HO Spectrum Cavalier - DCC Onboard

[newbie-linn]

OK, I'm a newbie at the whole model train thing.  I purchased Bachmann Spectrum Cavalier HO set to have around the Christmas tree for the grandkids.  I want to add sound to this to add to the excitement for the grandkids.  What do I need to do?  Also, with this train set, the engine is very slow!  How do I get more power to it?  It has been broken in, oiled and greased but it is SLOW!

[jonathan]

As you are new to model railroading, adding sound to any locomotive can be an intimidating project.

You will find it much more efficient and economical to purchase a locomotive that already has sound installed.  I would suggest a Bachmann locomotive with "sound onboard".  You are most likely running a DC system, and the Bachmann sound locomotives will run in both DC and DCC mode. 

This will save you alot of headaches in the long run.

Just my two cents.

Regards,

Jonathan

[newbie-linn]

Hi Jonathan,  Thanks for the reply but I've already purchased the Spectrum Cavalier and plan on moving forward with fitting this one out with sound.

[Hunt]

Replace the DCC decoder in your locomotive tender and add speaker.

Suggest SoundTraxx

Model	Decoder Model	Decoder Part #	Speaker/ Baffle Kit #
N&W Class J 4-8-4	TSU-1000 Southern Steam	826121	810054/ 810110

Click Here These instructions are for a different locomotive than the one you have but generally apply thus giving you an idea of what is involved and some how-to.

You will also need to purchase a DCC system.

[Hunt]

Also

You may replace the bare end wiring harness attached to the SoundTraxx decoder with
SoundTraxx Part No. 810135 - 9-Pin JST to NMRA 8-Pin Wiring Harness
It will eliminate some soldering.


Click Here for SoundTraxx website

[Mdaskalos]

linn,

You really ought to consider Jonathan's advice to purchase a DCC/sound on board locomotive. Consier the following points:

1. Bachmann produces serverall DCC/sound on board locomotives that operate in dual-mode, meaning they run and produce sound on standard DC (your set is this type) and on DCC. The Kanawha/Berkshire types can be had for about $200.

2. Installing DCC with sound costs around $100, and you have to do the installation yourself.

3. When are the grandkids arriving? Standard shipping gets you a locomotive in what, 3-5 business days? Yeah , the decoder and speaker will arrive in the same time frame, but then, you've got to find the time after that to do the work. Will you have the work done when the grandkids show up? If you're new to this hobby and hose up the work, then what?

4. Like Hunt said, for your install-yourself sound, you're going to need to buy a DCC system. Another $150 or so. The new sound decoder you install may/or may not support dual mode, but if it doesn't come already set to oerate in dual mode, then that's more time lost, and the extra money spent on a DCC system, anyway.

5. No one one has addressed your second point yet, about your engine running slow. Some engines are made to run slow like their prototypes (Shays, Heislers, etc.) I don't think your Class J 4-8-4 is supposed to be a slow runner. "More power to it" may not be the solution. It may be over-lubed and need a cleaning. or maybe you set it up o nthe floor directly on carpet and have fibers around the axles. But, power could be the issue: check the voltage out of your controller with a voltmeter, as well.

6. If the engine is defective, and you send it back for service, it ain't gonna be back for Christmas.

7. If your current power supply is working properly, a DCC/sound on board locomotive that operates in dual mode out of the box is your fastest way to be up and running, and possibly less expensive. You can always move forward with your plan to install sound as you have the time to take it thoughtfully.

If you think at this point that a new locomotive with sound is warranted, you're in luck: Bachmann makes several that fit the bill; their 2-8-4 Kanawha/Berkshire are handsome locomotives (they're "brawny", not streamlined) of the same era as your class J, and should fit the curve radius of your set that your Class J came in (I do N scale myself, and am guessing on this point, if others know otherwise on this point, please comment.)

The Kanawha and Berkshire are very similar locomotives and differ slightly in appearance. I like the look of the C&O Kanawha a little better myself, but the Nickel Plate Road (NKP) 765 Berkshire survives to this day, and does excursions. (Meaning, if it historical considerations matter to you, that it is not absurd that the NKP 765 could be pulling a string of Norfolk and western coaches; a C&O Kanawha engine less likely so.

And they're available from a number from a number of sources (I'm not shilling for anyone):

trainworldonline.com
factorytrainsdirect.com
modeltrainstuff.com
amazon.com

Just make sure you look explicitly for both the sound and DCC on board.

Good luck no matter what you choose.

[Doneldon]

linn-

You will have most sounds if you operate a DCC/sound loco on DC. That's because most decoders these days are what's called dual-mode, meaning they can work on either DC or DCC and even detect which is available on the track. You will lose some sounds and the ability to control just when some others play. I believe your grandchildren will be thrilled either way (based on my own grandkids).

Speed is highly subjective. People who play with trains tend to want to run them at something approaching light speed but model railroaders run trains much, much more slowly. This is because 12-inches-to-the-foot railroads (real trains) typically operate at much less than all ahead flank emergency, running fast means our trains only need a couple of seconds to get from one station to the next, and fast model trains have an annoying habit of derailing, flying off of the railroad to the concrete basement floor below and breaking couplers, among other things.

Let me ask you a question: Does your locomotive slow down as you add cars or can it maintain its speed (whatever it is) whether it is pulling two, four or six cars? Your answer will help us help you with your problem.

The floor, and especially a carpeted floor, is the worst place to run model trains. They get kicked and stepped on. Tracks get broken, disconnected and reconnected incorrectly by little hands. Kids jostling gifts mess up or even break things. All kinds of dirt and fibers can get into the works and potentially gum things up real good. All of these greatly increase the likelihood of tears and disappointment for the little ones. So ... if you must run on the floor (which seems likely since you have a Christmas tree plan, at least put a sheet or a hard surface like plywood under the tree to protect the trains.

At the risk of sounding like the Grinch, I urge you to consider returning your train set and replacing it with a large scale Christmas train. These are much more durable, typically have at least some sound and lighting effects, are easier for small hands to manipulate and operate, and are far more noticeable under a tree than are small HO trains. I've been a model rail for nearly 60 years and do extensive HO modeling, but even I have a large scale train for under the tree. The youngest grandchildren (three years old this year) are delighted to see and hear the exciting train and the older ones reminisce about the times we ran trains or they sat under the tree watching the trains for hours at a time. And I sure have some wonderful memories of my own, probably the best of all of my holiday memories.
                                                                                              -- D