I am currently looking at purchasing a "J" class 4-8-4, DCC w/ sound. My question is this, is this a dual mode locomotive or DCC only?
Dual mode. Be aware if running on DC, the speed range is small. The sound decoder takes around 6 volts for the sound to come on. That leaves a small range of volts to run the loco. Joe
Welcome.
The sound and non sound Bachmann are dual mode. DC and DCC.
As was said, the microprocessor in the decoder requires about 5 to 6 volts to just wake up. Maybe couple volts more to begin moving.
If from a private source, the DC might have been disabled. Some have experienced runaways under DCC operation. No idea if this happens with Bachmann non sound. It has with the Tsunami though. I belong to many train forums and see this issue discussed at times.
Check the DCC CV specs in the Bachmann site.
Little info about runaways if you are not familiar with the issue.
https://sites.google.com/site/markgurries/home/dcc-problems/decoder-problems/decoder-loss-of-control
This might not apply to you but in case you buy a DCC loco with dual mode decoder and it does not run on DC. That has been posted here also.
Rich
Quote from: richardl on May 08, 2015, 09:16:37 AM
...I belong to many train forums...
Rich
23 give or take by last count, correct? ;)