What Can You Alco Engine Swap?

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

So I am looking at my Bachmann Fa set I am getting read to go in to club paint. Well they are a sound value an if anyone of you have had them you know the problems. They dont run slow, they sound ok, but do not idle up right before moving. I was looking at doing a new Soundtraxx chip in hope of getting moving controle better, but what was wondering what I could put in there?

First off seeing as bigger is always better would a 251B V16 fit in the little Fa? Becouse who would not want a 2400Hp little Fa!

Or the second road is the 251C V12. Lets face is 2000Hp is better then the 2000 the FPA-4 got.

Thoughts?

2

That Bachmann unit has a SoundTraxx Tsunami in right now. It is customized for Bachmann, but I doubt you see better motor control with an ‘off the shelf’ Tsunami decoder. The MLW FPA4 did get the V12-251 powerplant, but I doubt they could jam a V16 version in the carbody… Jim

3

Thanks for the reply Jim.

I am sorry I miss typed! The 251B the Fpa-4 got was 1800hp*, and the 251C was 2000hp.

I had the understanding the “soundvalue” was just that. It was the low line basic it makes sound/make it move chip. When the locomotive is $130, and the single chip is $120… for what I am getting out of the chip I feel some corners got cut with the programing.

Although if I wanted a good Fa I guess I could just go grab a ABA set of rabido Fpa-4’s. But those are a bit expensive for a club repaint.

4

You could try a manufacturer with better motor control. TCS has a Alco 251 sound as well and from what I’ve seen excellent motor control.

5

Looks like Loksound has an Alco 251B prime mover sound file and would definitely be another (and better) option than the Tsunami. You can even hear a sound sample of it from the above link.

Tom

6

I’d try to get the engine to run better before changing anything. What have you set CV 2,3,4, 66 and 95 to?

p.s. they’re ‘decoders’ not ‘chips’.

7

I am not sure of the Cv’s. As I said this is a club setting, and someone" knew just what to do". It may have helped a little, but its nothing like something from Atlas or better. We have a club run coming up soon, any tips on values I should look for?

8

Well, just a shot in the dark to start out, maybe CV 2 = 0, CV 3 and 4 = 25, CV 66 and 95 = 90 and see what happens.

9

MAybe a higher quality speaker would be in order?

10

I agree. Set the above CVs… My S4 will crawl from tie to tie and will ‘kiss’ couple. I set various CVs for switching.

The Bachmann Tsunami has all CV settings.

Here’s the CVs list for the FA.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/factory/OEM%20pages/bachmann/ho_fa2_sv.pdf

11

Sorry I have been missing! But while I was I bit the bullet and got a digitrax zephyr for the house.

First off it turns out I had a bad axle on one of the Fa units. Got a new one, and its running much better.

Second when running on my small layout with the zephyr (nothing more then a 10x3 switching layout) The Fa’s are running worlds smoother.

So this has me thinking that the club layout maybe to much? We have not invested in a big digitrax set up, and are also running it with a zephyr. I also noted that last time the club ran when the head light on one A uint is on it runns lower then the one with out. Could getting a booster help this, and the real problem is to much track for the out put of the pack?