I have a Bachmann model 90094 which needs a chassis replacement. Loco Bill was kind enough to help me find a replacement on Bachmann's website, but unfortunately the new chassis is plug and play whereas my original engine is completely hard wired. I made a short video (linked below) showing the issue and I would greatly appreciate any suggestions on how best to proceed. Thank you!
https://drive.google.com/file/d/11r61TOPhvrciw0WgDHRWvRfcI_yNAi8p/view?usp=sharing
Hi Check out this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPBaNU6aH4k
Bill
So the chassis (90037 and 90040) available at the parts store are Version 5B
As you noted there are "connectorized" (you don't want to use the phrase plug 'n play)
You only need two (2) connections between your old "shell" and the new "chassis"
They are Headlight and Smoker (if your old shell has a NMRA/Large direction switch, this goes unused, unless you really want to do some major rewiring)
Couple challenges.
(a) The PCB06 in the new chassis is designed for an LED headlight, using it with a grain-of-wheat bulb will probably give little to no illumination.
There is an LED available on the parts website: https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=69_139&products_id=4852 and
that requires some remodeling of the headlight assembly.
(b) To connect the headlight and smoker to PCB06 you would have to add JST connectors that use crimp style pins and you would have to invest in the plastic
plug housings, the crimp pins, and the crimp tool. Another approach, if you are good with electronics soldering, is to remove the two connectors from PCB06
and solder wires from shell directly to PCB06. This also requires some skill most don't have.
Thanks to both of you for the valuable information, it is greatly appreciated.
You are correct in saying I have the grain-o-wheat bulb in the headlamp of my older unit, and unfortunately I do not possess the skills or tools needed to add a new connector or solder directly onto the new board. I was curious, however, whether I could splice the the red and black wires from my old headlamp/smoke unit to the red and black wires leading to the "track" connector on my new chassis? I don't know what the maximum voltage my grain-o-wheat headlamp can manage, so would resistors be required? If so this would be an easy fix with the understanding I would end up with variable light intensity. Your thoughts on this approach?
Hi.
Just a suggestion.
You might try a pre-wired SMD in warm white for the headlight.
Here's a link to the one I did on one of my 4-6-0's:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oi1tmLr-xZA&t=8s
You can purchase them here:
https://hdamodelworx.com/5-PACK-0603-SMD-WARM-WHITE-Pre-Wired-with-soldered-on-LEAD-WIRES-AND-RESISTOR_p_98.html
Or from other retailers who offer this type of SMD light.
They come prewired with resistors.
Mike
The grain of wheat bulb (incandescent) does not require a resistor and may be wired direct to track or motor.
The smoker may also be wired directly to track or motor.
I recommend tapping into the motor wires as that takes advantage of the protection PTC on PCB06.
Thanks for the swift response and great ideas! Happy Holidays!!
the lpc device has a max hold current of 1.6 amps... you might trip it if you have the smoke on and the motor under load.
PCB06 has the smoker power after the PTC so one must assume Bachmann has taken all into account when they sized PTC. Unless of course they have also changed their smoker.
yeah, did not look carefully... I guess their smoker does not pull much juice... sorry for the mistake... again thanks for making the schematic...