mmmm... why don't you specify which r/c system you want to use, and we can find a way to make it work?

most decoders that fit the socket are DCC track power, but there are ways.

Do you have any other locos with R/C, if so what do you like?

very small! don't know the actual size...

with Chinese manufacture goods, you need a plethora of philips/cross drivers and use the one that fits best.

I have a couple of sets that have about 6 different bits in various profiles and sizes.

word to the wise: don't lose them!!!

Yes... worth a call unless you are not in the USA...

Basic question: did you call Bachmann parts department?

So, do you have the 3 PDF files associated with this loco?

The owners manual shows an exploded diagram, not very detailed but should help you figure out how to take apart.

The other 2 wiring diagrams show pretty much the same thing, the approximate location of the boards, and wiring between the components.

If you don't have them, I would get them.. if they are not on the site here, then I can mail them to you.

Greg

Apparently there will be some new "Aristo re-issues" soon, announced at an east coast show.

So, the market has changes since the "heyday" of large scale, and Bachmann sort of stopped the 1:20.3 stuff, but I hear they are considering bringing back one of the locos in 1:20.3 ...

The market is smaller, and with tariffs the prices of locos have skyrocketed to the US.

Hang in there...

Yeah, it seems so... it's a poor document, as the board shows in the later pages but on the wiring diagrams, not all the boards have the part numbers identified... pages 5 and 6

so the term "DCC ready" can and has meant several things over the years...

Do you have the socket in the tender, or a board with solder pads or screws?

Below is the version that can take a plug and play decoder

(note: there is a smaller dummy board that is plugged into the main board in this picture, you pull that small board out and plug in the decoder)

Well, I have experience, but not sure if I have a SCHEMATIC for the flicker circuit..

do you have the wiring assembly? that shows what wires go to what boards.

but they did not provide the SCHEMATIC...

So, you said how to access these boards... simply  put you can see them in the exploded wiring diagram.
The shape, locations of wires and approximate size can be told from that too..

I'm looking at my pdf file, G821X- (page number)

do you have this? pages 5 and 6 have the information.

I believe the firebox board is in the firebox, but some of the circuitry may be on another board.


Perhaps we can ensure you have the right document, and all you are asking where are the boards and what do they look like?

Look at Visaton speakers... parts-express.com has them.

Lots of options with good bass in a small speaker, also there are weatherproof options.

https://www.parts-express.com/speaker-components/hi-fi-woofers-subwoofers-midranges-tweeters/mini-speakers/brand/Visaton

find the size you need, and then select the one with the best bass... fit the largest you can get obviously

It's not normally something someone hangs onto if they don't have the loco.
If they have the loco, unusual to keep the loco and give up the box.

I'd try posting on sites where they hate boxes ha ha! Try LargeScaleCentral.com forum...

Motor does not draw a lot... most people do not pull more than one car if any.

Certain HO decoders will handle a constant current of around 2 amps... like Zimo... which also handle the higher DCC voltage needed in Large Scale.

I'd look for a rating of 2 amps continuous, that would be enough for reliable running and pulling the occasional car.

Also 27 volt max rating on the decoder... per NMRA large scale standard..   (it's 27 or 28, I forget now)

elevate the layouts to childs eye level...

put the floor "posts" and plastic chain or webbing between them, making the layout just out of reach.

Kids don't think about "that is not welcoming", kids are kids and live in the here and now.

Some are well brought up, some are not. If you really feel there is a need for hands on, put a small oval on the floor, buy a few eggliners, let them circulate, you can add some 2 axle aftermarket cars to go with the eggliners...

Just as a helpful add on, I moderate a popular Large Scale forum (and several others)

We have a huge increase in spammers joining the forum and immediately offering things for sale that just happen to exactly match a new "wanted" request.

Be careful and ask questions... if you "go" somewhere and you get any hint of something wrong, walk away... activity is up...

Greg