convert DC to DCC with sound

[jessie01]

Hi ya,
I was given this train as a gift (Walthers Proto Steam Collection USRA 0-6-0 Steam Locomotive) but I run Hornby DCC with a Select Controller.  (Yes, I apologise, I know this is a Bachmann forum)  Can I, (will it fit) add a DCC Sound decoder.  I'm just starting on this model train thing, can somebody tell me if it is two separate chips or does one decoder run the movement & sound?
Look forward to you replies.
Thanks
Got this for Christmas too (HO DCC Sound Bachmann Spectrum USRA light 2-10-2 Seaboard (SAL) 2489)  Too busy to have it out of the box yet, hope she runs on 18" radius?  What do you folk think of it's running and sound?
Thanks again

[Len]

TCS makes a kit containing all the parts needed to add DCC w/Sound to the Proto USRA 0-8-0 and 0-6-0:
http://tcsdcc.com/1920

Also available from Walthers as item #745-1920

Len

[Trainman203]

DCC decoders can be installed in anything given the right knowledge and skill set.  However, i belive that those bases take time to acquire and that a beginner is much more likely to fry a $100 decoder than achieve success.  I'd trust that work to a professional tech, there are dozens of them.  The proto 0-6-0 is a nice engine, I have one.  Let a pro do it right for you.

The 2-10-2 will probably get around an 18" radius curve but will look ridiculous hanging over at either end, reminding me of a bear wearing a tutu riding a bicycle in the circus.  Getting something that big around a curve that sharp isn't unlike some prisoner escaping jail by soaping up and squeezing through the bars.  It can be done .... but ....

I have three of those 2-10-2's, bought them for a now gone big club layout.  I have a minimum 26" radius at home and I won't run these engines there because they just don't look good on that curve.  That's just me, maybe you won't mind it. But big engines want big curves, that fact can't be changed.

[Trainman203]

About the 2-10-2..... I have one with stock Bachmann Soundtraxx onboard sound, the other two have aftermarket Soundtraxx Tsunami decoders installed.  The (pre sound value ) Bachmann Soundtraxx unit is very good, I am satisfied with mine.  It's good and loud, and two  of the three whistle choices are appropriate for the engine.  It has cv 113 which leaves the engine silent until  powered up, and turns it off after a time of inactivity that you can choose.  The motor control cv's 209 and 210 can be adjusted so that baby will crawl like an ant.  Other cv's adjust chuff rate, sound volumes, momentum, etc, all very cool.

All three of mine operate like champs.  I just wish I had a layout that could take them. I'll  never sell them though.

[rich1998]

As was said, if you have the mechanical and electrical and soldering capabilities, it can be done.
I have done Bachmann steamers and other brands plus a few diesels. Most HO can handle 28mm speakers. Mine do.
My Atlas has two 28mm in an A frame facing each other.

Trains.com has a DCC forum for many brands including Bachmann. 
TCS is excellent.
Bachmann has some sound modules I believe.

I have used SoundTraxx and LokSound some years ago
Rich

[jessie01]

Thanks for your thoughts guys.
have found a model train shop local that will do it for me