DCC decoders and geared locomotives

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

OK Gang, I need some help. I have written to Bachmann to find out what decoders wil fit into their Spectrum HO three truck Shay and two truck Climax, also asked about sound decoders for them.

You guessed it, still no reply. I should have asked here first as I think this forum is more knolagable that Bachmann.

TKS for all the help

2

try www.tonystrains.com there is loads of information there to match decoders into almost every locomotive on the market.

3

Lee,

Two other good sources for decoder recommendations:

  1. Litchfield Station - Bruce Petrarca
  2. Empire Northern Models - Tim Smith

Both Bruce and Tim are very knowledgeable guys about DCC. You can e-mail both of them and they will usually get back to you within a day or two.

Tom

4

SoundTraxx had a sound decoder made specifically for the Bachmann 3-truck Shay. If it’s still available, the dealers listed by others may have them.

For non-sound decoders, a TCS M-1 or similar dime-sized decoder should fit into either engine.

5

Check out the TCS website for installation photos of their decoders in Bachmann geared engines. I don’t have information on sound decoders.

Steve B.