Mods for Bachmann N GE 44-Tonner?

[coosvalley]

It runs great, very reliable, slow, quiet.   Very happy with it.

EDIT: I pulled the decoders out of mine. I run DC.

Would you guys say that the slow speed performance improved when you removed the decoder?..Or is it more about the added weight?

[u18b]

Would you guys say that the slow speed performance improved when you removed the decoder?..Or is it more about the added weight?

Both.

Bachmann decoders are not top of the line.

Also, in a small and light loco.... they almost always run better with more  weight simply because electrical conductivity is increased.

[randgust]

Mine certainly improved on the slow speed, mostly because I use a DC transistor throttle and the Bachmann board was completely nuts with it.

[Chris333]

The very first one I bought would only run in one direction so I tore the board out.

This was without any extra weight:

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I've read that the speed scales are not the best on Bachmann DCC and well I run DC so how can I change the speed scales?

[OldEastRR]

I had the original board taken out and replaced with a Zemo Silver mini. It has excellent slow-speed operation now. It's only for shuffling cars around an industrial area so I'm not expecting this tiny loco to haul long strings of cars on any grades. Just like the real ones. It took 2 of these guys to replace the single 0-4-0 steamer the NH used to work the Boston waterfront. If you want a powerful freight switcher, get a Geep or an RS.
And with a small light 8 wheel loco like this, clean wheels and clean track are an absolute must.

[robwill84]

I'm the guy that put the sound decoder in one. Ended up ebaying it due to lack of funds for other projects. I made a replacement hood out of shim brass, had it all ready to go. I wonder if whoever I sold it to ever finished it.

https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=30497.0

[Cajonpassfan]

Rob, that's nice, hope whoever got it finished it (in SP tigerstripe )

Do you remember what sound file you used?
Otto K.

[robwill84]

I used a loksound micro with the GE 44 ton sound file.

[tehachapifan]

I'm wondering if the still-yet-to-be-released Zimo MX660 sound decoder might actually fit inside this unit. At an apparent 48 x 9.5 x 2.2mm, it seems like it might be doable. Of course, then there's the issue of finding a suitable sound file. For example, maybe, just MAYBE one could substitute file that could be reasonably passed for this unit, like perhaps their centipede file? Wish more of their file listings had sound samples.

[Cajonpassfan]

I used a loksound micro with the GE 44 ton sound file.

Thank you, didn't know one was available.
Otto

[reinhardtjh]

Thank you, didn't know one was available.
Otto

Select version:    File 73444  http://projects.esu.eu/projectoverviews/search?cat=2&q=cat-44

V4.0 version:      File 74444  http://projects.esu.eu/projectoverviews/search?cat=4&q=cat-44

It's not Full Throttle, but then that's not strictly necessary on a 44-tonner. 

[Cajonpassfan]

Thanks!
Otto

[dariaphoebe]

Yes for 2 of them.

Perchance do you have the dimensions?

I have 3 44 tonners which constitute the majority of my fleet and I need to be able to pull a hill on a curve that the light weight has been causing problems for.

[coosvalley]

Perchance do you have the dimensions?

I have 3 44 tonners which constitute the majority of my fleet and I need to be able to pull a hill on a curve that the light weight has been causing problems for.

I used the smallest tungsten cubes made for pinewood derby cars, and was able to fill the cab with 6,( I think, it's been a while), and another 4 on either side of the cab on top of the frame. Oddly, upthread I asked about slow speed improvement when you remove the decoder(I use DC), and I have done it myself since then, and it was 100% worth doing if you use DC.

Also, welcome to TRW. Here is a pic of my 44 tonner, small world, eh?

[peteski]

Perchance do you have the dimensions?

I have 3 44 tonners which constitute the majority of my fleet and I need to be able to pull a hill on a curve that the light weight has been causing problems for.

You might also find this thread useful: https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=32605.0