Need help with 8 pin decoder se.lection for s2/s4 switcher. Shell is Milwaukee Road #816 with only one front light rather than two shown currently.
Thaks
I would recommend a Soundtraxx or ESU brand decoder. Both have great motor control but Soundtraxx decoders are a little less expensive. Soundtraxx makes one that will replace the PC board in your engine for only $26, they also make 8 Pin ones for $27.95 for the #852003 8 Pin decoder, and $19.95 for #852001 that is an 8 Pin direct plug (no wiring harness as the pins are integrated into the decoder). ESU LokPilot (DCC no sound) decoders range from $26.20 - $40.90 but for the S2/S4, I would recommend the Soundtraxx #852001 or ESU LokPilot Micro V4.0 with 8 Pin Plug. However, with the ESU decoders, I think you might have to insulate it by putting some shrink tubing that is available at any hardware store for only a few bucks for about 15-ish feet worth of it. But, I am unsure of this as the ESU decoders I do have came insulated (except for a couple 21-pin decoders I used in a couple British engines) but were marketed under the Bachmann Branchline product range.
Almost any decoder manufacturer offers them with 8 pin plugs. I've had good luck with Digitrax DH153/165 series decoders. They are reasonable priced, and have back EMF which acts as a sort of cruise control and enhances low speed operation. The real S2/S4 locomotives were speed restricted to about 40 mph due to their trucks, so good low speed operation is what you want.
I used a dh165IP in my S4. the next I am going to try to install sound. the clearance between the shell and the frame is pretty tight so it take some work figuring which one to use
Replaced everything with this:
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=698&products_id=10482 (http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=698&products_id=10482)
http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7121 (http://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7121)
Harold