I just bought a brand new, Bachmann USRA 0-6-0 yard swither (with the slope-back tender). It was prototypically used at the NJZinc Mine in Palmerton, Pennsylvania. The reason I bought it was that it was relatively cheap, it has the right wheel configuration, and the major reason, is that it smokes. (I also plan to use it at my model of the NJZinc mine, on my layout) Now, what I want to do is add a Tsunami sound decoder to it. I plan to run it in DCC operation, only. I took the engine apart and it seems as though the plastic housed motor is too small to hook up the decoder wires to it. I checkeds out the SoundTraxx web site and they say it’s possible, using their TSU 1000 826101 decoder. There is also a Micro decoder they offer, too for light steam). It’s TSU 750 #826001. Is there anyone out there who has installed a Tsunami sound system inside this switcher, sucessfully? Thanks! -artguy
Forget it. You need metal wheels on the tender and have to install pickups, plus six wires between the loco and tender.
I have done an old Bachmann Vandy tender like that from the 0-6-0 but is was quite a challenge. Also the 750 plus 14mm x 25mm speaker.
Rich
I’m with Rich on this one. Forget it. Not only for the reasons he sites but for the fact that the Bachmann 0-6-0 isn’t a good quality loco. I’ve had several of them. My advice is get a better loco. The smoke unit is iffy and the axle sleeves have a bad habit of splitting and are a pain in the butt to replace. The only one I’ve seen that’s high quality is in my collection. It’s a 70’s era metal Bachmann 0-6-0 that a relative of mine completely rebuilt using a can motor, sleeveless full axle drivers, brass gears and nickle silver wheels. When Bachmann produces one like that I’ll be in line to get it.
The Spectrum 0-6-0T is one that can be installed with a Micro and a small speaker. A few people have done it.
Rich
I’ve heard installing DCC and everything in one of these is possible, but that it’s also a somewhat difficult conversion.
Mantua and Rivarossi both made some decent USRA 0-6-0s, and the P2K models look amazing. I like Bachmann products, but I’ve heard the 0-6-0 isn’t one of their best (splitting axles like mentioned earlier, hot smoke unit melting the shell…). If you don’t mind large flanges and adding some electrical pickups to the tender, the Rivarossi model is a real smooth runner with solid axles and all metal gearing (although a different motor helps for better low speed control).
Dear Rich, thanks for your reply. I’m going to take your advice and forget it. The engine does seem to be chinsy anyway. Had I known about it, I would not have bought it off of Ebay for $69.00. I feel like I was really ripped off! I plan to buy a Walther’s Proto 2000 one, instead. It’s brand new for $313.00. It comes with an already installed QSI sound system. I’ll then install a #21 Seuthe smoke unit in it, weather it, and she’ll be good to go for my NJZinc mine. Thanks again, Rich! artguy
Dear Jeff, thanks for your reply. I’m going to take your advice and forget it. The engine does seem to be chinsy anyway. Had I known about it, I would not have bought it off of Ebay for $69.00. I feel like I was really ripped off! I plan to buy a Walther’s Proto 2000 one, instead. It’s brand new for $313.00. It comes with an already installed QSI sound system. I’ll then install a #21 Seuthe smoke unit in it, weather it, and she’ll be good to go for my NJZinc mine. Thanks again, Jeff! artguy
Dear Darth, thanks for your reply. I’m going to ultimately, forget the Bachmann engine entirely. The engine seems to be very chinsy, anyway. Had I known about it, I would not have bought it off of Ebay for $69.00. I feel like I was really ripped off! I plan to buy a Walther’s Proto 2000 one, instead. It’s brand new for $313.00, and is a real beauty! It comes with a QSI sound system, too. The only thing I wish, was that it had a slope back tender, instead of the square one that it comes with. It’s a USRA design, so I highly doubt that the square tender is prototypical. They probably used the square tender to accomodate the QSI sound system. I plan to install a #21 Seuthe smoke unit in it, decal it, weather it, and she’ll be good to go for my NJZinc mine. Thanks again, Darth! -artguy
artguy - FWIW, you could have just included all three names on the top of your first reply and saved yourself a lot of time typing and/or copying & pasting. It’s a open forum so, unless you PM each one individually, everyone can read it.
The Proto 2000 units are quite nice. I have one of the 2nd-run 0-8-0s (w/o sound) and it crawls really well. The 0-6-0s should do the same for you.
I would also agree that $69 for the Bachmann slanted tender wasn’t that great of a deal. You’ll be much happier with the Proto 2000.
Tom
Artguy,
For Your reference, should the need arise:
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/index.php
Frank