I have a brand new Bachmann’s Climax. I have run this loco a couple hours and so far am happy with it. I need to install a decoder. Loy’s recommends a Digitrax’s DZ123 decoder for the Shay. I would guess this will work for the Climax.
I attempted to stall the loco on the track and read the stalled current with my RRampmeter. DO NOT DO THIS! The motor is very powerful and uses the actual drive shafts for power transmission to the trucks. Thankfully, the U-joints are molded rubber O rings and allowed the U-joint yokes to separate without damage.
Have you installed a decoder in this loco? I do not absolutely have to have a Digitrax decoder. So, if you have installed a decoder, which one did you use?
I put SoundTraxx sound systems into my Bachmann Spectrum Shays. Any decoder that is small enough to fit into the bunker on the Shay should be okay to use – the same for the Climax. The main thing to look for is the decoder’s size and Amp rating.
DeShane, I have a couple DZ123s on order from Loy’s for HO steam locos. Fred at Loys is very knowlegable about decoders and anything DCC. I don’t think he would steer you wrong. The DZ series works in HO and smaller from what I can see at Digitracks. If you do not need more functions than the 123 has, I would not hesitate to use that decoder. Most all the DCC ready new locos are within specs for using 1 to 1.5 amp decoder without problem. The DZ123 is rated at 1 amp with a 2 amp peak load. The DH123 is rated 1.5 amp with a 2 amp peak. From what I have read, the Spectrum series should work well with the DZ123.
That little motor in the Climax when geared down like it is creates a tremendous amout of torque and is capable of damaging the drive train as you found out. Glad there was no permanent damage to the Climax!
You could also e-mail the “Bach Man” at the Bachmann site and ask for a recomendation there. Enjoy your trains!
Just installed DZ123 in my Bach. Climax with room to spare Easy installation & it runs good. When you order specify the one with the plug. I ordered one for the climax & was sent the one without the plug,returned it & got replacement by return mail. Only problem, they wouldn’t pay my postage & handling charge.
Just installed DZ123 in my Bach. Climax with room to spare Easy installation & it runs good. When you order specify the one with the plug. I ordered one for the climax & was sent the one without the plug,returned it & got replacement by return mail. Only problem, they wouldn’t pay my postage & handling charge.