Spectrum 0-6-0 saddle tank with DCC-on-Board

[hotrainlover]

Has anyone purchased one of these engines?  I have the DCC ready one, that I installed a DZ123 decoder into.  It runs fantastic, and would like another!!

Are there any pros, or cons that I need to know?  I want to ask Santa for one!  Does it have a decoder W/8 pin connector, or have a "board" type one?
Thanks for the help!!

[ABC]

It is not possible for someone to have the DCC on board versions yet, they have not reached retailers yet, unless they just did so very recently. What I can tell you is that every other Bachmann Spectrum DCC equipped steam locomotive does have an 8-pin plug. (not standard line, like the 0-6-0w/tender that has DCC)

[Jim Banner]

I haven't seen one of the new DCC on board ones, but I suspect it will have a custom board decoder.  This is a very small locomotive and carving away enough of the weight to accommodate a plug and a socket would probably have an unacceptable effect on performance.

If you like your 0-6-0 with a DZ123, you might try for another DCC ready one and install a DZ125 decoder.  It has all the goodies of the 123 and BEMF control to boot. 

Jim

[CNE Runner]

Jim - I got the opportunity to run one of these little 'jewels' on a chap's layout recently...fantastic runner! I only wish Bachmann would put the same running gear into its Plymouth switcher. Thanks for the decoder information update.

Ray

[rich1998]

Jim - I got the opportunity to run one of these little 'jewels' on a chap's layout recently...fantastic runner! I only wish Bachmann would put the same running gear into its Plymouth switcher. Thanks for the decoder information update.

Ray

the 0-6-0t has a lot of gear reduction which makes it a very nice runner. count the gear reduction sometime.

side rods on the plymouth would not look right. 

i have the digitrax dz125 decoder in a two motor 44 ton spectum. very nice decoder. quite small.
lex

[hotrainlover]

Jim,
Yes I had thought of just "Doing it again" to another unit.  It would be CHEAPER, to purchase the DCC-On-Board one from Trainworld.  I paid more for the old unit, (not including the decoder price)  than they advertise the NEW one...  Without the work!!

Yes!  They run superbly!!  I love the unit.  It is a great yard switcher.  Currently it is pulling my Xmas cars with Santa and ALL his reindeer!!

[CNE Runner]

Lexon - I meant to use just the gear train. On the other hand both Davenports and Whitcombs have side rods. I would imagine the 'secret' to the 0-6-0T's slow running ability is the gear reduction. Having a set of gears (with appropriate reduction) and BEMF would be terrific.

Ray

[rich1998]

Lexon - I meant to use just the gear train. On the other hand both Davenports and Whitcombs have side rods. I would imagine the 'secret' to the 0-6-0T's slow running ability is the gear reduction. Having a set of gears (with appropriate reduction) and BEMF would be terrific.

Ray

i know, that is why i put the smiley there.

one time i measured the gear reduction and i believe it was about 55 to 1 reduction, did not write down the numbers though.
about fifteen years ago with nwsl gears i re-geared a 4-6-0 loco with 45 to 1 and a 0-4-0 with 70 to 1. they run as good as the 0-6-0t.
lex

[CNE Runner]

If I ever get caught up on my model railroad projects, if might be fun to purchase another Bachmann Plymouth switcher and see if I can install NSW gearing...something I have never done before. Probably the major drawback is the cost of the gearing verses the 'value' of the intro-line Plymouth.

Lex - I knew you were kidding and I hope you didn't take my reply negatively.

Ray