Best and ABC,

Thanks for all of the valuable info. My son likes the Bachmann GP40 and we will continue to use it as is. I'm glad you were able to let me know that the hum is normal. I do realize that it is a lower end item.

The Athearn GP40X was a clearance item priced at $45, the Digitrax decoder was $25 (after using a store coupon). If you have any recommendations for reliable web vendors I would appreciate it.

Darp

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll checkout the layout programs. We're sticking with a 4'x8' for the 1st layout and plan to keep it simple, but we'll probably expand or remake into a larger one later.

As for the Bachmann GP40 DCC loco: My hobby retailer again swapped it out for a new one (thought maybe 3rd time would be the charm) but this one also has a fairly loud hum. While we were there, my son found an Athearn GP40X on sale which we bought, along with a Digitrax decoder. The new Athearn is very quiet, especially compared to the Bachmann. I'll be hesitant to buy another Bachmann DCC ready loco in the future.

Darp

It is the Bachmann DCC GP40 (Union Pacific logo) that is the noisy one. It is the loco that came with the DCC digital commander set. The Bachmann SD40-2 is a DC loco that he had before receiving the DCC set for Christmas. He used to use the SD40-2 on an old Life Like track. From your comment it sounds like the DCC loco should not be making the noise. Is there any way the DCC controller could be causing the problem? It has to be connected correctly, since there is only the red wire to connect to the terminal track. Like I stated earlier, the DCC GP40 has made the noise from the 1st time we used it.

Thanks,

Darp

My son received a HO scale Bachmann DCC commander set with the Union Pacific GP40 DCC locomotive for Christmas. From 1st use, the loco has made a fairly load buzzing/humming sound (much like a noisy transformer) when power is applied. Our Hobby shop ordered a replacement GP40, but it was actually noisier, so we kept the original. My son has a Bachmann DC SD40-2 (which we run simutaneously on channel 10) which is very quiet and produces little to no noise, especially compared to the GP40. Is this normal for Bachmann DCC locomotives? My son would like to buy one more DCC loco, but I'm hesitant to let him purchase another Bachmann.

Thanks,

Darp