Does this loco have a DCC socket?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Good evening all,

I found this Bachman Switcher on ebay http://cgi.ebay.com/GREAT-NORTHERN-SWITCHER_W0QQitemZ120109345947QQihZ002QQcategoryZ19132QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
and I’m trying to find out if it is equipped with a DCC socket. It seems I remember reading somewhere that the newer units with one motor are equipped with a DCC socket. The owner, however, tells me that it is a one motor unit and “there is no DCC”.

Does anybody own one that can tell me positively if it is or is not equipped with a DCC socket?

Thanks for your help.

Don Z.

2

According to the seller no.

That is one of the first improved runs without DCC plug.

Today that engine comes DCC equipped.

3

As far as I can work out all Bachmann ever said about the second generation drive was that it was “DCC ready”. I don’t own a second generation 44 toner - my only second generation drive is under a 70 toner and that came with a decoder factory installed.

In HO “DCC ready” usually means a socket - but just occasionally the circuit board is designed with solder pads, or for a replacement board type decoder.

Hope this helps

4

I seriously doubt that it is.

5

Larry, James and Jeffrey,

Thanks for the valuable information. I appreciate your help.

Don Z.

6

Don;

It has solder pads for soldering your decoder wires to. There is no socket.

Suggested decoders: Digitrax DZ123, Digitrax DZ143, TCS M-1, Lenz Gold Mini - all have to be wired versions for this application.

7

Nigel,

Many thanks for the detailed information. I appreciate the help.

Don Z.

8

Fair warning, these dont run very well at all. They are very noisey and not that smooth. I wouldnt spend more then $10.00 on it.

9

I think you may be confusing this with the first generation mechanism which has two independant power trucks and has all the delightful qualities you describe [:P][xx(]. The noise mainly comes from the hideous nylon gears which have a tendancy to crack (this happened on two I own).

The second generation mech with one centrally mounted motor driving both trucks, and a “DCC ready” or “DCC on board” circuit board is a vast improvement. To date I have no complaints about my 70 toner it runs smooth and quiet.

$10 sounds a bit cheap for a 2nd gen model - but is not too far off the mark for an older 1st gen.

10

My problem is the seller doesn’t seem to know exactly what he’s selling. I asked if the loco had a socket, and his reply was “There is no DCC”. Not exactly the best information, so I figured I’d just pass on it until I found one that I know has the socket.

Don Z.

11

$16.55 in USPS PRiority MAIL!!??? SHIPPING!!??

OMG! WHAT A FALSE RATE. I CAN SHIP A FREAKING GOLD BRICK FROM Ft. KNOX anywhere in the USA at a flat rate box of 8 damn dollars. WTF does this seller think he is?!

12

I can’t believe I let that slip my attention…shipping cost and feeback are usually the first 2 things I check when I’m thinking of bidding…and he just eliminated himself from my interest in that item with that outrageous shipping charge. Thanks for pointing that out!

Don Z.

13

The flat rate assumes you can get it in the flat rate box. If the locomotive comes with the original box, it may or may not fit inside the USPS flat rate box. I’ve sold a few Bowser locos that wouldn’t fit.

That said, I’d be very surprised if the 44T wouldn’t fit in a flat rate box. And even if it doesn’t, the rates are too high. I learned a long time ago that those who insisted on trying to to cover anything beyond the actual USPS rates to go cross country were doomed to fewer and lower bids. All the extra costs of shipping and handling (and any profit) have to come out of my selling price. But if my selling competition wants to mark up shipping and handling and tick their customers off, that’s great for me.

14

I dont know about the box. But that tiny engine is too little to merit 16.55 in charges.

If it was my BLI ABBA Set with the boxes… err ya but I would specifically describe the reason for the weight in the sale. (I see no reason to sell these fine engines =)

The total cost of the bid plus retail is pushing the price very close to what I might get at the hobby shop after taxes.