I have an old (18-20 y/o) Bachmann 2-8-0 that was originally lettered for ATSF and has the power pickups in the drivers, not the tender. I’m thinking about converting it to DCC. Any advice or suggestions?
How well does it run on DC? Installing DCC will only make the loco run more finiky.
David B
You could try this guys idea for tender pickup. I use the idea with old tender drive locomotives on DCC. It should work on the 2-8-0.
http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/bachmann_4-4-0/wipers/
Rich
With a loco that old it’s a pretty safe bet that the motor is grounded to the frame. Make sure the motor is isolated from the frame or any decoder you put in will go poof.
It runs well on DC and decently on loco address of “00” on DCC. I just was thinking that it might be worth the effort. I think the frame is not grounded to the motor as I’ve coupled it with an old ‘BB’ athearn loco and didn’t have sparks between couplers.
I forgot about the motor. Below is a link to the discussion in the Bachmann Forums of the motor type in the present day Bachmann locos.
http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,4500.0.html
If you are mechanically talented, you could buy your own motor and replace the old one. This may be more work than you care to do.
Rich