Interested in buying sound module 73339. Does the On30 2-6-0 locomotive need to be DCC-ready, or does this item include all components to install into "bare" unit. (Presume it fits into the tender.) Thank you!
You presumed correctly, the sound module goes into the tender of the 2-6-0s with DCC pre-installed. (And they will run on analog layouts as well.)
The analog-only 2-6-0s are not compatible with the drop-in sound module in any way.
I'm not seeing part 73339 though, did you mean 44957?
The 73339 Sound Module is sounds only add-on to a unique 21-pin DCC decoder only available factory installed in On30 locomotives with the DCC-Equipped and sound-ready feature.
Quote from: Flare on February 03, 2019, 03:51:11 PM
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I'm not seeing part 73339 though, did you mean 44957?
Micro-Mark is listing the 44957 Bachmann 16 Bit Tsunami Plug and Play Sound Module for On30 2-6-0 Steam Locomotives as Item #: 73339
Click Here (https://www.micromark.com/Bachmann-16-Bit-Tsunami-Plug-and-Play-Sound-Module-for-On30-2-6-0-Steam-Locomotives)
So must insert BACH 44957 (MM 73339) in DCC equipped loco as it is a "sound only" component? (More practical for 2-6-0's sold bare to just have available DCC sound decoders installed, rather than this Tsunami item?
Does the Bachmann item (44957) include a speaker?
The Bachmann item does NOT include a speaker. It is meant to plug into a fully equipped loco.
Bachmann's 'Sound Ready' locos such as the DCC 2-6-0s do have speakers, but do not come with the sound module.
If you already have an analog 2-6-0, it's possible to install a Tsunami 2 sound decoder and a speaker, I've done it using this guide.
http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/mogul_dcc/
It's also possible to upgrade an analog 2-6-0 leaving the tender bare, Soundtraxx's 810112 speaker is just the right size to fit in the rectangular hole at the back of the cab.
(https://img.photobucket.com/albums/v602/FIRE-FLARE/IMG_20181027_191540251_zpsdsxcwrdw.jpg)
can the 44597 for 2-6 also be used for 4-6, just interested