Decoder install in Bachmann 2-6-6-2 origional

[Paradise275]

Hi.
Has anyone installed a regular of sound decoder in the original version that says decoder ready but only in the engine by removing the weight?
Has anyone tried a sound decoder in the tender for this model?

Rick

[wm3798]

Watching with interest... you know, just in case I lose my mind.

Lee

[dangerboy81]

I did one, but I don't know if it was the DCC ready chassis you speak of. The jewel case doesn't say anything about being DCC ready. It was one of the few interesting sound installs I have done that I didn't make a video to share. If I remember correctly, I put a loksound micro decoder and the speaker in the tender. If you are interested, I could look into taking it apart a little to jog my memory about what I did. Get some pics. May take me a few days to find the time.

[reinhardtjh]

I did one, but I don't know if it was the DCC ready chassis you speak of. The jewel case doesn't say anything about being DCC ready. It was one of the few interesting sound installs I have done that I didn't make a video to share. If I remember correctly, I put a loksound micro decoder and the speaker in the tender. If you are interested, I could look into taking it apart a little to jog my memory about what I did. Get some pics. May take me a few days to find the time.

If it came with the rectangular tender or the package said USRA (C&O H-5) then it was the first version which was non DCC ready (though not too bad of a conversion).  If it had the Vanderbilt tender then it was the (C&O H-4) second version which was DCC ready. which was DCC decoder equipped.  So if you added a decoder, then odds are that it was the first version, the USRA/H-5.

[nickelplate759]

If it came with the rectangular tender or the package said USRA (C&O H-5) then it was the first version which was non DCC ready (though not too bad of a conversion).  If it had the Vanderbuilt tender then it was the (C&O H-4) second version which was DCC ready.

The first version was sort of dcc ready.  There's a place where you can remove part of the boiler weight and hardwire a small decider. However, in mine the front light board was wonky and ended up shorting out the decoder, so be careful....

[dangerboy81]

If it came with the rectangular tender or the package said USRA (C&O H-5) then it was the first version which was non DCC ready (though not too bad of a conversion).  If it had the Vanderbilt tender then it was the (C&O H-4) second version which was DCC ready. which was DCC decoder equipped.  So if you added a decoder, then odds are that it was the first version, the USRA/H-5.

Ok. While I don't know my way around tenders, LOL it says USRA with USRA tender, so, older version.

[Paradise275]

Thanks all for the reply's. I guess with the old version, you have to isolate the motor, weather you install a small decoder in the locomotive or install a sound decoder in the tender.

[Jimbo]

Thanks all for the reply's. I guess with the old version, you have to isolate the motor, weather you install a small decoder in the locomotive or install a sound decoder in the tender.

No, you don’t need to do that.  This model is similar to Bachmann’s original release of their CURRENT 2-8-0.  It required removing the shell, then removing a small weight which revealed some terminals whereby you can solder in a decoder.

Looking at Mark Peterson’s (aka @spookshow ) website, it indicates that this model is similar… quoting from his review:
“ These locomotives tend to be billed as "DCC-Ready", but decoder installation isn't as simple as dropping in a PC board replacement or connecting up an NMRA plug. What Bachmann has provided is space inside the engine for a decoder (the removable weight back by the cab), as well as providing wiring leads for track power, motor and lighting all in the same general vicinity.”

Not a drop-in, but not particularly challenging either.

Hope this helps, and if it does, please extend Mark your thanks.

Jim

[Paradise275]

Thanks Jim for the update. I'll go in and have a look.

Rick