If you're asking if it makes a DC locomotive operate as a DCC locomoive then yes, that's it's basic function.  It can be "tweaked" - - you can change CV values.  If you mean does it add Sound and DCC the answer is no. 

I called the folks at Soundtraxx to ask about adding sound to my DCC GP40.  The tech guy I spoke with said he hadn't cracked the Bachmann GP40 open yet to see what kind of room, if any, was available.   

I had mine opened for a look.  The installed DCC circuit board runs the length of the GP measuring roughly 5.75" x .75" - plenty of room for the Tsunami 645 (recommended for the GP40s) but there is virtually no room inside it shell of the loco for a speaker unless a couple could be fit in the fans area.

I have two GP38s I purchased on ebay - a ripped off loco and dummy that originally came with a Life-Like DC train set.  The loco ran for a couple weeks before quitting.  I figured once I get time and money if I still want to add a sound decoder to my GP40 I'll mount speakers in one of the 38s and drag it as a dummy.

Below is a 645.  Soundtraxx said it's a straight circuit board swap with 6 solder points:

2 motor
2 front light
2 rear light





Rick

Naw..."Yampa" is Svedish for "Grampa."   



Okie Rick

Thanks!

I have photos to work from and plenty of wipes and powders and paints to cover the trucks.  If the wheels show I'll blue them.  Fortunately I bought a GP39A and dummy of ebay a couple months ago.  The motorized A unit gave out so I have plenty of aluminum looking trucks to test color.

I'm reserving the B unit dummy to use with the GP40 DCC.  Soundtraxx makes a TSU-1000 EMD 645 Sound & DCC decoder on a swap-out circuit board.  The B or dummy will have to hold the speakers.

Rick

I bought a Bachmann DCC GP40 loco last week.  It's a Blue / Yellow Santa Fe, nice looking GP.

But they all suffer from the same sickness...they don't look real.  Well they do, just not the wheels or trucks - looks more like a kid with new braces.


             


I have a few bottles of brush on powders for tinting, aging, rusting, etc., but not enough to put a few years looks on these.

I've used gun bluing on my NS track to help make it look real - works petty well.  But I'm afraid of bluing the loco.  I know I could buy new trucks but I read today's paper.  There is a recession going on.

Ideas?
Rick

Many thanks for the quick replies, you filled my shopping basket and then some.  i found all the small tools my helping friends & family I going to be needing.  Thanks guys.




                         




Life is good.
Rick

Keep an eye on ebay - lots of sales of broken sets go on there.   I bought a GP38A and GP38B dummy - the GpP38A lasted a month.  Now I have a retired train yard.

Rick
-

I have the same bag of stuff.  I assumed it to be graphite for lubrication.  I know I'd trust someone lubricating my 2-10-2 with graphite more than I would someone squirting 30 weight on the drivers and wiping 'em down with a greasy rag.

I *hope* Bachmann had the foresight to put that in there to protect us from ourselves!

Rick
-

I used to save every piece of hardware that wasn't going to the landfill when working in tv repair ('68-'73 Zenith & RCA) and utilities sales & service.  Same when working on my automobiles - no nut or bolt went to the trash.  That was back then.

Where do you get your hobby sized hardware - like those needed for HO trains, switch assemblies, etc.  I still have all my dead electronics robbed but I need some screws, small self tapping screws, machined screws with nuts, fiber washers, etc.  I've mnaged to save a few so far but not what I need.  Anyone know were a starter set / assortment can be purchased aside from ebay?

Thanks-
Rick

The speaker is beneath the coal load and plenty of holes were drilled in it.  This tender has a chamber beneath the coal load - makes for a great place to put a speaker.  I only put a 1" dia. speaker in - probably have room for a larger oblong speaker.  I rubber cemented the insides of the chamber and secured the speaker to the coal load.

I've seen "bass" speakers advertised to go into a 2 speaker system for accent of that range of sounds.  I may try that first.  I think I saw them at Soundtraxx or Cabosse.  I need more couplers & steel wheels - I'll order another speaker at the same time.

The cam, well I'll experiment with the cam another day.  I have enough to do.

Thanks for the info-
Rick

Thank you Bach Mann!

Rick

All I found was Proto 1000 RDCs - and no, no DCC.

Okie

Yampa,

When the 2-10-2 I put the TSU-1000 Sound decoder in would not run I gave Soundtraxx a call.  Sources there said CV29 has to be set to enable "dual mode" or DC and DCC.  The decoder installs DCC only (mine did).

But the 2-10-2 with the Bachmnn DCC only in it (same 2-10-2) it would run on on DC and DCC tracks.

...you gather buffalo chips too?...   

With the behind the scenes assistance of Yampa and some advice from Soundtraxx I completed the TSU-1000 sound upgrade to my 2-10-2 Light.

[1] Has anyone added a CAM to aid / provide truer sound?

[2] What is the easiest way to increase all volumes at once if possible?


I've read the operations guide but at this time have no programmer.  I can send it to Tulsa with a friend and have it done in a train shop.

Information is appreciated.
Rick

One tip before you go nuts with your cash; compare the prices of DCC vs DCC with Sound.  a decoder, speaker and wiring hrness + s/h is going to cost you $125.  Which is less expensive in the long run?

FWIW...

Rick