FWIW, my take is that putting DCC into the locomotives, and upping the price, firmly moves On30 away from the Christmas train and into the realm of the serious model train enthusiast, and I don't think they would continue to upgrade the fleet and introduce new locomotives if it wasn't selling.  (Although maybe the high price is a reflection of low sales  )

I'm not an expert, but if it helps, my Bachmann Spectrum controller for DC models, that came with my On30 starter set, has a maximum output of 15 volts DC.

The NMRA standard for DCC (standard S-9.1) says that " Digital Decoders intended for scales larger than "N" shall be designed to withstand a DC voltage of at least 27 volts as measured at the track".

You could also try doing a web search for DC and DCC controllers and see what their outputs are.

I was going to suggest contacting the parts department directly - they have helped me out in the past with a couple of things - because I see that there is a light in the list of parts available for the 2-6-0 - on the assumption that if they sell the light as a spare, there must be a way to replace it.

But I see I am too late.

Sorry about the headlight.

I briefly had the Bachmann HO mechanical version, (as with you, for a Christmas village type layout), but returned it as the On30 loco (a Bachmann 2-6-0) was too wide, it hit the upright posts    So you should definitely get something built for O scale, or be prepared to do some major modifications!

Happy Christmas.

thanks - yes, the thumbnail seems to work best!

Hello

I want to remove the roof of the On30 railbus to change the decoder (install the dummy one).

The instructions refer to it as a snap-off roof.

I've tried a moderate amount of force so far, but nothing is coming apart.  Before I try and pry it apart with a knife or screwdriver, does anyone have any tips?  eg where are the "snaps"?  Where is the best place to insert a "pry-bar"?

Geoff

You can shop for parts at the Bachmann online store.

Which part have you broken?  The metal drawbar costs $2.10 and the tender chassis costs $9, or $31.50 if you wants the trucks attached.

Good luck with the repair.

Geoff