Hello All,
I have a Bachman N Gauge 0-6-0 that I’d like to install DCC with sound into. With the advent of micro decoders like the Loksound v5, has anyone successfully done this?
I’m planning a 1x4 switching layout based on the Swartz Creek No 1 track plan and would love to have some sound on it.
Thanks,
Ben
Hello Ben. Welcome on board.
I do not run DCC plus I live across the pond.
,
To answer your question modellers here have successfully installed decoders. and sound.
David
Do you mean one of the USRA 0-6-0s? I’ve installed DCC in them, but not sound. I’ve used the Lokpilot Micro.
The main problem I see with this is finding space. Sound decoders are larger than non-sound, and you’ll need to get a speaker in too. It would come down to which tender you’re using.
I’ve been able to fit sound into the larger N scale tenders (Kato GS-4), but even then it was a tight squeeze. The Bachmann 0-6-0 tenders have a large weight in them. You could remove it, but it would make the tender derail a lot more easily. Between that and the slope back shape, it may not be doable.
Since its a WW2 era switcher, I wonder if I could get away with shaving the weight by half. It is a slope back tender though.
It’s worth a try.
Rich
Thing is, I could barely squeeze a non-sound decoder in there. Don’t forget, you need to account for the space taken by the wires, too.
Let’s assume I dont want to destroy my engine. Is there another steamer that I might get in DCC for switching?
This website has reviews of most American N scale locomotives available: N Scale Locomotive Encyclopedia (North American Prototypes).
Unfortunately, there just isn’t much small steam available in N-scale, especially with DCC and sound. Bachmann does make a 4-6-0 with sound, but they only sell it in the Whistle-Stop Special starter set (Bachmann part #24133). It comes with an E-Z Command DCC controller, track and some cars, and you can get it for around $300 if you shop around.
Another option would be to stick with DC and get a Kato sound box. The sound wouldn’t be coming from the engine, but on a layout that small I wouldn’t think it would matter much.
Thank you everyone for all your help!!
Yeah, that does seem to be a problem. Why is that? Is N scale too small to fit a sound decoder and speaker?
Rich
That tender and engine are tiny. Only so much space.
I’m not sure why that is. There have been some good quality small steam in N-scale, even with sound, so it can be done (the Model Power/MRC 4-4-0 comes to mind), but for some reason the manufacturers just seem to steer clear of small steam.