Hi all I recently acquired a bachmann gp 38-2 dc ho engine and want to convert it to dcc. question will changing the board to dcc board and adding the decoder be all that's involved or will I have to remove and isolate the motor ? any help would be greatly appreciated thanks
Should be a straight board swap and add decoder of your choice using this board:
https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=68_184&products_id=7665
You can compare the diagram of the DC version:
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H617X_IS001.pdf
With the DCC version:
https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/HOEMDGP38-2(DCCEQUIPPED).pdf
To see where the wires get moved to. It doesn't appear you need to do anything special to the motor.
Len
The NCE Bach-Dsl decoder is designed to be a drop in replacement for the Bachmann PC board used in the DC versions. It should fit the GP30, GP35, GP38-2; GP40 and GP50. I am not sure about other locomotives in the line. Installation is as simple as desoldering the old PC board and resoldering the wires to the decoder. You will have to replace the headlights with the LEDs supplied with the decoder. WOrk slowly, replace one wire at a time, and check your work with an ohmmeter as you go and you should have no trouble.