Bachmann 0-6-0T Porter with Loksound and Keep alive

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

Here I wanted to demonstrate how a keep alive circuit can absolutely change a locomotive from a crazy-finiky runner to a beautiful-running gem. My starting point was a Bachmann Porter. They can be had for 60-70 on discount. I am going to be modeling a 2-6-2T locomove as run by MacMillian Bloedell on Vancouver Island.

The first step was to get the mechanism running properly with a decoder install. I chose a Loksound Select Micro decoder that I tucked into one of the side tanks, replacing the Bachmann basic decoder in the same spot. I then installed a Zimo sugar cube speaker into the back of the boiler backhead (there is a perfect cavity for this speaker/baffle). I then took a Soundtraxx Current keeper and split the board to I could essentially fold it into the cab of the locomotive. I will probably replace it with a TCS KA1 eventually for esthetics.

Let me know if you have any questions.

Video

David B

2

Very nice. Pictures of the actual install would be better as some would like your ideas.

Rich

3

Perhaps…but is a virtual rats nest in there… David B

4

Very nice. I loved the speed step 1 running.

5

Interesting video. Good demonstration of what a Keep Alive can do.

6

David, I really appreciate your posting that video and hearing the sound of the sugar cube. thanks!

Jim

7

Yes, very nicely done! Wha will you do about a pilot?

8

Pilot will be fabricated today. The die cast pilot I cut off is very nice and will be reused.

9

Wow great performance from that loco. You should have done a step by step on how made it all fit, as well as adding the axles.

10

Now you see why we love Loksound so much. Great slow speed performance, and the sounds are good too.

Dave, did you run the BEMF autoconfigure or is that just how it ran out of the box?

–Randy

11

It has a coreless motor…I did the cv 54 thingy as the stock settings are no good for a coreless. The creep really shines when the KA is added.

12

I’m amazed how you fit a speaker in there.

13

Little speaker…

14

You think that’s small, check out hon3critter’s 25 ton diesel with sound

http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/88/t/245986.aspx

–Randy

15

Here is a little update on this project.

Video

Cheers.

As always, comments and questions are always welcome.

David B

16

Again, fantastic job! White is an unusual color for a steam loco![(-D]

17

Lol…yes…it’s waiting on a shipment of rivets from Micromark.