Converting a GS4 to DCC

John Boyle · January 03, 2011, 03:56:57 PM

I have two GS-4's, one daylight colors and one war baby. As of yet they have not been run, but have been sitting aside for quite some time. I am now in the process of revamping my layout and getting my running gear operational. I have Digitrax DCC and most of my running gear has now been converted to DCC. What is the best method for doing so to the GS-4's? I do not have the ability to do it, but I do have a local dealer who does. What I would like to know is what decoder you recommend? And, what is the best method to install the light in the rear of the tender? Also, I have the standard sheet with the blown up picture of all the parts, but I do not have any details on the best method to disassemble for cleaning or lubrication Is there any printed material on the maintenance to the locomotives for a hobbyist?

WTierce1 · January 03, 2011, 03:58:52 PM

How old are the locos? If they are new than they should have DCC already in them.

John Boyle · January 03, 2011, 04:10:46 PM

To Be truthful, I cannot remember when I bought them, and they are able to use the smoke liquid also. But, I have never used them, and the one I did use, a third one, was badly done on the DCC by someone else and now, is only good for parts. I would like to be able to get the back-up light on the tender to be a real light, also. Is there some way I can tell by a marking on the bottom of the Locomotives, approximately when they were made?

John Boyle · January 03, 2011, 04:14:18 PM

In addition to being able to smoke, they do have the knuckle couplers, not X2f, also.

ACY · January 03, 2011, 05:15:51 PM

They sound like they are from the late 90's or so. Also, there are no diagrams supplied by Bachmann for maintenance of these locos. The decoder you choose depends on a variety of factors...like if you want sound, how many functions you want, the amount of current the locomotive draws, if you want special lighting effects, and the amount of space available. If I were you I would not mess around with the DC locos and sell them and buy 2 new DCC locos. The newer locos run much better and already have DCC, and they have working lights on the tenders. But if you want to keep them some more knowledgeable forum members can give you some guidance.

bobwrgt · January 04, 2011, 08:02:27 AM

It is probably not worth converting this older model. The motor is not isolated from the frame and you will have to hard wire a decoder into it. The newer model is much better, and has tender pickup for electrics.
These older models are noted for having the drive axles break or split under heavy load or with age.

Bob

John Boyle · January 04, 2011, 07:01:48 PM

One other thing I have bought is two bowser running gear sets for the GS-4's, bought because I had heard the running gear would fall apart on the older models. I now have someone who says he can assemble the Bowser running gear, but I do not know if that running gear can be made DCC or not! I will try to contact Bowser and find out!

WTierce1 · January 05, 2011, 04:59:40 PM

The running gear doesen't need to be converted. If it includeds the motor, not sure, but if it is just the wheels and gears it doesn't matter.

John Boyle · January 06, 2011, 05:15:42 PM

Bowser has told me that , YES, their running gear which includes a motor, can be converted to DCC. NOW, the trick is , to get the running gear assembled correctly, which could almost do, but there is a part that does need drilling on two exact spots, which I do not trust myself to do. As to converting to DCC, it is not something I can do, either, but I do have a reliable Train store nearby. Before I do anything I will be talking to the man there who does that kind of work.

News:

Converting a GS4 to DCC