Hi there, I have a Bachmann GS-4 locomotive the non dcc one and I would like to put a sound decoder into it, but I do not know how to wire one in. I have put decoders in locos before but these were diesels not steam and they were mainly Athearn locos. So can anyone know how to put one in. Because in this loco you can not see where the left & right Rail pick ups are or where the motor bottom connection.
Matt
Installing a decoder in a steam locomotive is much like installing one in a diesel. You have to identify the wires either by physically tracing them or by functional testing. Physical tracing is more accurate - no nasty surprises. But it does mean taking the locomotive apart to see where all the wires go. This can be more difficult in a steamer so be prepared to make lots of sketches as you take it apart.
The only thing different with a sound decoder is installing a speaker and hooking it up, and maybe a sync cam for the chuff sound.
Jim