EMD GP40 Chessie #4155 DCC Ready

[peacekeeper_b]

I just bought an EMD GP40 Chessie #4155 DCC Ready as well as a Digitrax SDN147PS DCC Sound Decoder & Speaker 8 Pin Plug.

When I took the covering off the Chessie I couldn't find a place to insert the 8 pin plug.

Am I missing something?

[trainman203]

If you bought it used, there's a chance that the boxes were switched to a DCC box when you actually got a DC engine. Someone that knows the model numbers better than I will have to confirm.

All the time on eBay, I see people listing some item as per the box label when in reality the contents of the box is something entirely different.

You do appear to be missing something though, a speaker.

[peacekeeper_b]

If you bought it used, there's a chance that the boxes were switched to a DCC box when you actually got a DC engine. Someone that knows the model numbers better than I will have to confirm.

All the time on eBay, I see people listing some item as per the box label when in reality the contents of the box is something entirely different.

You do appear to be missing something though, a speaker.

I bought it new. The speaker is attached to  the digitrax decoder.

[Terry Toenges]

"DCC ready" can mean different things. As I understand it, with some products, DCC ready only means that the motor is isolated from the frame.  There wouldn't necessarily be a receptacle for a plug and it would have to be hard wired.

[peacekeeper_b]

https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=7021

Description says it has "factory-installed 8-pin socket for DCC decoder installation of your choice".

Is there a place to get answers straight from the company?

[Terry Toenges]

I see what you mean. It looks like Bachmann screwed up. I don't see a place for the plug on the circuit board. I don't have a phone number for them but someone on here might. Maybe the Bach Man or another employee will see this post.

[jward]

There is a plug on that board, and a dummy plug installed as well. You can't find the 8 pin socket because the plug is 21 pins.

[peacekeeper_b]

There is a plug on that board, and a dummy plug installed as well. You can't find the 8 pin socket because the plug is 21 pins.

Ok. So it won't take a 8 pin, what do I order? I'm new to this hobby and honestly, this seems to be a pretty significant "typo" on the product that has already set me back 2 weeks and $65.

[trainman203]

It's not a typo, it's an advancement in technology. The locomotive webpage clearly says 8 pin, and I'll bet that the Digitraxx product certainly says 21 pin.  A critical difference that a newcomer would not be aware of.

21 pin is the world of today and frankly, for something to be offered still using the old wiring components is not a good thing.  You can always say buyer beware, but when the buyer is completely new to the game, they don't know what to look for. 

You're going to have to try to find a decoder that meets the technology in the engine. But keep the Digitraxx one, it will certainly work in the next engine you buy..... if you carefully read the specs.

[peacekeeper_b]

It's not a typo, it's an advancement in technology. The locomotive webpage clearly says 8 pin, and I'll bet that the Digitraxx product certainly says 21 pin.  A critical difference that a newcomer would not be aware of.

21 pin is the world of today and frankly, for something to be offered still using the old wiring components is not a good thing.  You can always say buyer beware, but when the buyer is completely new to the game, they don't know what to look for. 

You're going to have to try to find a decoder that meets the technology in the engine. But keep the Digitraxx one, it will certainly work in the next engine you buy..... if you carefully read the specs.

I'll explain again.

The digitrax is 8 pin. I know because I bought it and it clearly says 8 pin. I bought an 8 pin because the bachmann information about the locomotive clearly says 8 pin. But the engine appears to actually be 21 pin, despite what the specs say. I bought it new. Not used.

I appreciate any and all help and advice, but please, read my posts.

You would know thus if you clearly read my posts and the specs on the bachmann engine I linked.

Train specs says any 8 pin decoder.

[Terry Toenges]

Is that 21 pin board removable? Is the 21 pinner plugged into an 8 pin socket?

[peacekeeper_b]

Is that 21 pin board removable? Is the 21 pinner plugged into an 8 pin socket?

I've pulled on it a little but I'm hesitant to pull too hard. I was hoping I'd find someone here who had the same engine. I have listened to the information provided by other posters and ordered a 21 pin decoder hoping that that is the actual answer.

We will find out in about 2 weeks.

I have no problem with the engine actually being 21 pin and not 8, but they need to confirm and update the description online. I've now spent $170 on decoders for an engine that cost $165.

[trainman203]

Yes, you are presently out some coin but if you buy another engine you already have the decoder.  There's no real loss here unless you intend to never ever buy another engine.

I've been model railroading on and off since the 1960s, and I know I have spent a lot more money on the occasional rabbit hole than anyone here most likely.  I'll start a list if you need one.  This is a hobby, not a business, it's not well suited to profit and loss statements.  You just have to roll with it and accept that not everything will turn up roses.  I did a long time ago and I am happier for it.  Every mistake has one way or another been a learning experience.

Try calling the service department. If you present the case to them that you believe the product has been misrepresented and put you into a situation they might possibly take it back and refund you.  Or exchange it for one with the right decoder interface for you.  Over at least 20 years I've never had anything but good interaction with them.

[peacekeeper_b]

Yes, you are presently out some coin but if you buy another engine you already have the decoder.  There's no real loss here unless you intend to never ever buy another engine.

I've been model railroading on and off since the 1960s, and I know I have spent a lot more money on the occasional rabbit hole than anyone here most likely.  I'll start a list if you need one.  This is a hobby, not a business, it's not well suited to profit and loss statements.  You just have to roll with it and accept that not everything will turn up roses.  I did a long time ago and I am happier for it.  Every mistake has one way or another been a learning experience.

Try calling the service department. If you present the case to them that you believe the product has been misrepresented and put you into a situation they might possibly take it back and refund you.  Or exchange it for one with the right decoder interface for you.  Over at least 20 years I've never had anything but good interaction with them.

I'm new to this hobby, not to hobbies. Decades of Warhammer and miniature wargames have taught me a lot about investment in hobbies.

I'm not look for replacement or reimbursement. Just looking for an answer to the next step. And if the information on the engine stats on the website then I'd like it fixed so future customers aren't accidentally mislead.

[Yard Master]

Hi all,

This item previously had an 8 pin plug, but was updated to a 21 pin plug in the most recent production run. We will update the website description accordingly.