Changing HO scale Spectrum tenders - is it really an easy task? To unplug and then to plug in?

[Onrman]

This may be a very silly question, but is it really just a matter of unplugging one and plugging in another? I would like to change the 4-8-2 RF&P long USRA tender to a VANDERBILT HICKEN TENDER. The smaller tender would be perfect for the engine style I have in mind and they are both Spectrum products.

[Rick Bradley]

i have changed some tenders without dificulty, there was only one i had a problem with, and that was simply the lights ended up being backwards.

[cacole]

It depends -- if both tenders are wired exactly the same; i.e., the tender wheels pick up current from the same side on both of them, they should be interchangeable.

The only way to know for sure is by tracing the wiring with a VOM.

[richg1998]

This may be a very silly question, but is it really just a matter of unplugging one and plugging in another? I would like to change the 4-8-2 RF&P long USRA tender to a VANDERBILT HICKEN TENDER. The smaller tender would be perfect for the engine style I have in mind and they are both Spectrum products.

 

I can only speak for the HO Richmond 4-4-0. The tender picks up on the leftt rail with the front truck and the right rail with the rear truck. 

You might try the Bachmann forums also.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/

Rich 

[UpNorth]

If that is the only issue, just switch the axe/wheel around on both trucks. You"ll find out quick enought if the polarity is wrong, the command station will see a short and turn off with out danger.

[rogertra]

There is only one "rule" to remember when swapping tenders between Spectrum locomotives.

 - To be safe, ALWAYS keep the circuit board with the locomotive.  Swap tender, swap circuit board.  Always.  Yes, some circuit boards are compatable but it's ALWAYS best to swap them.

This subject has been thrashed to death numerous times on the "Bach Man" board and this is sound advice, something I've always done from the start.  Few of my locos have unmodified tenders and many have had the tenders swapped or replaced and I ALWAYS swap the circuit boards.

Follow this advice and you can never go wrong.

[orsonroy]

Ditto Roger's comments. It's a little dopey of Bachmann not to standarize on ONE PC board and ONE type of wiring harness, but they don't. Always keep the board with the loco and you'll be fine.