Any chance that there will be a DCC installed or DCC ready 2-6-0 in future? I have several (and one that someone already converted to DCC) and they just beg for DCC control and sound. I don't want to do the conversion myself...I will hose it up. While I am at it...what about DCC in the Porters too? Sure would save a lot of heartache on this end of things!
John
Dear John,
I certainly agree, and will continue to lobby for this.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
I am in for that too. Its the only reason my 2-6-0 and 0-4-2 porter dont run on my layout.
I am planning to add a decoder to my current 2-6-0, although I would like sound, I wouldnt dare do it myself.
And I dont even want to think about opening up my porter let along putting a decoder in it!
I also think that making sound ready 2-6-0's might bring the train set market back. I mean it worked for LGB (doesnt want to say about what happend to them, mainly as I still dont know why). I mean a few sound loco's, an EZ controller, and that would have been a perfect train set up.
Another good thing about a sound 2-6-0 is that it wouldnt cost a bomb eather. Infact it would cost quite alot less than the sound Forneys do.
Glad to hear that there is a lobby for this going on. Here is my problem more specifically: Bachmann's wonderful On30 has allowed me to model my favorite historic railroad, The Colorado and Southern. I am NOT a rivet counter BUT that railroad used 2-6-0s almost exclusively. So, I have several of these. Then I was given a BLI C-16 which has DCC and sound...and the DCC and sound bug bit me! At Christmas my wife gave me a new American 4-4-0 which I love (not prototypical but it will head up a branch line) which is DCC and ready for sound.
So, I either figure out a way to install DCC myself (YIKES!!!), hire someone to do it for me, switch my railroad to one that did not use 2-6-0s or HOPE that Bachmann will start selling a model that has DCC and sound or that is sound ready...
John
One thing you could do for the time being is run your layout on DC. As the C-16 (I have one too) and the sound Forney both work on DC (no idea about the sound shay's and climax's) despite not having all the functions.
I would be ok with fitting a 2-6-0 with a decoder myself. However fitting one with sound would mean conectors to the tender and then im already way out of my league.
I have found a decoder that will do both control and sound. I have no fear of fitting the speaker in the tender and running the wire to the decoder as long as it is plug and play. For me it is the fear of hard-wiring the decoder to the motor since I am terrible at soldering and really unsure of what needs to be soldered where and just how to isolate the motor. I would hate to destroy the motor whilst trying to fit a decoder...
Tell me about it. So you have solderd the decoder. Put the chassis on the track, trun the power on. Little puff of smoke come's from the decoder. Ah must have solderd the wires the wrong way round. :-[ Onto the next decoder.
I gotta tell you guys that YOU ALL CAN put decoders, and even sound in the Mogul. There are sites that will walk you through it. One in particular, www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com by Harold Minkowitz is one of trhe best for upgrading BMann locos. He goes in depth on the Mogul
The Porter is a little more challenging, but very doable. There are great articles in the 2006 On30 Annual from Carstens.
Within a month of going 0n30nutz, all of my locos were DCC equiped, and I hadn't picked up a soldering iron in about 20 years.
Do some online research,, and GO FOR IT...you will be suprised...
H
If it ain't steam, it ain't
Thanks. I have read through Harolds article on putting a chip in the 2-6-0 and I will have it up if/when im doing it. I suppose I just dont think im up to it as I have never done it before.
my 2-6-0 has a motor decoder in the loco and a sound decoder and speaker in the tender.....there are no wires between them, but I may add a 2 prong miniatronics plug to share power between the units.
Michael Hewitt
Hampstead, NC.
Sounds interesting. Please tell us more. Some pictures would be good if you have any.
I vote for a DCC ready 2-6-0 too. But in the mean time it's up to us. Like you guys the idea of taking a loco apart and adding DCC and sound was kind of scarry.
But with the tutorials on the Pacific Coast liner site I took a chance. I thought I would start simple. I bought one of the Bachmann DCC ready 2-8-0's, a Tsunami sound card and a speaker.
Along with an $8 soldering iron and an afternoons work I have a DCC 2-8-0 with great sound!
So excited with that job I just bought a 2-6-0 and as soon as I get the rest of the electronics I'm going to try to put DCC Sound in it.
Thanks for the encouragement. I have seen the website but don't remember the 2-6-0 DCC install part...I will sure look at it though! I am getting ready to buy a new soldering iron for the task and am looking hard at the MRC DCC decoder with sound since I have an MRC Prodigy (so far only run around the x-mas tree with the BLI!!!). I will let you know how this goes...cross your fingers!
All the best. Hope it goes well. :)
As I touch base here every few days, I'm glad to see that you guys are getting into decoder and sound installs. As I mentioned in my post above, I hadn't picked up a soldering iron in 20 or so years, but thought what the heck, worst thing is I fry one decoder. Haven't yet, knock on wood.
One thing I did was to invest in a new iron, a Weller station with adjustable temp. Paid about $45.00...best investment I've made in tools in a long time. Give it some thought.
As far as sound, I've done a Mogul and a Connie and used SoundTraxx decoders and am well pleased. My Shay will get a SoundTraxx Micro Tsumami.. Just remember, decoders from any manufacturer will work with any DCC System, so check web sites for sound samples, and suppliers for prices.
Most importantly, ENJOY!
Howard
If it ain't steam, it ain't!
Howard, I am looking at an "all in one" package by MRC. I figure why do DCC control and then have to wire up a sound decoder too when they make an allin one? What is your take on these?
I understand your dilema. Has been a source for thought for me, too. I've been going the separate sound decoder route so that I can swap/install in another loco should I want...sound decoders do tend to get expensive...
I'm not a believer in putting sound into everything, but do like to have a couple fitted.
I've had no experience with MRC decoders, but lately I've been "hearing" in groups that they are getting better all the time.
I usually use either Digitrax or Train Contol Systems decoders for motor/light control and Soundtraxx for sound. I've been using the basic B/Mann decoders to power lighting in my passenger cars.
As a matter of fact, I'm getting ready for a micro tsunami for my "better half's" Shay. a Xmas present from me last Xmas...She is now an On30 convert...
Regards, and enjoy,
H.
If it ain't steam, it ain't...
Another question I have is on the Pacific Coast Airliner website he says to get a small N or Z scale decoder...is that right? Surely at least HO would be best?
In reply to jcater's question about using an "N" or "Z" decoder in the On30 2-6-0 loco, rather than an HO unit, the issue here is physical size of the decoder. If you are to mount the decoder in the tender, then size isn't as critical, but since the 2-6-0 loco is self-contained and doesn't use the tender for pickup or for mounting a "lightboard", mounting the decoder there means you would also have to add multiple wire connections between the loco and tender. If you mount the decoder in the locomotive, all the wiring can be done onboard the loco, with no need for wires running to the tender, unless you install a backup light. That being said, the DCC installation WOULD benefit from adding tender pickups, which would supplement the marginal pickup available from just the drivers. This would require adding 2 wires to carry the additional pickup to the loco, but 2 wires is better than 6 or 7!
Regards,
Bill Nielsen
Oakland Park, FL
Florida On30 Renegades
All,
N or Z decoders will work, provided they can handle the amps drawn by our BMann locos. Most can these days.
My Porter is carrying a DZ123 from Digitrax tucked up next to the boiler in the cab interior. My Mogul carries a TCS M-1 that is tucked into the notch in the front of the boiler weight. TCS lists this for use in N or HO, it is small. The mogul also sports a Sountraxx DSD-101LC carried in the tender. I'm using pickups, no longer available, from Geren M, the On30 Guy, and Miniatronics 2 pin connectors between the tender and loco. This was all done following Harold Minkowitz's excellent "What I did" web article. Harold shows how to make tender pickups, by the way.
I'm currently waiting on a Connie tender shell from a fellow modeler, and it's off to the erecting shops to be mated with a BWay Limited Connie. But that's another story...
Regards,
Howard
If it ain't steam, it ain't
Right on! I do intend to mount a decoder in the engine, leaving room in the tender for sound. WOW...Herald you REALLY did a Porter DCC project? I am in total awe....
Please Mr. Bach-Man, PLEASE make these two engine types DCC or at least DCC ready...please?????
Yeah, I did a Porter. I did spend a lot of time online trying to get info on how to do it. Most guys said it was way too much unless you were really experienced and knowledgable, so I stayed away from doing it. :(
But, I really wanted a DCC Porter. Well, it came to me in the 2006 On30 Annual in the form of two articles, one by Larry Puckett, the other by John Everett. With the articles in hand, and a DZ123 decoder, I jumped in on a Sunday afternoon.
Just following along, and taking my time, I was running my DCC Porter by dinner time. And what a joy it is, chugging along at barely a crawl, smooth as silk ;D
So, I guess a couple things come to mind...Research everything, and do not give up! Make it a point to get all the On30 Annuals (it is now published by Carstens). Ask questions of other modelers. But, probably most importantly, don't be afraid to give something a try. Yeah, you may screw itup (I know, I certainly have done my share of damage :-\), but you do learn, and the next time it works! ;D ;D
Howard
If it ain't steam, it ain't
I think if I can get past the fear of this I will be able to take on any engine. I will start with the mogul. Is TCS the brand name? I will check it out along with the sound decoder.
Yes, TCS is Train Control Systems, a Pennsylvania based company. Their decoders are available from Tony's Trains, Litchfield Station (my favorite DCC supplier), and most online DCC sellers. A bonus with TCS is that they have a "Goof Proof" warranty...Check out their website, www.tcsdcc.com.
They also have a short photo set on putting a decoder in the Mogul. Harold Minky's is much more informative, but you will get a feel for it anyway.
Howard
Thank you sir, now all I need to do is convince the wife to let me spend money ::)
Yeah,
I understand that, too...
I have noticed somewhat less resistance since I got my other half her very own Shay for Christmas.
Since I've gotten involved in On30, and liquidated much of my O gauge, it's been a little easier too.
Regards,
Howard
If it ain't steam, it ain't
Well, this is it...I just ordered my very first TCS M1 decoder! Hope I can do this without fryin it ::)
You absolutely can do it. Open up Harold Minky's website and work on the installation following along. You should not have any problems ;D
And with TCS remember, should you smoke :o the deocoder, they will replace/repair it.
Let us know how you do!
Regards,
Howard
If it ain't steam, it ain't....
HOLY COW IS THAT SMALL!!
Got the TCS M1 today...that thing is ALOT smaller than I thought it would be...very delicate too! Ordering a new soldering station now, Weller variable power 4 - 60 watt station. Then I will be ready, I think (I need to get the other stuff from the Pacificcoastairliner site list as well...
All,
I bought a 2-6-0 on EBay that had a Digitrax 123 motor decoder put in the locomotive for DCC. Runs great. Decided to install a Soundtraxx DSX in tender. At the same time I got a Tsunami for my 2-8-0 which is DCC. Had to move the board but was able to cram a 1.57" (40 mm) high bass speaker from QSI in there. I swear the thing sounds real!!! When I'm working on stuff, I turn it on just to listen to the air pumps pounding and Fireman Fred doing his things!
Back to the 2-6-0. Managed to squeeze the same speaker in and got it up and running. Making the tender electrical pickup on all 4 tender wheels was a pain, but will be worth it as none of the loco wheels provide current to the tender. Not finished with sealing the tender shell for the enclosure so will have to comment on sound quality later. Addressed each decoder differently and run it as an "old" consist. You have to have the tender as the lead unit or you get no chuff as it is controlled by the throttle. Next problem is syncing the chuff to the speed of the motor decoder. Not as easy as it seems. Need to make up a speed table for the chuff rate that matches the the motor decoder's. Switching back and forth from one decoder to the other then testing, is getting tedious. If I did it again, which I will as I have 2 more moguls, I will go 1 Tsunami in tender-thank you very much!!! In the time I've spent monkeying with sync issues, I could have done the full install of the Tsunami.
Peter
That's some great info! So with the Tsunami there is no sync. set up?
Well, not exactly!! There is no sync issue between throttle, engine speed and chuff as the same decoder controls both speed and chuff, but you must sync the chuff rate to the locomotive's drive wheel rotation, i.e. 2 chuffs/revolution. This is a snap compared to trying to sync the acceleration in one decoder to the chuff rate acceleration in the other or vise versa!! I hope to try again tonight and will report on progress.
Peter
Peter
It's four chuffs per revolution.
One double acting cylinder per side two exhast strokes per revolution
two cylinders = four exhaust chuffs per revolution.
Bet you knew that.
Tim Anders
Souderton, PA
Tim,
My honest answer?? I really thought it was 2!! After I read your reply I went to Google/U tube and found a couple of videos the clearly show it's 4!! As I need to tweak the rate to get 4, it will be much simpler in the 1 decoder 2-8-0 vs the 2 decoder in the 2-6-0!! Without a drive wheel cam on the 2-8-0 it has to be a bit of an approximation. I've found if you get it right at speeds slow enough to see the 2...er...4 chuffs/revolution you really can't tell at the higher speeds.
Peter