I've got a Mantua 0-6-0T DCC equipped, which has stopped working.  On the program track it reads all of its CVs with no problem, it also runs OK on a DC track (runs forward & reverse with headlamp).  However it does not respond to any commands on the DCC track, won't even turn on the head light.  I've reset it to the factory defaults, but get the same results.  Any thoughts as to what may be wrong and how to fix it?

About a year ago I purchased a Mantua 0-6-0T with DCC.  It has been a nice little yard switcher, but a couple of evenings ago it went wild, running at high speed on the layout even tho it's throttle was turned all the way down.  Then it went completely dead.  I'm sure that the decoder is gone, and I'd like to replace it, but I don't see any way to remove the shell to access it.  No help on the internet sites that I've been able to find.  Any suggestions??

I'm looking for electrical connectors to connect an HO engine and tender.  I.e. to install DCC electronics in the tender, but to be able to switch tenders for the same engine.  Any recommendations on what type and where to get them?

I've got an engine that has had some traction problems, so I got a jar of Bull Frog Snot.  But I can't get it to stick to the driver wheels.  I've tried cleaning the wheels, application with Q-tips, tooth picks, small paint brushes, etc. but nothing works.  Any tips on how to use BFS?

My brother recently gave me a Life Like diesel engine that he had for a while stored in his attic (don't ask about the model, that information didn't come with it).  I've cleaned it up, and it runs well, EXCEPT:  the axel housings on both the pick-up and drive wheels drag on just about anything that is higher then the ties, e.g. re-railers, turn-outs, magnetic un-couplers.  I'm thinking about sanding the housings, but I don't know how thick the plastic is.  Is there a better way to fix this problem?

how can I get the dimensions for Bachmann HO, EZ track turnouts?  They don't have them in the catalog.  It sure would be handy for planning changes to my layout.

Looking at sound decoders instructions:  they say to synchronize chuff, connect wire to cam output connection.  Where is the cam output connection, and how do you connect to it?

It occurred to me that I sent the original loco, which was a gift, into Bachmann for repair.  I sent it without the tender, but received back with a new tender and, I suspect, a new loco instead of the one sent to be repaired.  Could the PC board be a DCC decoder that was included with the replaced loco?  How do I check this?

I've got the 0-6-0 with tender, not the T.  It does have a pc board.

I've removed the shell on my Bachmann 0-6-0, and gone thru the insides with my VOM.  The motor shows that it's insulated from the body and the body is in two halves with each half connected to a wheel pick up (right & left) with each half electrically insulated from the other.  There is a red and a black wire from the circuit board (H597X#PCB02, Rev A) to the motor.  Each lead has an insulating sleeve where it attaches to the respective motor terminal.  I assume that I can clip each lead between the circuit board and the motor and solder the respective leads to the decoder.  Correct?

Rich,

Thanks.  This is a big help.  Hopefully I'll have the time to work thru this and do a decent job.

I've got 2 tenders (short haul & sloped) for the 0-6-0, which I change out for different run scenarios.  I keep the one that's not being used on a siding.  So, if I wire both of them for sound, do I need to assign different ID nos to each of them?  Where can I get information on setting up the tenders for sound, as described above? Where can I get the wheels, power pick-ups, etc that are needed?  Also, if I want to go against the advice above and try to convert the engine to DCC, how can I get a wiring diagram for it?

PS: I used to build electronic kits (amps, tuners, etc.), so I'm used to wiring and soldering, and I've had the shell off of the 0-6-0 several times already, just looking at what's under the hood.

Bachmann has an 0-6-0 with tender that is DCC ready, and I could likely ask for as a Christmas present, but the description that they give doesn't say anything about sound.  Does anyone know if it comes with sound, or is that something that needs to be added?  Also, if it does come with sound, what's your opinion of it?

the 0-6-0 is the version with a tender.  It was a Christmas present.

I've got a small HO layout (4' x 11').  I'm thinking of converting from analog to DCC, mainly so that I can run two engines at a time, maybe run consists for pulling up a grade, and some decent sound.  I'm getting a bit confused by the information that I'm reading and would like some help.  I've got a BLI 4-8-4 that is DCC ready, , a Bachmann 4-8-4 and a Bachmann 0-6-0 both of which are currently analog only.  I've looked at Bachmann and Digitrax, and right now I'm leaning toward a Digitrax Zephyr Xtra set-up since it looks simple for a starter and has adequate capacity for my set-up. Any opinions or alternate recommendations?
I'm unsure of what to use for the decoders to convert my Bachmann engines to run on DCC. Digitrax installation manuals for their decoders seem to be very detailed and helpful, other brands not so much.  Any help here would be appreciated.
I'm confused about sound decoders.  I'd obviously want to install the decoder and speaker in the tender.  But how do I get power to it?From the engine?  If from the engine then I'd prefer to use connectors so that I can uncouple the tender from the engine when I need to perform maintenance, but where can I get the connectors?  Any recommendations on sound decoders and speakers?