Would a 2-8-0 Bachmann Spectrum, be a good place to start for a first time decoder install?Also any recommends on what decoder to use.Last ?? can a decoder equipped loco run on a DC system?As always any help is welcome.
tjm
P.S. You all know there is a spellcheck on almost all programs.
Go to Digitrax or a websight who sells decoders and look for the decoder selection list. Digitrax has very nice running decoders and a reference list.
You can run decoder equiped locos on DC but they usually buz a bit and run slow. Every manufacturer is deiferent so ask around some more.
See if this helps. This is the main page…
http://www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/dcc/conversions.html
And here is the page for the 2-8-0…
http://mvns.railfan.net/dcc//bach280_dec_inst.pdf
It’s not too hard.
Just make sure you get a newer release of decoder that specifically says it auto-detects whether you’re running DC or DCC, because some of the early ones will not run on a DC layout.
Pretty much all current decoders work on DC, and they shouldn’t buzz. Running a DC loco on DCC usuing address 0 on systems that can support it, that usually makes an annoying buzz.
A steam loco with a tender is a good place to start for installing decodersin N scale, since there is more space than a tank-type loco or most diesels. Most recent production diesel locos have drop-in replacement decoders the simply replace the existing light board, but older ones usually require some milling of the frame to make space to fit the decoder - or the purchase of a replacement frame from Aztec or Southern Digital if you don’t have the facilities to do that. The relatively big space in the tender makes it easy by comparision.
–Randy