Finally got around to installing the Soundtraxx DSD-B280LC decoder into my other Bachmann 2-8-0 (the one that hasn’t yet been Espee’d on). I can see why they call it plug and play as it’s a snap to do. It actually takes longer to drill the myriad holes (to let the sound out) in the coal load and the shell under the coal load as indicated in the instructions than it does to remove the shell and install the board.
As an aside, I recommend snapping of the tab that anchors the coal load to the tender shell since it will impinge upon the Soundtraxx circuit board and make the tender shell re-installation problematic. The coal load really doesn’t need that tab as it’s a good pressure fit.
I’m probably putting the cart before the horse as I have neither layout nor a DCC system, although the club I belong runs its layout on DCC. Oh well, I can test and tweak the thing there.
Andre