Steam decoders for Hudsons, Pacifics, and Niagaras

[roundhouse foreman]

The steam decoders I see on e-bay are for lite 0-4-0 and heavy steam 4-8-8-4's
I am upgrading some Rivarossi and Bachmann units, which Model #'s by brand would be correct for me to use?
All hard wire, but will cut plugs if savings or availability come into play.
Bulb upgrade needed?
As always, any other advice gladly received.

Thanks,

rhf

[richg]

Go look at the SoundTraxx decoder selector. The 0-4-0 will definitely be a Micro Tsunami.

http://www.soundtraxx.com/choose/step1.php

Your question indicates you might not have much DCC experience so look at the below link. Take time to look through ALL his links. Bruce use to own an online DCC company until he retired.

http://www.mrdccu.com/curriculum/soundtraxx/tsunami.htm

If there is room in the tender, you do not necessarily have to hard wire. Just cut the caps on the PC board and plug in the decoder. I have gone both ways.

It would be good to post a photo of each loco in a separate thread which will make it easier to follow.
Many here use Photo Bucket. A picture is worth a thousand words and many times can reduce confusion.

http://photobucket.com/

Rich

[roundhouse foreman]

Thanks Rich.