Adding Sound to a Spectrum 2-10-2 DCC and a Bachmann 2-10-0 Russian

[OkieRick]

Greetz.  OkieRick Here...my frst time here.

First things first.  I'm 56 and have been a quad for 33 ears - paralyzed from the arm pit area down.  I keyboard with a mouthstick.  Heck - I do everything with a mouthstick of some sort.  I'm blessed with some good friends that are willng to help me in their spare time.

I've recently purchased a Bachmann Spectrum 2-10-2 Light and a 2-10-0 Russian Decapod.  The 2-10-2 is equipped w DCC.  I'd like to add sound to both of them if possible.  I'm back in HO RR'ing after an absence of about 40 years. My first setup was a Tyco Santa Fe loco, motley asst of cars and about a mile of brass track.  I still own the loco but it is shelved.  Lots 'o stuff has changed.

I have another 2-10-2, a Proto 2000 with Quantum sound and DCC.  I haven't yet gone to DCC - I'm re-learning wiring and constantly re-building my layout.

About sound in the Bachmanns...Is there a place to start, a PDF, a file or site to help me get through installing sound in the 2-10-2?  Is Soundtraxx the best / easiest / ?  What about sound on the DC only 2-10-0 Russian?

Thanks for reading & if you can help I'd appreciate it.

OkieRick

[Yampa Bob]

Hi Rick
May God bless you, I've been feeling sorry for myself for my diminished eyesight.

First of all, would you mind telling us where you live in Oklahoma? I bet there is someone close to you willing to personally get you fixed up with sound. Otherwise is there a reliable hobby shop near you that has a competent sound installer? I don't want to assume your abilities, just want to offer some options.

I can't help you with the Proto, but have some thoughts on the Spectrum.
Here are good sites for information.

http://www.litchfieldstation.com
http://www.tonystrains.com

I believe the Decapod is DCC ready, and will accept a Soundtraxx sound decoder. The tender is not "speaker ready", so speaker location and installation is a consideration.

The decoder on the Light could be replaced with a sound decoder, with the same speaker consideration.

I am partial to the Soundtraxx Tsunami, it is made with a JST 9 pin connector. An adapter harness will be required, from the 9 pin connector to a male NMRA 8 pin connector, to plug into the Bachmann pc board.

I reviewed some other forums and the Chamber of Commerce site for Oklahoma City, the following store was recommended. They carry Soundtraxx and have a service department. 
http://whistlestoptrains.com/mtdept.html

Here is a listing of model railroad clubs in Oklahoma, one might be close to you.
http://www.nmra.org/directory/clubs/clubs-NR.html#OK

Please keep us posted on your progress.  If you need more information we are here to help you anyway we can.

Hope this helps
Regards,
Bob