Intermountain SD40-2W

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Would anyone know the reason why these HO units are only available with a DCC decoder ?

Thanks for your insight

2

From the Intermountain Web site:

This is the initial release of the InterMountain Railway HO scale SD40-2W. The model has a new drive with six wheel HTC trucks, equipped for DC or DCC operation.

HO Decoder Information:

All InterMountain HO locomotives released after January 2011 will be DCC equipped from the factory. The DCC decoder for both sound and non-sound versions will operate on DC or DCC out of the box.

I would guess it is cheaper to drop in a DC compatible decoder than it is to manufacture a separate DC circuit board for it.

3

This brings up an assumption and a question. I assume this means the units are DCC Ready (no decoder). However, I have read that DCC locos being used on a DC layout do not run very well. Is this true? Also, if I buy the DCC Ready loco with sound will it sound the same on a DC layout?

Thanks,

Glenn

4

I have one and it runs great on my DC layout.

5

csxns,

Thanks for the reply,

Glenn

6

Russell,

Have tried to run it with other DC locos ? (mu’d)

Let us know about the result ?

Michel D.

7

No, just by it self, going to try it with one of the Intermountain Gevos to see if i want to team it with it or another SD40-2W.To me i think it is a great loco.

8

Your assumption is wrong. As stated above these locos are DCC and DCC/Sound EQUIPTED. That means no DCC-Ready (DC only-no decoder) versions. The DCC and DCC/Sound units will run on DC. Not all models run bad on DC with DCC decoders, it depends on the decoder.

DCC Ready means it has a DC circuit board that a decoder can be plugged into.

The DCC/Sound version will sound the same with DC or DCC. With DC one has access to a limited number of controls over the sound functions. There are separate sound controlers for DC available for about $35 to give you access to all the sound controls and programing.

9

The reason is so that the recidivists can double head sound locos with stealth locos and have them play nice together. Otherwise the stealth loco would be dragging the sound one along at start up.
Matthew

10

I know what you mean. Even if the DDC decoder will “let it play nice together” w/ straight DC, start up and intermitant shutdown from finicky electrical pickup or dirty tract can come into play.

11

Oops! My bad. I missed that. Thanks for the info about the separate sound controllers for DC.

Glenn