Decoder install in a Bachmann 2-6-2

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Mrs WHD got me a Bachmann 2-6-2 for my birthday and I’m wondering how tough it would be to put a DCC decoder in it. I haven’t pulled the shell off yet so I don’t know how much room is in the boiler (if any).

Anybody done one? Is it more than a DCC beginner should tackle or is it a piece of cake?

2

If its the STANDARD Bachmann line, it isnt worth putting a decoder in.

David

3

I’m not familiar with the 2-6-2 but I would guess it’s a Standard similar to this:

If it runs OK on DC a decoder like the DH123 (or DZ123) at about $17 would probably help it.

It’s pretty easy to put one in the tender if its anything like the Spectrum 2-8-0. I think the main MRR mag. web site has some instructions. Or you could “Google” it.

If you like it, run it. [:)]

4

I didnt mean to imply that you shouldnt run it because I dont like it…I meant that it probably wont run well AT ALL on DC, let alone DCC…To make it run well on DCC, youll probably have to figure out a way to get extra electrical pickups.

David

5

If it’s a Spectrum model, there’s a decoder socket in the tender. If it’s a cheap Bachmann, the decoder will either have to go into the boiler if there’s room, or you’ll have to run wires back into the tender. To tell for sure which you have, just look at the area between the tender and locomotive. If there are no wires, you have the regular Bachmann which is very difficult to put a decoder into; if there are 6 or 7 wires between them, it’s a Spectrum and a decoder can simply be plugged into the tender socket.

6

The 2-6-2 is NOT Spectrum. It is a USRA 0-6-0 with lead and trailing trucks added.

DCC conversion is not easy. There is no room in the boiler, the motor is difficult to isolate, and there is not adequate electrical pickup for reliable operation.

There is plenty of room in the tender.

Good Luck

7

Sounds like there’s no room in the boiler, but plenty in the tender.

To isolate the motor, put electrical tape or some other insulator between the frame halves and motor contacts.

Electrical pickup can be added to the tender using Intermountain metal axles. I put some Intermountain axles on the tender of my Rivarossi 0-6-0 for extra pickup, and they really, really helped.[:D]

I guess you can figure out the rest. I can’t say much because I don’t own one, but what I did say should help.[:D]