Hey guys,
Just ordered a USRA 0-6-0 and a 2-6-0 Mogul and I want to convert them to DCC. any suggestions where I can find a write up on how to do them. Pictures would be nice too. Thanks. Colli.
Colli,
If you have ordered the latest versions of these locomotives:
The USRA 0-6-0 already has a decoder (DCC on board). I do not know if they still offer the USRA 0-6-0 without a decoder.
The 2-6-0 is the old split frame construction, which means you will have to isolate the motor pick ups from the frame halves. I have never worked on this loco, so I can't offer any advice on it. Sorry. Hang in there. There's a good chance someone out there has done it.
Regards,
Jonathan
Since the 2-6-0 is split frame construction, this link might be of use to you:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Bachmann/Spectrum_Dash_8-40CW/Spectrum%20Dash%208-40CW.html (http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/HO_Scale/Bachmann/Spectrum_Dash_8-40CW/Spectrum%20Dash%208-40CW.html)
It's not your locomotive but it probably has the same principals for installing a decoder. Hope this helps!
Quote from: jonathan on July 13, 2010, 08:45:27 AM
The USRA 0-6-0 already has a decoder (DCC on board). I do not know if they still offer the USRA 0-6-0 without a decoder.
Actually the 0-6-0 is only available in about half the road names with DCC and none of the Vanderbilt tender 0-6-0's are currently being made with DCC. Additionally, the odds that he would acquire a DCC loco would not be too great at this time because most hobby shops want to sell their older stock before ordering new stock, the latest run of 0-6-0's with DCC have not been available for very long, and he's asking a question about how to install DCC.
I do have some tips though, a DZ123 or DZ125 will fit in almost anything and should work for both these locos and if it all possible wire the tender for pick-up also especially if you have insulfrog turnouts, because with DCC locos can be more picky about this.
Many thanks guys, I knew someone out there would have what I need.What did we do before the internet. A picture is worth a thousand words. This model train stuff is an expensive hobby but what else do you do when you dont smoke or drink any more. Thanks again guys.
Regards, Colli.
is there any way to install a speaker and a chip in a dc 0-6-0 with a slope back tender????????????????????????????????????????
Quote from: RBMN #425 Fan on July 14, 2010, 09:43:45 AM
s there any way to install a speaker and a chip in a dc 0-6-0 with a slope back tender?
Yes, but it would require a lot of work because there is not enough room for a speaker in the locomotive, so you would have to put it in the tender, as part of the process you would likely want to add pick-up to the tender because DCC sound decoders can be finicky, so just to be safe I would do that. Also depending on which one you have you may need to insulate the motor, and after that it would be like any other install of a DZ123 or DZ125. As long as you can soldier, and have some basic background with the right tools and some diagrams handy, then give it a go. Be sure to test your loco before applying full power and possibly frying the decoder due to a short or other issue.
Quote from: RBMN #425 Fan on July 14, 2010, 09:43:45 AM
is there any way to install a speaker and a chip in a dc 0-6-0 with a slope back tender????????????????????????????????????????
I have installed a SoundTraxx older DSD-090LC decoder and 14mm x 25mm speaker in the standard Vanderbilt tender but it was a lot of work. You will need some experience at doing something like this. It is not plug and play. I do believe the slope back would not have enough room.
The tender came from a older 0-6-0 standard Bachmann.
The loco had a DZ15 decoder in it first and then I thought of putting sound in the tender. Runs quite well.
Rich
Quote from: richg on July 14, 2010, 11:08:12 AM
I do believe the slope back would not have enough room.
You are correct I got the smallest speaker I had and took a peek, and it appears as though it won't fit, so you would need a new tender also, perhaps buy a Spectrum tender separate as it already has an 8-pin socket and the 2 harnesses, so then you would need to install the sockets for the harnesses in the loco, which is not exactly elementary either.
i was actually thinking of buying an auxiliary water tender because my engine is decorated as steamtown's BLW #26
Colli-
There's always philandering. However, that sometimes meets with a lot of disgust.
As to your sound install, already having a DCC decoder in the loco should make things much easier. I think you could put a Sound Bug in the tender and just use the same loco address for it so you can conveniently control it. I haven't looked recently but the decoder sellers have lots of speakers of different sizes, including some very small ones for N-gauge. Also, don't limit your install to firing the speaker down through the floor; firing up through the coal load is also a possibility. In either case, seal the tender so the whole inside serves as a baffle.
-- D