After posting my question I did a little more internet research and found some additional info on the 2-6-6-2 and the decoder from Peach Creek Shops. (http://www.peachcreekshops.com/)
>What's new for July! Lots! - July 16, 2009
I just returned from the NMRA national convention in Hartford, CT. and I'll have to say that I had a good time. <Snip>
The C&O H-4 2-6-6-2.
Everything I said about the N scale version is true about the HO scale version in spades. The H-4 differs considerably from the previously made H-5. A new tender, the correct 12/VC Vanderbilt with the C&O unique Andrews trucks with outside brake hangers; a new cab, with the more radiused roof , common to C&O; a completely new front end with the elongated smokebox door, dual air pumps with correct piping; and the large compound slide valve cylinders. One of the slickest things about this engine is the way the tender is set up for easy access to the decoder. Traditionally, Vanderbilt tenders are a pain to get into. Installing a sound decoder can be a real nightmare because you can't just take the bottom off the tender and gain access to the inside. But the guys at Bachmann did something very clever. Just pick up the tender and place you thumb on the front coal sheet and slide it upward. It comes out that easy. No clips, no glue. Then just slide out the coal load and you have easy access to the 'innards'. Slick. The DCC plug is right there in top. If you want to change from the stock Bachmann decoder to say, a Tsunami, the decoder will fit and you can drop the speaker in the tender tank. All in all, Bachmann did a great job. The photos do not do it justice.
BTW: If you are skeptical that the Bachmann version of the Tsunami sound decoder may not be as good as a full blown Tsunami, you might want to think again. What the Bachmann version lacks are: less whistle sounds, no input for a sound cam, and that's about it! Almost all of the other functionality of a full-blown Tsunami is available, AND you can do the programming using DecoderPro! You don't have to remember CV's!
John>
>What's new for July! Lots! - July 16, 2009
I just returned from the NMRA national convention in Hartford, CT. and I'll have to say that I had a good time. <Snip>
The C&O H-4 2-6-6-2.
Everything I said about the N scale version is true about the HO scale version in spades. The H-4 differs considerably from the previously made H-5. A new tender, the correct 12/VC Vanderbilt with the C&O unique Andrews trucks with outside brake hangers; a new cab, with the more radiused roof , common to C&O; a completely new front end with the elongated smokebox door, dual air pumps with correct piping; and the large compound slide valve cylinders. One of the slickest things about this engine is the way the tender is set up for easy access to the decoder. Traditionally, Vanderbilt tenders are a pain to get into. Installing a sound decoder can be a real nightmare because you can't just take the bottom off the tender and gain access to the inside. But the guys at Bachmann did something very clever. Just pick up the tender and place you thumb on the front coal sheet and slide it upward. It comes out that easy. No clips, no glue. Then just slide out the coal load and you have easy access to the 'innards'. Slick. The DCC plug is right there in top. If you want to change from the stock Bachmann decoder to say, a Tsunami, the decoder will fit and you can drop the speaker in the tender tank. All in all, Bachmann did a great job. The photos do not do it justice.
BTW: If you are skeptical that the Bachmann version of the Tsunami sound decoder may not be as good as a full blown Tsunami, you might want to think again. What the Bachmann version lacks are: less whistle sounds, no input for a sound cam, and that's about it! Almost all of the other functionality of a full-blown Tsunami is available, AND you can do the programming using DecoderPro! You don't have to remember CV's!
John>