DCC Ready - Hornby and Bachmann Steam Locos

9831 Views 19 Replies 11 Participants Last post by 34C, Feb 21, 2008

cliverob

Discussion Starter · Jul 1, 2006

I have just bought my first two DCC ready steam locos after having mixed results on 5 conversions. The new stock are Hornby R2459 GWR 4-6-0 Castle Class "Wellington" and Bachmann 32-003 Blue Riband Steam GWR 4-6-0 Hall Class "Kinlet Hall". Much to my surprise, neither had any information on fitting decoders. Hornby had a small slip stating that the DCC unit should not be operated without the (supplied) insulation sleeve being in place. (The leaflet with the Bachmann E-Z Command decoders - 36-551 - I intended using stated "never wrap the decoder in insulating tape! Who do you believe?)
I fitted a decoder to the Hornby first. Once I had realised removal of the forward weight made room for the decoder it was quite straightforward as the decoder slid into the spot left by removal of the weight. Once programmed, the loco runs well.
The Bachmann was a very different kettle of fish! On taking the body apart, I was shocked to see absolutely no room for the decoder. I went looking on the Bachmann website for some guidance. On the page "Fitting Decoders to Bachmann locos" the first thing I noticed was the statement 'We are not able to recommend a decoder for each locomotive...' - amazing given that they market decoders!!
Further down the page you find some info on fitting. Under Blue Riband Steam they say 'Those with a space and decoder socket present no problems. Remove body, fit decoder and replace body. A popular approach on other locomotives is to completely remove the factory fitted circuit board as it's not needed for DCC and use the space to fit a small decoder. Otherwise, locate the decoder in the tender."
Removing the circuit board would not leave room for the Bachmann decoder and fitting it in the tender requires a small hole to be cut in the tender base. I am very reluctant to proceed further at this stage for fear of breaching warranty and have sent an Email to them requesting advice on fitting a decoder. I'll keep you posted on progress.

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Makemineadouble

· #3 · Jul 1, 2006

My Standard approach to most installations is to remove the manuafacturers DCC plug, and hard wire in the decoder of my choice. I always test the decoder prior installation. My method has the following advantages:

1 I can be sure that my wiring is 100%.
2 I've found, as well as others that plugs can be faulty and cause decoder failures.
3 I make more space for the decoder by removing the plug.
4 My method means that generally no weights need to be removed.
5 I try to avoid decoders without a wrapper, as they are the most difficult in tight spaces while trying to
avoid shorts.

It's still inconciveable that British manufacturers dont make use of the tender space where available to house decoder plugs. This change requires only a little effort on behalf of the manufacter, and would reduce a lot of frustation with installations. In Bachmanns case the use of tender pickups would improve running reliability.

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Makemineadouble

· #6 · Jul 2, 2006

TCS MC2 a brilliant decoder, small, does'nt need pampering, and if your into plugs you can order one with it.

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Makemineadouble

· #17 · Feb 2, 2008

Actually the basic bachmann decoder is quite useful, but it is basic and quite large for tiny spaces, it has a horse bag on it for insulation. Fit a TCS M1 it's great decoder, and now even better with B-EMF or dither depending on your choice. It also fits in the Tiniest of places just the job for British loco's.

horse bag on it for insulation why do Lenz insist of fitting this instead of a proper wrapper, do their decoders still run as hot as they used to ?

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