Greetz. OkieRick Here...my frst time here.
First things first. I'm 56 and have been a quad for 33 ears - paralyzed from the arm pit area down. I keyboard with a mouthstick. Heck - I do everything with a mouthstick of some sort. I'm blessed with some good friends that are willng to help me in their spare time.
I've recently purchased a Bachmann Spectrum 2-10-2 Light and a 2-10-0 Russian Decapod. The 2-10-2 is equipped w DCC. I'd like to add sound to both of them if possible. I'm back in HO RR'ing after an absence of about 40 years. My first setup was a Tyco Santa Fe loco, motley asst of cars and about a mile of brass track. I still own the loco but it is shelved. Lots 'o stuff has changed.
I have another 2-10-2, a Proto 2000 with Quantum sound and DCC. I haven't yet gone to DCC - I'm re-learning wiring and constantly re-building my layout.
About sound in the Bachmanns...Is there a place to start, a PDF, a file or site to help me get through installing sound in the 2-10-2? Is Soundtraxx the best / easiest / ? What about sound on the DC only 2-10-0 Russian?
Thanks for reading & if you can help I'd appreciate it.
OkieRick
Hi Rick
May God bless you, I've been feeling sorry for myself for my diminished eyesight.
First of all, would you mind telling us where you live in Oklahoma? I bet there is someone close to you willing to personally get you fixed up with sound. Otherwise is there a reliable hobby shop near you that has a competent sound installer? I don't want to assume your abilities, just want to offer some options.
I can't help you with the Proto, but have some thoughts on the Spectrum.
Here are good sites for information.
http://www.litchfieldstation.com
http://www.tonystrains.com
I believe the Decapod is DCC ready, and will accept a Soundtraxx sound decoder. The tender is not "speaker ready", so speaker location and installation is a consideration.
The decoder on the Light could be replaced with a sound decoder, with the same speaker consideration.
I am partial to the Soundtraxx Tsunami, it is made with a JST 9 pin connector. An adapter harness will be required, from the 9 pin connector to a male NMRA 8 pin connector, to plug into the Bachmann pc board.
I reviewed some other forums and the Chamber of Commerce site for Oklahoma City, the following store was recommended. They carry Soundtraxx and have a service department.
http://whistlestoptrains.com/mtdept.html
Here is a listing of model railroad clubs in Oklahoma, one might be close to you.
http://www.nmra.org/directory/clubs/clubs-NR.html#OK
Please keep us posted on your progress. If you need more information we are here to help you anyway we can.
Hope this helps
Regards,
Bob