yanked by their owners soon after purchase and replaced with newer ones, usually Tsunamis.
As for the locomotive itself, it should be a good solid runner and last for years with care. The Spectrum 4-8-2, if this is what it is, has a good strong fan base because of their quality and reliability.
Thanks for the information. We'll see if I made the right decision.
Haave fun,
Cowman,
Is it a light or heavy mountain? The light has a plastic boiler but I believe the heavy is metal.
I have a light mountain that I bought in 2006. It was on clearance for $70 as it was one of the last made. Bachmann's sound came after this model was produced. I put a MRC decoder in it as it was my first install and it was just a plug n play. I recently changed it for an Econami. The MRC sounded ok but the motor control was poor. The Econami is much better. This loco has great detail and is a smooth runner but can't pull much which is ok for me as I have a very small layout. It can go around 18" radius curves ok. I ran into some pickup issues and luckily Bachmann still had engine wiper sets in stock. With the new wiper set pickup issues disappeared.
Good luck,
CN Charlie