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Discussion Boards => Thomas & Friends => Topic started by: GovB on May 20, 2008, 01:18:03 PM

Title: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: GovB on May 20, 2008, 01:18:03 PM
Dear Bach-man,

My grand kids love Thomas and his friends but wouldn't be great if they could all be together on the same layout in DCC ? It would be great if each engine could have it's own sounds and voices. You could even have Harold, Sir Hatt and other friends speak as they go by. I've seen sites that sell some items with DCC after market installed but I'm sure that couldn't match what the Bach-man could do. What a great way for a child to be introduced to model railroading. How about it Bach-man?

GovB  ;D
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: max (uk) on May 20, 2008, 02:00:47 PM
Thats sounds like a very good idea. You could use the EZ DCC controller aswell as they use addresses from 1 to 10. It wouldnt cost that much compaired to the spectrum sound loco's eather.

They could just have a blank ESU or soundtraxx sound decoder, then program it with sounds from HIT (as bachmann have that conection with the licence) so it would sound just like the engines of TV.

It would be a really interactive experience for children, and if that doesnt get people into model railroads at an early age I dont know what will.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Guilford Guy on May 20, 2008, 07:11:47 PM
Quote from: GovB on May 20, 2008, 01:18:03 PM
Dear Bach-man,

My grand kids love Thomas and his friends but wouldn't be great if they could all be together on the same layout in DCC ? It would be great if each engine could have it's own sounds and voices. You could even have Harold, Sir Hatt and other friends speak as they go by. I've seen sites that sell some items with DCC after market installed but I'm sure that couldn't match what the Bach-man could do. What a great way for a child to be introduced to model railroading. How about it Bach-man?

GovB  ;D

It would raise the price to high, and may be complicated for kids to figure out. Parents won't buy their kids toy trains that are too expensive, and if kids can't figure out the sound and DCC, they will probably give up the trains... It would be much cheaper for the owner to install a loksound decoder, and record the sounds onto that off their PC, and Bachmann will probably not put DCC into the Thomas Line for years to come...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: GovB on May 21, 2008, 02:55:23 PM
From a complexity-of-use standpoint of a large layout, I would agree. But consider this, the "Thomas' Fun with Freight" set costs $160 and the "Diesel Digital Commander" set costs $260. If you look at these two sets (- loco), they are almost alike. The cost difference between the two is oblivious but the WOW! factor of a DCC "Thomas' Fun with Freight" set (as an example) would be priceless. If Bachmann offered a Thomas DCC starter set for the same price I would be the first in line. My 7 yr old granddaughter is pretty good on the computer and the 4 yr old is close behind with educational programs. If these kids can figure out video games, the TV remote and the DVD player (not to mention how to manipulate their parents), I think they could figure out a DCC starter set as well. The idea of a layout populated with Thomas & all his Friends may not be one the average modeler would do but considering the attention span of the average first grader, it would hold their attention a lot longer. Isn't that what we want to do?

What do you think Bach-man?

GovB  :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on May 21, 2008, 10:47:41 PM
Quote from: GovB on May 21, 2008, 02:55:23 PM
[big fancy paragraph]
I agree with this, I would think that instead of a whole DCC range, that just one set would be released with DCC. Possibly much like other DCC sets, would include two engines. I would assume as being popular characters, we would get Thomas, Annie, Clarabel, Percy (or James), a wagon and a van, and a brake van (Coal car, box car, and caboose), and other general accessories that come in the previous sets, but this one with possibly more track and DCC control. I would certianly like to try it out provided I had the money. This is all just concept though.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Diesel #261 on May 21, 2008, 11:56:02 PM
What might be a good idea is for Bachmann to make Thomas & Friends for grown ups and kids.  The ones for the kids are what we have now.  The ones for the grown ups have more detale and are DCC.  Anyone think it would be cool?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Guilford Guy on May 22, 2008, 07:14:33 AM
Quote from: Shawmut Line on May 21, 2008, 11:56:02 PM
What might be a good idea is for Bachmann to make Thomas & Friends for grown ups and kids.  The ones for the kids are what we have now.  The ones for the grown ups have more detale and are DCC.  Anyone think it would be cool?
Anyone think they wouldn't sell?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: StanierJack on May 22, 2008, 08:44:27 AM
Quote from: Guilford Guy on May 22, 2008, 07:14:33 AM
Quote from: Shawmut Line on May 21, 2008, 11:56:02 PM
What might be a good idea is for Bachmann to make Thomas & Friends for grown ups and kids.  The ones for the kids are what we have now.  The ones for the grown ups have more detale and are DCC.  Anyone think it would be cool?
Anyone think they wouldn't sell?

The same detail and an EZ decoder would be (for thomas) very little.

A set that includes:

DCC thomas
DCC toby
E-Z unit
Annie
Clarabel
Henrietta
Oval of track with siding

would be very popular
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: max (uk) on May 22, 2008, 11:40:43 AM
I would buy that!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: GovB on May 22, 2008, 01:33:23 PM
Check out what Bachmann is doing overseas. Bachmann already has a DCC starter set very similar to what we are talking about called the Bachmann Branch-line Junior (#30-041) with 2 locos, 3 wagons, oval track w/siding, transformer and DCC Command Digital Controller. £79.99 in the UK. This is exactly what I'm talking about. Change the skins and Sha-ZAM! Thomas & Emily.

http://www.bachmannjunior.co.uk/junior/pr.php4

What-cha say Govner (Bach-man)?  :)


[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: ThomasFan247 on May 22, 2008, 08:22:15 PM
(http://www.bachmannjunior.co.uk/junior/image_box.php4?image=images/JRL.jpg&cat_no=30-005) look familiar?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: GovB on May 22, 2008, 09:28:26 PM
Not sure. All I see is a small box with an X in it. Am I doing something wrong?

GovB
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Cheeky_ULP on May 23, 2008, 12:35:52 AM
Quote from: Thomas. on May 22, 2008, 08:22:15 PM
(http://www.bachmannjunior.co.uk/junior/image_box.php4?image=images/JRL.jpg&cat_no=30-005) look familiar?
We're not talking about the Junior range.

Its just a Bachmann UK reskin of the Bachmann US Thomas model.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: StanierJack on May 23, 2008, 02:09:37 AM
Quote from: GovB on May 22, 2008, 01:33:23 PM
Check out what Bachmann is doing overseas. Bachmann already has a DCC starter set very similar to what we are talking about called the Bachmann Branch-line Junior (#30-041) with 2 locos, 3 wagons, oval track w/siding, transformer and DCC Command Digital Controller. £79.99 in the UK. This is exactly what I'm talking about. Change the skins and Sha-ZAM! Thomas & Emily.

http://www.bachmannjunior.co.uk/junior/pr.php4

What-cha say Govner (Bach-man)?  :)

(http://www.hattons.co.uk/images/products/30040_1.JPG)

Here is the original set, just look at the two locos.

Stuart and Greg look familiar...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: sparkyjay31 on May 28, 2008, 06:30:03 PM
Question.

Where is the Bach-Mann?  No response?  I hope that this is not falling on deaf ears!!!

There sure seems to be "some" interest in a dcc Thomas.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: the Bach-man on May 28, 2008, 11:40:56 PM
Dear Sparky,
I'm right here...
There are no plans for DCC in the Thomas line at this time.
Have fun!
the Bach-man
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: ThomasFan247 on June 11, 2008, 02:33:29 PM
i have a thomas with dcc and lites.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: lilwaffleboy on June 21, 2008, 01:58:40 AM
Where did you get the Thomas and friends line with lights and DCC? Did you costum make it? I am very eager to buy it!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Santa Fe buff on June 21, 2008, 08:15:43 PM
Quote from: Guilford Guy on May 22, 2008, 07:14:33 AM
Quote from: Shawmut Line on May 21, 2008, 11:56:02 PM
What might be a good idea is for Bachmann to make Thomas & Friends for grown ups and kids.  The ones for the kids are what we have now.  The ones for the grown ups have more detail and are DCC.  Anyone think it would be cool?
Anyone think they wouldn't sell?
Oh, I wouldn't be too sure, now me being cheap and just wanting something to amuse my nefu, I would by the younger one. But so people do model for just the fun, I think they would like some more realism, wouldn't you> I now you have a couple with decoders, am I right? If so, then why not, I'm sure even kids, younger ones, or Model Museums would buy them, you mustn't swash some creative ideas, I don't think they would be profitable for Bachmann to manufactur, but I know people would buy them.
;) I rather stick to a Santa Fe 4-8-4 then Thomas, but my nefu and I continue like the little British engine.

Quote from: lilwaffleboy on June 21, 2008, 01:58:40 AM
Where did you get the Thomas and friends line with lights and DCC? Did you costume make it? I am very eager to buy it!

Or another maker.
Quote from: Thomas. on June 11, 2008, 02:33:29 PM
i have a thomas with dcc and lites.
Interior?
Oh, and by the way, I am keeping track of grammar and/or spelling mistakes... ;) Underlined and boldfaced.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Guilford Guy on June 21, 2008, 09:22:50 PM
If people didn't rely on a company that wouldn't do it in the first place, and super detailed their locomotives, and soldered in decoders themselves, they would have much more respect as modelers, instead of toy train set people.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Santa Fe buff on June 21, 2008, 11:21:48 PM
Quote from: Guilford Guy on June 21, 2008, 09:22:50 PM
If people didn't rely on a company that wouldn't do it in the first place, and super detailed their locomotives, and soldered in decoders themselves, they would have much more respect as modelers, instead of toy train set people.
Very true, I have and know a modeler saying:
The makers can only give you a locomotive, you must shape it into YOUR locomotive.
He told me afterward,
He meants you must weather it, stick a minifigure in the cab, and other things. Modelers are called that for one reason, not to rely on a maker, but to become one. But you now GG, sometimes, we must have the product, to learn to make one.
I agree though, famous modelers are famous not for their layouts, but how real it is and if they made the structers and some other things.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Guilford Guy on June 21, 2008, 11:30:44 PM
Look, I'm sure there's a British Super Detail Parts producer as there are so many North American ones. There's many websites that tell you how to add DCC to Bachmann locomotives. By the time they make a DCC Thomas, you could have completed one yourself, and have been running it for at least a year.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: engine275 on August 18, 2008, 04:30:58 PM
how hard is it to install into the small engines and toby. and how simple is putting Decoders into any  non-DCC locomotive.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Guilford Guy on August 18, 2008, 07:15:29 PM
Soldering 7 wires, (4 without lighting), and making sure the motor is isolated from the frame, if it isn't already. A wire from each pick up, and a wire to each motor lead. Digitrax makes decoders smaller than a dime, so I'm sure you can fit it in almost anything.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: stevek on September 05, 2008, 10:09:41 PM
Hi,
    After reading this thread today, I decided to open up a Bachmann Thomas to investigate the DCC installation. I happened to have a Digitrax DZ123 decoder floating around from a never completed N gauge DCC conversion. This is a rather small decoder which made things pretty easy in terms of finding room for the decoder. It turns out that Thomas has a small circuit board fastened to his cab roof and this is the place to solder in the decoder. Thomas' cab roof can be removed by gently squeezing the front and back windows and lifting gently. Anyway, in less than 2 hours Thomas, programmed #0001, is whirring around my test track with a Hornby Annie and  Clarabel, and a Brake Van (also Hornby) in tow. Thomas with DCC is an even MORE useful engine!
    I operate an online train shop and would be happy to do this work, at a reasonable cost, for anyone who might be interested. I can provide the decoder and installation in your locomotive or provide a brand new locomotive with decoder installed. Contact me directly at skingtrains@aol.com if interested.

Thanks,
Steve K.
www.skingtrains.com
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Santa Fe buff on September 06, 2008, 01:58:46 AM
Steve K,
Thanks for the advice as to install a Thomas decoder for DCC. Thanks for the offer, but I don't own anything Thomas, so I'll have to turn down. :)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: goldwing on September 06, 2008, 06:22:53 PM
Yola,

         even tho it is highly right that the bachamnn will never make this, but maybe if the bachmann added a very tiny microphone to the engine like spies use, and it is in the  cab area since thomas's cab is not halo like the others, and add little holes to the sides, it might be a way to add DCC, but it's just a hypothsis and yet to be answered. So please answer me if this might be correct. Also why dosen't bachmann expand the engines a wee bit, like an inch.

Well till the next post...later.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: ZeldaTheSwordsman on September 26, 2008, 02:45:43 PM
I make my own detail parts. I use paper clips, small gauge wire, et cetera, and it turns out looking great.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: jgaynor on April 01, 2010, 06:41:46 PM
i've been told by a local shop that Digitrax is coming out with a small decoder with light and sound small enough for T&F,

So my question is to all, is there any place to get the sounds of Thomas and Friends to download to a decoder or is there a way to create your own sounds if I do use the Digitrax decoder
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: RBMN #425 Fan on July 28, 2010, 09:31:21 AM
if i'm not mistaken, thomas and friends (and all standard dc engines for that matter) can already run on dcc. for digitrax/NCE/spectrum dynamis systems, loco address 00 or 0000. and for bachmann e-z command number 10 :) ;) :) :D
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Guilford Guy on July 28, 2010, 10:05:17 AM
Oh yeah, that works perfectly until you want to run more than 1 engine...
You can buy small steam sound decoders, as they'll be similar in sound to an English engine. If you want to go all the way and use recordings from the videos you would need a loksound decoder and programmer.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Chessie Sys. 3022 on July 29, 2010, 11:36:58 PM
Also don't forget with the engines with tenders, you can stick a decoder in there. There's more than enough room (you could easily fit a Digitrax DH123D decoder) and you can wire the tender wheels to pick up power. It's very simple!
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: PerfectPercy on July 29, 2010, 11:50:36 PM
Quote from: Justin on July 29, 2010, 11:36:58 PM
Also don't forget with the engines with tenders, you can stick a decoder in there. There's more than enough room (you could easily fit a Digitrax DH123D decoder) and you can wire the tender wheels to pick up power. It's very simple!


I don't know about the wiring to get power being easy. You would have to cut up the bottom of the tender and you would need a different set of wheels that are powered. Wiring the tender wheels to pick up power on engines such as Gordon would be so difficult. First, you would need to split the axle to prevent "crossing the streams." (I love my humor  :P)

This would result in so many problems and the Average Joe wouldn't think of dealing with that mess. I know i wouldn't and I went as far as dismantling James completely just to add weight for more traction! :P
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Chessie Sys. 3022 on July 29, 2010, 11:57:36 PM
Quote from: PerfectPercy311 on July 29, 2010, 11:50:36 PM
Quote from: Justin on July 29, 2010, 11:36:58 PM
Also don't forget with the engines with tenders, you can stick a decoder in there. There's more than enough room (you could easily fit a Digitrax DH123D decoder) and you can wire the tender wheels to pick up power. It's very simple!


I don't know about the wiring to get power being easy. You would have to cut up the bottom of the tender and you would need a different set of wheels that are powered. Wiring the tender wheels to pick up power on engines such as Gordon would be so difficult. First, you would need to split the axle to prevent "crossing the streams." (I love my humor  :P)

This would result in so many problems and the Average Joe wouldn't think of dealing with that mess. I know i wouldn't and I went as far as dismantling James completely just to add weight for more traction! :P

Sorry, so used to standard HO scale locomotives with their tender wheel pickups. :P In any case, it would still be easy enough to locate the decoder in the tender. Just run the wires out of the tender into the body, and paint the exposed wires black. Orange and gray wires go to the motor, red and black go to the wheel pickups, and that's probably all you need to for the tender locos. If you need lights, blue is lighting common, white is front headlight, and yellow is black headlight. I might do this for practice of installing decoders and to show you all how easy it is. :P
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: StanierJack on July 30, 2010, 06:11:28 AM
It's easy to install DCC into engines, having done so myself. All i needed were wire cutters and a soldering iron, both of which aren't too expensive.

As for the chips, i'd reccomend placing the chip in the cab, drilling a hole in the front of it to get the wires to the chassis directly. If you buy a decent chip, you will not notice it when the train is moving ;)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: RBMN #425 Fan on August 02, 2010, 08:40:14 PM
here, if you want a dcc thomas, follow this link http://www.trainbuddy.com/Reference/Decoding%20Engines/thomas.htm
its a dcc thomas with lights for sale!! :) :D ;D
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: StanierJack on August 02, 2010, 10:49:07 PM
Quote from: RBMN #425 Fan on August 02, 2010, 08:40:14 PM
here, if you want a dcc thomas, follow this link http://www.trainbuddy.com/Reference/Decoding%20Engines/thomas.htm
its a dcc thomas with lights for sale!! :) :D ;D

At that price, it's cheaper to make your own. Also, it teaches you how to wire dcc systems.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: PerfectPercy on August 03, 2010, 12:37:51 AM
Quote from: RBMN #425 Fan on August 02, 2010, 08:40:14 PM
here, if you want a dcc thomas, follow this link http://www.trainbuddy.com/Reference/Decoding%20Engines/thomas.htm
its a dcc thomas with lights for sale!! :) :D ;D

I find this to be convenient, but at the same time it is sad to see how easily you can damage an engine by doing this. Is there a way to do this an keep the moving eye mechanism working? The article states that the circuit board for this was removed for some reason.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Guilford Guy on August 03, 2010, 04:50:26 PM
It's my understanding the circuit board is to prevent damage being done to the motor in case of a surge. (http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,13995.msg113103.html#msg113103) When installing a decoder they really don't serve much of a purpose anymore not to mention wiring in the decoder is easier with it gone. If anyone wants this done and is not confident to solder the decoder themselves, email me.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Anthony P2 on August 03, 2010, 05:40:23 PM
Quote from: PerfectPercy311 on August 03, 2010, 12:37:51 AM
Quote from: RBMN #425 Fan on August 02, 2010, 08:40:14 PM
here, if you want a dcc thomas, follow this link http://www.trainbuddy.com/Reference/Decoding%20Engines/thomas.htm
its a dcc thomas with lights for sale!! :) :D ;D

I find this to be convenient, but at the same time it is sad to see how easily you can damage an engine by doing this. Is there a way to do this an keep the moving eye mechanism working? The article states that the circuit board for this was removed for some reason.

yes because the eyes move by gears inside the engine, not by the circuit board. the circuit board was removed because it was not needed after the DCC chip was put in.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: PerfectPercy on August 04, 2010, 01:00:26 PM
Quote from: Anthony P2 on August 03, 2010, 05:40:23 PM
Quote from: PerfectPercy311 on August 03, 2010, 12:37:51 AM
Quote from: RBMN #425 Fan on August 02, 2010, 08:40:14 PM
here, if you want a dcc thomas, follow this link http://www.trainbuddy.com/Reference/Decoding%20Engines/thomas.htm
its a dcc thomas with lights for sale!! :) :D ;D

I find this to be convenient, but at the same time it is sad to see how easily you can damage an engine by doing this. Is there a way to do this an keep the moving eye mechanism working? The article states that the circuit board for this was removed for some reason.

yes because the eyes move by gears inside the engine, not by the circuit board. the circuit board was removed because it was not needed after the DCC chip was put in.

Because the decoder has its own "surge protector"?

I also figured that's how the eyes worked after taking apart James.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Chessie Sys. 3022 on August 04, 2010, 01:41:40 PM
I can do decoder installs too if people want me to. Just email me as well if you want it done. (Send to stratomaster15 @ yahoo . com *Eliminate the spaces in the address)
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Anthony P2 on August 19, 2010, 09:38:32 PM
if anyone who has a DCC thomas and put a back light in it could you please tell me how you hollowed out the back lamp?
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Guilford Guy on August 19, 2010, 10:34:11 PM
There's a thing called a drill...
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Anthony P2 on August 19, 2010, 11:02:50 PM
drill bit size would be nice.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Guilford Guy on August 20, 2010, 12:32:09 AM
You can't expect everyone to do everything for you... Get a caliper or even a ruler and measure how big the hole is.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: RBMN #425 Fan on August 20, 2010, 10:23:11 AM
Quote from: Guilford Guy on August 20, 2010, 12:32:09 AM
You can't expect everyone to do everything for you... Get a caliper or even a ruler and measure how big the hole is.
Its 1/16th of an inch or 1 millimeter.
Only problem is, its a solid piece of plastic, and the only engines that have a lamp are thomas, percy, james, toby, and mavis.
and for thomas, you can put the chip in annie, percy=mail car, toby=henretta, mavis/salty/bill/ben=vent van/salt van/cattle van/coal car with load.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Anthony P2 on August 20, 2010, 11:02:29 AM
thanks. as for the decoders: there is enough room inside thomas, percy, mavis, salty and even toby for a decoder.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: RBMN #425 Fan on August 20, 2010, 09:02:17 PM
Your welcome. But I was actually referring to a chip with a speaker.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: Anthony P2 on August 20, 2010, 09:07:57 PM
oh, sorry. that would be really cool now with the new voices, and other sound effects
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: dog123 on July 28, 2011, 10:41:40 AM
i think bachmann won`t do DCC thomas & friends because the moving eyes.
Title: Re: Thomas & Friends in DCC
Post by: BigC12 on August 01, 2011, 06:39:28 PM
It's too expensive. Who would want it? ???