I have several early release Bachmann 2-10-0 Russian decapods that I am finally preparing for use on my layout.  I'm installing Tsunami sound in them.  However, as I attempted to test run each on DC prior to upgrading to DCC they would not run.  Each gave an indication of a dead short.  After testing the tenders and determining the problem did not reside there, I turned my attention to the locos themselves.

Using a test meter, I was able to identify the problem was with the left rail (fireman's side) electrical pickup.  After removing the base plate from the loco, I found that the copper contact strip used to pick up/transmit power from the left rail had a bow in it.  The bow appeared to be a result of how the strip was riveted to the base plate.  The bow caused the strip to come into contact with the metal frame.  The frame itself is energized by the right rail through the drive axles, thus the short.

After I identified the problem, the fix was extremely simple.  I used a pair of cuticle scissors to cut the strip between the second and third axles.  Once cut, the strip dropped back down into the recess in the base plate and the two pieces overlapped slightly.  I was then able to apply a little dab of solder the reconnect the two parts of the strip.  After this was done, the shorting problem was gone on the locos.

Situations such as this are why I always test locos on DC prior to installing DCC.  Otherwise, you risk damaging decoders or going down many wrong paths of possible corrective actions.

Regards,

Tom

If you have a Spectrum Modern American 4-4-0 with factory installed full Tsunami Sound, there is a hidden lighting feature you might want to take advantage of.  I have several of these locos and it always bothered me that they do not come with a working backup light on the tender.  In my efforts to install one, I found that the custom Tsunami sound decoder installed in the loco supports the backup light function, but the Bachmann PC board the decoder plugs into does not. 

When you examine the PC board located at the front of the tender frame, you will find connections on the right side marked R+/R-, M+/M-, and a third set marked with just +/-.  The ones marked with R are for the track power pickup and those with M are the motor connections.  The pads marked with just + and – are the headlight connections (blue and white wires, respectively).  However, there is no negative connection pad for the yellow backup light wire.  To take advantage of the Tsunami decoder's backup light function, I simply cut the yellow wire running from the decoder to the 8-pin plug.  The yellow wire was then soldered to a 1K ohm resistor which in turn was attached to the negative lead of an 0602 SMD LED I had installed in a brass backup light casting mounted to the tender deck.  I then took a short length of blue wire and attached it to the LED's positive lead.  The other end of the blue wire was soldered to the lighting function common (+) pad on the Bachmann PC board.

Using this procedure, my locos now have a fully functional backup light.

Tom

Does anyone know the proper diameter speaker to use in a DCC/Sound ready 3-truck Climax?  A measurement in either inches or mm's will work.

Thanks,

Tom

Folks,

I have one of the newer Spectrum K4's and the motor is "cooked."  Is anyone aware of any aftermarket remotoring kits?  I checked the NWSL web site and couldn't find any direct replacement kits listed.  I'm hesitant to purchase a Bachmann replacement for it because the loco has relatively little run time on it and I have to wonder how long an identical replacement will last.  Any help is appreciated.

Tom

Has anyone successfully removed the boiler shell from an HO Modern American 4-4-0?  Thus far, I have removed the cab and the mounting screws hidden by it, the screw from under the cylinder cradle, the small wire pipes from the boiler to the tops of the cylinders, and the supports from the smoke box to the pilot.  The front of the boiler shows some movement, but the rear portion is not coming free.  The Bachmann Item No. is 83401.  Any thoughts or insight into what I may be missing is greatly appreciated.

Tom