Adding DCC to a DCC Ready GG-1

[tintojim]

I purchased a DCC Ready GG-1 last spring, and am getting ready to convert the system to DCC.  The diagrams that came with the locomotive are not extremely helpful in showing where things go, but I think I can figure it out once I get started.  My question is what are the available Bachmann decoders to install, and what are the pros / cons of each.  I'm also trying to impress my 6 year old, so the more available whistle's and bells the better!

[WoundedBear]

Bachmann pretty much only has one decoder available.....their basic model......it comes with or without the 8 pin plug and singularly or in a three pack.

http://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=264_274&products_id=1827

There are other manufacturers of decoders out there.....Soundtraxx for one. We aren't allowed to mention names other than Bachmann or Soundtraxx here on this forum, but a net search will turn up other options, including sound, for your loco.

Sid

[ACY]

My question is what are the available Bachmann decoders to install, and what are the pros / cons of each.  I'm also trying to impress my 6 year old, so the more available whistle's and bells the better!

Like mentioned above Bachmann only has one decoder available for your locomotive. I suggest the one with the 8 pin-plug since your locomotive has an 8 pin socket.
Your only 2 options are item #44913 or #44914.
Bachmann does not make any decoders with sound for HO scale, with the exception of a special add on device only for the B&O EM-1 (articulated 2-8-8-4).
If you are interested in adding sound, you are probably looking at a minimum of $150 since there are not many decoders out there with the appropriate sounds for a GG-1. Not to mention you would need to purchase and install a speaker as well if you wanted sound.

[Len]

You'll still need to provide a decoder, Bachmann or otherwise, but Dallee Electronics makes a sound system specificall for electric locos such as the GG-1, AEM-7, etc. The sound module can be seen here: http://www.dallee.com/dc_electric.htm

The instructions for a variety of installation in DC, AC, and DCC locos are here: http://www.dallee.com/PDFs/DCV3-ELEC-r11.pdf

With a DCC installation various sounds can be controlled using the decoders function outputs. With an 8-pin plug-n-play decoder installation you'll have to figure out where on the PC board to make various connections to the sound module.

Len

[Hunt]

an aside...
The GG-1 being electric has few sounds to impress anyone.

Suggest you consider a steam or diesel model locomotive for their sounds.

[ACY]

If you want sound perhaps try the Bachmann sound value ALCO 2-6-0 which will be far more impressive to your son, with the "chuff", whistle and bell. MB Klein and other shops have had them on sale for around $100-130.

Photo credit to MB Klein
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/Bachmann-HO-Alco-2-6-0-Lackawanna-DCC-p/bac-51813.htm

[Reinhard S]

Hi.

I agree with ACY.  The electrics are beautiful units but the sounds are boring.  The Bachmann Sound Value ALCO 2-6-0 sounds great and runs smooth.  The Bachmann Sound Value diesels (although I do not have one yet), I am told, sound great and are smooth runners as well.  The price of the Sound Value locos are very reasonable.

All the best.

Reinhard

[rogertra]

Hi.

I agree with ACY.  The electrics are beautiful units but the sounds are boring.  The Bachmann Sound Value ALCO 2-6-0 sounds great and runs smooth.  The Bachmann Sound Value diesels (although I do not have one yet), I am told, sound great and are smooth runners as well.  The price of the Sound Value locos are very reasonable.

All the best.

Reinhard

I have two of the 2-6-0s and they run really well.  Of course, with mine, I've added the missing details but that's my preference.

Cheers

Roger T.