As a newbie, I've noticed that our area Menards stores carry some of the Bachmann sets, most notably the Thunderhawk and Rocket Freight packages, both of which seem to be exclusive to Menards. These sets come with GP 40 locos, but as someone new to this, I'd like them to be DCC equipped. Can you fine folks educate me on whether you might know of the quality and features of these "special edition" sets?
Many thanks!
John
Welcome.
I do not have the GP-40 but I understand it is a decent loco. below is a link to what is inside for the onboard loco.
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HOEMDGP40(DCCEQUIPPED).pdf
Better diagram of the actual decoder from the parts page.
https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=1293
It is an EZ Command decoder. CV Specs below. At one time some had a plug in decoder on the PC board. Yours might vary. Just a guess. Do some research for a better controller.
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/images/44913_Decoder_IS.pdf
It is a dual mode decoder and will run on a DC power pack but you have to turn the pack up higher than normal for a DC only loco.
Make sure you see DCC on board.
Best I can do. There is a learning curve for DCC. Google should be your best friend.
I have some Bachmann steamers and small diesels.
Also, the EZ Command controller will not reset the decoder or modify the CV's. Only program and run the loco.
Rich
The GP40s are good running engines. I have several of them. My only complaint is that they don't have flywheels. But they run so smoothly that it's not really noticeable and if it is a good DCC controller will allow you to program the acceleration and decelleration to compensate. Some of mine were DCC onboard, some n=had no DCC. None of them have an 8 pin plug so if you buy one without DCC you'll have to hardwire it. That's not a big deal if you know how to solder. NCE makes a decoder that is a drop in replacement for the PC Board in the locomotive. The part number is BACH-DSL.
Like i said, they are good running locomotives, and were very common in real life. From the mid 60s to the early 90s, almost every railroad of appreciable size had at least a few of them. SOme, like COnrail and CHessie SYstem, had hundreds of them.
Many thanks for the quick answers! Yes, I am looking at the Digitrax DCS52 as a starter, as it has more power than the E-Z commander and is is able to do more CV programming. Allow me to ask another question, if I may. I would prefer to use modern-day locos on my new layout. Being unfamiliar with the various locos from different eras, can someone educate me a bit?
Thanks again!
John
What railroad are you interested in?
For info on which railroads have what try here:
https://www.thedieselshop.us
As a general rule here's what is still running on the big railroads.
EMD GP38-2, GP40-2, GP60, SD40-2, SD60, SD60m, SD70 all variants
GE C44-9w, Ac4400CW, ES44 all variants, ET44ac
Amtrak P42dc (genesis aka AMD103) in electrified territory Acs64, Acela, in regional service in selected areas of the US, Siemens SC44