Has anyone installed “sound” in a “DCC ready” Bachmann HO 44 tonner? I have just bought one to redo as a Maine Central unit and would like to include sound along with DCC control…johng.
I bought one, and it is to arrive here by UPS in the next couple of days. I had plans of installing a MRC 1626 sound decoder, but I read somewhere that it is darn near impossible because of lack of space. We will see what happens, and I can post the results in the next few days.
The only space there is, is in the cab from the windows up and that’s where the decoder has to live. The rest of the space is filled with weight and you need every ounce of it if you want to pull anything.
If yall think the 44 tonner is tight, you need to try to play with the EMD40. LOL
With the unit being a shortie, and with the cab smack dab in the middle, it makes for a tough charge. But, I have the Prodigy Advance, and it doesn’t do DC. So, if the GE44 TON Switcher can’t be retrofitted for at least an MRC 1626, then guess it will make a good doorstop. Would have gotten a 1635 sheer brilliance decoder- but, since it has components on both sides, it has a thicker profile.
This will be my fourth decoder install. The first was an Atlas EMD 24, second was a Genesis F7, and the third was a Spectrum 2-10-0 Russian Decapod.
Every one of those- the decoders had to be soldered in. The factory soldering on the Bachmann was so atrocious, that the pc board had to be doctored up before I could install a decoder.
Whoops- better stop now. I am leading this off into a different subject.
I bought a Bachmann Spectrum 44 ton switcher two months ago. I wanted to install a decoder in it but didn’t know which one to use so I called Tony’s Train Exchange. They suggested a Digitrax DZ123 because of the size and the lack of space in the 44 tonner.
I can’t imagine installing a sound decoder in one without massive modification. More than I want to handle at my level of experience.
To date I’ve installed non-sound decoders in four Bachmann Spectrum steamers and three Athearn f7’s.
Bill
Assuming you can find a decoder, and fit it inside, where would you put the speaker? I can’t see putting sound into such a small locomotive.
my thoughts, your choices
Fred W