Thanks for the response, John.

So it seems I can't just add a sound decoder, I'll have to replace the whole thing.

Rats!  Wish I'd have learned more about this before I started ordering stuff.

Oh, well, buying model train stuff is a hobby unto itself.

Thanks again.

Hi, everyone-

I recently bought a DCC-equipped Bachman 4-4-0.  It wasn't clear to me how comprehensive the DCC decoder was (it's my first On30 loco and first encounter with DCC); I assumed DCC included sound as well, but now I understand that's not so.

Do I have to replace the decoder with one that has sound in it, or is it possible to buy just a sound decoder?

If I have to replace the encoder that came with the engine, what's a good one to get that has sound capabilities, and where can I find one?

And thanks again for the help. 

Thanks to everyone!  I'm now officially an On30 railroad (I haven't even built the benchwork yet, but soon.  As of now it'll be about 4 or 4 1/2 feet off the floor, 2 feet or 30" wide and 35 feet in length in a duck-under closed circle.  But who knows what the final plan will be?).

It WAS a sad day when I had to destroy all the work I had carefully done on my HO layout; all the rest of what went on then was a disaster too.  But economic conditions (and autonomy) have risen to new heights and transportation development is occurring on all fronts- railroads, hot rods in the garage, motorcycles, antique outboard motors, and those are just the transportation diversions.  In short, I feel much better now!

Again, thanks to all of you.

Hi, I'm new here, and new to the idea of On30, so please forgive me if these novice questions have been answered here before.

I had a HO gauge layout about 1/3 built when the railroad failed (got divorced). We ripped up all the track we could and saved everything not bolted to the walls or floor.

Now I'm in a position to rebuild.  I like the larger scale for obvious reasons, but I don't know if On30 equipment will run on the Shinohara code 83 track and switches I saved.  I spent near $1000 on the track which I'd hate to have to toss, yet On30 and all the detail possible calls.  The choice is more or less settled if On30 rolling stock and locos can run on code 83 track.

Will it?  And thanks.