My layout is wired for dual cab operation and I use two PWM-851 (Pulse Width Modulation)hand held throttles.  They work great with all my other locos, including both DCC and non-DCC equipped locos.  DCC would be nice but expensive, and I would probably have to completely rewire my entire layout.

Just received my new FA-2 with sound on board.  I couldn't wait to get it on the layout and give it a test run, as this was my first sound equipped loco.  I wish I could say that it sounds good and runs even better, but it didn't do either.  The instructions state that with DC operation, the engine should begin to idle and have some background sounds at around 5 volts.  At 2 volts, the headlight began to flash and a clicking noise came from the speaker (don't know what that was about?).  I slowly increased the voltage to 12 volts and nothing else happened (in either direction).  Has anyone else out there had any problems with the new FA-2?  I've purchased a number of Bachmann DCC equipped  locos in the past two years and haven't had any problems with them.  I was so hoping this would be a favorable experience with my first sound loco but it wasn't meant to be I guess.  I also received a Bachmann DCC equipped 44 Ton Switcher and it didn't work either (maybe just bad luck?).  Anyway, I'm sending them both back and will ask Santa for something else for Christmas.  Happy holidays to all. 

Thanks everyone for your inputs.  I placed an order for one of the FA2's and can't wait to hear it.  It will be my first "Onboard Sound" loco.  Thanks again, Rod in PA.

Question for the Bach-Man,
Will the new ALCO FA2's with "DCC Sound Onboard" function on a direct current (DC) layout?  If so, are there any control limitations?  Thanks.

Thanks Bach-Mann, I guess I'll have to give it a try.

Hey Bach-Mann, any advice from you would be appreciated........Thanks.

I would like to upgrade the headlight on my Bachmann DCC ready K4.  I've found some info on how to do the upgrade, but I'm not sure how to get to the PC light board inside of the boiler shell.  Does anybody know if the shell can be removed without taking the engine completely apart?  Thanks ahead of time for any help, Rod in PA.