I've had a Dash 8-40CW DCC BNSF #812 Deisel for a while now and recently accuired an F7 A & B with DCC & sound and it's awsome!  I want to add sound to my Dash 8-40.  Can anyone point me in the right direction as to which module to buy?  Any plug and play modules?

Thanks for the reply Jake.  My guess is you are right if I had bought a Bachmann Decoder.  It looks like the Bachmann Decoders have a 6 pin connector, a wiring harness and then the PC board.  This would make moving it easier within the coal tender.  The Digitrax decoder has the PC board installed on the PC board so you connect directly to the top of the connector.  I was able to unscrew the plastic coal top from the tender, hobby-knife out the inside cealing, glue the coal back in and now the decoder fits fine.  Looks good too, no cosmetic damage. 

I bought a Bachmann Spectrum "Russian Decapod" 2-10-0 Item # 81707
Susquehana Steam engine.  The Train did not say DCC ready, however it took a DH163IP decoder and programmed just fine.  Only problem is that I can't replace the Coal Tender housing, it's cealing is too low.  Is ther a DCC ready coal tender housing I can buy?  Where would I buy one if available?  Thanks.   

Thanks Hunt for the information.  I tried a 100ohm resistor that came with the LT1 Cable tester and I got a different programming code so I thik we're on the right track, pardon the pun.  I will try a 1000ohm resistor when I can buy one at the local Radio Shack on  Monday. 

The decoder is a Bachman Item no. 44915 that was installed with the train.  I even tried to run the train in Analog mode (00) on the track but it won't budge. 

I just received my Zepher Starter Set from Digitrax.  I'm trying to set up my BNSF # 812 Bachmann Spectrum GE Dash 8-40CW.  I already changed the address on my 2-10-0 Western Maryland Decapod with no problem.   When I place the 8-40CW on the programming track and try to read the Decoder, I get an error message indicating that there is an open circuit on the programming track and that no current draw is dectected by the programmer.  D nd code.  Additionally, I read that some locomotivex employ a motor filter in the wiring that can cause problems with the Supersonic decoders and analog operation on DCC and the capacitor should be removed for safe operation.  Any suggestions?  Help!!

I own several Bachmann trains and I'm looking to go DCC.  One train is already DCC equipped, the Item # 83506,  8-40CW Diesel Loco, but I have (2) Russian Decapod 2-10-0 Locos, Item # 81702 which says DCC ready and the Item # 81707 which doesn't mention DCC.  I'm guessing I need to buy a mobile decoder for the DCC ready.  Am I ready to go with the DCC onboard Diesel? Any suggestions on which decoder to buy? Thanks in advance.