Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => HO => Topic started by: jdrag on March 03, 2015, 04:14:09 PM

Title: 44 ton switcher
Post by: jdrag on March 03, 2015, 04:14:09 PM
Just found an old 44 ton switcher and opened it up to find an Okader 6707 circuit board.  Four wires come off the board.  One wire to each set of wheels.  Any way to make this engine DCC?  Thanks.
Title: Re: 44 ton switcher
Post by: RAM on March 03, 2015, 11:09:39 PM
Does it have one or two motors?
Title: Re: 44 ton switcher
Post by: electrical whiz kid on March 04, 2015, 02:23:36 PM
There  have been several brands of 44-tonners over the years-with Keystone being by far, the best running; however, it is a B..........  to get DCC into, much less a speaker.  I got an old NCE board into one, and that is it!  Carfloat duty!
Which one do you have?
RIch
Title: Re: 44 ton switcher
Post by: jdrag on March 04, 2015, 03:53:49 PM
It has two motors.  Upon closer inspection it stamped Spectrum by Bachmann on the bottom. 
Title: Re: 44 ton switcher
Post by: ACY on March 04, 2015, 04:22:23 PM
You will need a Z scale decoder most likely and may need to do some work to make room for it.
Title: Re: 44 ton switcher
Post by: jdrag on March 04, 2015, 04:37:35 PM
I have a Digitrax system.  Any idea which decoder? 
Title: Re: 44 ton switcher
Post by: ACY on March 04, 2015, 04:39:06 PM
Try a DZ123 or DZ126 and see if there is room for it.
Title: Re: 44 ton switcher
Post by: jdrag on March 04, 2015, 04:44:16 PM
Thanks.  I'll take a look at those.
Title: Re: 44 ton switcher
Post by: Len on March 04, 2015, 05:16:27 PM
I can't tell from the pictures whether it's the 1 motor or 2 motor version, but here's some pictures of a decoder install in a Bachmann 44 tonner: http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Bachmann/GE_44_Ton/Bachman%20GE%2044%20Ton%20Diesel%20Switcher.htm (http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Bachmann/GE_44_Ton/Bachman%20GE%2044%20Ton%20Diesel%20Switcher.htm)

Len
Title: Re: 44 ton switcher
Post by: electrical whiz kid on March 04, 2015, 07:41:52 PM
Len;
One thought nags me:  One motor could be removed and the linkage modified to accept both trucks.  Weight could be added to her, and the DCC decoder installed.  Motors can be changed and modified.  Oh, and did I mention that taking on a challenge  like that is a tremendous learning process.
SGT C.