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Throwing my 2 pennies worth into this.I too, replace "all" of my Bachmann decoder equipped locomotives with Digitrax DZ123MO's. Sure makes a world of a difference.Here is a 44 ton install. Thanks,Wolf
I put an ESU LokPilot Micro v.4 in a 44-tonner for a friend. Much better performance.On the steam side, I have replaced every Bachmann decoder with an ESU LokSound and a better speaker. There's simply no comparison, sound- or performance-wise. This is one of the reasons I probably won't buy any more Bachmann locos - I have to pay for the DCC installation twice. Once when I buy it, and once when I tear it out and put in something worthwhile.John C.
In the same manner, they (and I think the NMRA Bulletin too) later implored manufacturers to include DCC in their locomotives, so it wouldn't have to be a custom, added-cost installation for skilled modelers, and the hobby "newbie" could get the benefit, too.Bachmann, a mass-market producer, stepped up and responded to this plea, and now we slam them for doing so. I know people have their various issues with Bachmann, but let's at least also give them credit for doing what major voices in the hobby media wanted manufacturers to do.Rich K.
THIS.I am 100% dead against this continuing stampede of offering locos only "fully equipped". They are shoveling unwanted electronics out the door and taking in cash for it. Offering engines two ways: DCC "ready" and DCC "equipped" would not be very hard. The "ready" ones could be just like the "equipped" ones, just without a decoder or speaker plugged in (and for a lower cost).
I realize I'm not the majority of the market, but making a loco DCC sound READY that runs on DC would simplify inventory making it easier to sell to all.