On my 2-8-2 Loco, I purchased a Brass Tender light from Walthers.  I then painted the "Housing", installed it to the top of the tender.  I put the Grain of wheat bulb in the housing with the ORIGINAL wires attatched back down under the housing( drilled 2 holes first).  Once the paint was dry, I weathered the light with dullcoat spray.  This way I could use the original circuits.  When I put in a decoder, all I had to do was insert the decoder in the 8 pin connector.  Lighting was therefore already, ready!

PS
I think the housing was Detail Graphics...  But I cannot remember for sure

By the way,  the sound decoder is offered by Digitrax...

Sorry for the mistake.

I have decided to put a sound decoder in this unit.  I like the idea of the new "Sound Bug" by Soundtrax.  I am confused tho...  I see there is another 8 pin connector in the circuit board??  Mabey I am missing something?
Do I replace the WHOLE board in the unit?  Or just add a decoder with sound included?

Thanks,
Hotrainlover

I have only receintly went to DCC.  I had a Digitrax system that was given to me last year.   The unit was bad and I did not like the results I was getting.  I went back to DC. 2 months ago I tried DCC again.  I now have the Bachmann Ez-dcc system.  I love it.  I have a 14 X 22 "L" shaped layout.  It has Folded 2 loops with a yard, engine area, and a wharf area.  I only have 4 engines that ARE DCC.  2 have sound.  I am going to convert all 33 engines to DCC, with dual mode decoders.  I have a friend that is a DCC Wizard and charges only $10.00 to convert engines to be DCC ready.  I can do this at my leisure and still can run all of the ones I want.  I just have to move them on and off of the "dead" tracks!  Yes I like pushing 1 button, and then working another train!!

I will also vote for the R-2!!

hotrainlover

Mr. Bachmann,
While we are on this subject...  If this is a handheld item, what is the size and weight?  The picture makes it look the size of a stereo!
I do not have a LHS near me.

hotrainlover

I have a HO Challenger.  It pulls everything I put on it.  My layout is 14' x 22'.  It  is a "L" shaped 2 looped main with a engine facility and Wharf area.  I have a 2% grade in one area.  This is 1 of 2 ALL Metal engines I have.  It was a great investment! Lionel should be proud!

hotrainlover

Rich,
Yes I would like that.  Please send it to my email.

hotrainlover2002@yahoo.com

Great!  Thanks for the help!!

hotrainlover

Kevin,
Is there a "Heat" problem that way?  Will it cause the plastic to melt?
Thanks,
hotrainlover

Dear All,
Is the decoder visable in the Cab on these engines, as with some of the other DCC On-Board engines?  I do not have a LHS near me that I can check..
I also want to put a Sound decoder in if there is room??!!

Thanks for the help!

hotrainlover

I suggest the Lionel 4-6-6-4 Challenger, or the Lionel Gas Turbine Veranda; these  will easily pull you train....

hotrainlover

Yes, they have been doing that.  We have a junction right next to my work.  The UP parks their MOW equipment there from time to time.  There are rails afixed on flat cars.  I have seen some specialized equipment riding on these cars, that fit regular track.

Rich,
Yes I noticed the mistakes...  After I posted.  I am on the "Old" erganomic computer tonight...  I hate having to use this one ....

It is just that I really AM interested in this subject and had to read a lot of other stuff....

YES I was frustrated.....  Sorry.

hotrainlover

Why does this discussion on 2-10-4 engines ONLY contain a FEW comments about the original question??

I read a lot of stuff here about almost every other engine!!  I think others should start their own posts instead of arguing and NOT discussing the ORIGINAL topic!!...?
There are those of us who have to find time to use this forum.  I for one usually only read what I have time to.  I also only read ones that peek my interests, or are along the same situations that I have encountered.  I feel that all I have waisted my time......