I just got the new 45 tonner, it is a beautiful engine, and the complex mech runs quiet and smooth. It's fun to watch, with the little siderods paddling down the track (I suggest painting the rods and counterweights a metallic grey or other color to contrast with the truck side frames, it really makes a difference). While it has limited pulling power, that was the case with the prototype as well, just means one has to be a bit careful when switching the packing plant it's assigned to not to grab too many cars at once!
I noted in the exploded drawing in the box that the fuel tank casting is called a speaker cover. This would indicate to me that the engine has been designed with sound in mind. So, some questions for the Bach Man
- Is Bachmann going to release a later version with sound (as you've done with some other models in the past)?
- Can you suggest a replacement DCC decoder with sound that would fit in the hood?
Thanks
Rick
Hi Rick,
If the driver wheels are just slipping, adding a bit of weight will help. The motor and mechanism should be capable of pulling 10 easy rolling cars on a level track. If you need some advice on tuning your cars, we would be glad to help.
I don't have the 45 tonner, but if it's similar to my GE 70, the factory decoder is probably integrated with the pc board. Consensus is that a "Micro-Tsunami" would be a good choice, it would have to be hard wired in place of the board, which is not difficult if you have basic soldering skills and tools.
Dear Rick,
We have speaker mounts in many locos. As far as I know, there are no imminent diesel sounds.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
Does it have a 8-pin plug or a hard wired board.