Ok, I guess i'll get through these first couple first, and I believe that this model did have a DCC ready in later editions, if not OnBoard.

Rich, yes I believe that is it, I haven't attempted taking the shell off yet.  It is my wife's that her dad got for her so I want to approach it carefully.  I am waiting on parts for the others and doing those first before I attempt hers.  Just didn't know if anyone did it before and if so what decoder they used, seems it takes a lot of digging with these things to find the right decoder.

So, I have another engine, that my father-in-law bought for his little girl, whom I married, that I would like to convert to DCC, anyone attempt and if so, which decoder did you use and are there any youtube's out there?

After I add the decoder? Sure ill post it here.

Rich,

I have pencil solder, kapton tape and shrink wrap on order as well, along with a with a flux pen, helping hands and precision wire stripper. I have a couple other locos that I want to convert so hopefully this one goes well then I can move on to those.

Rich, no it doesn't but I found a you tube showing how to solder this decoder on, looks pretty straight forward. The DH123D. I'll post an update once I get it done.

Thanks! I ordered the ones from Ebay, a 2 pack so we'll see how they work!!

I found a DH123D on Ebay, will that work?

Thanks Rich, I guess that explains no sound if it is whisper quiet!!

I acquired a Bachmann Spectrum GP 30 Diesel Union Pacific #731 and would like to add DCC to it as that is the direction I am going for my permanent track build.  I am pretty technical, I just can't seem to figure out what decoder I need for this loco.  Thanks.

Thanks Rich, will do!

Trainman203 how do i set the cv? Thanks.

Thanks guys, I'll have to try both. I know that when I put it on a powered track, no sounds immediately come on.  I have another question, being new and all.  The stuff I got came with 2 Tech II transformers, and I have the PowerCab from my father-in-law.  I have a simple O track now, do I use both the transformer AND the Powercab to power the track or is it just the PowerCab?  Thanks!!

Hi, I am new to HO modeling and just picked up a number of trains, cars, buildings and so on with the intention of making my own HO DCC set in a spare bedroom.  While running the Bachmann Spectrum 83003 Amtrak Acela HHP-8 Locomotive w/ ESU LokPilot DCC that was part of the haul, and in doing further research, I realized that the passenger doors on this loco may open via a command from the NCE PowerCab DCC I have. Further, I was wondering if this particular loco has sound. So, question one I guess is does this loco has sound and if so why wouldn't my DCC be able to turn it on and second how do I get the doors to operate?  Thanks.