I've had good results using Testors' 'Easy Lift-Off' to remove lettering on On30 scale Bachmann products.

It's designed to remove decals and stamped lettering without damaging plastic or paint.

I wet one side of a Q-tip in the solution then rub it on what I want to remove, after a while the lettering dissolves and the dry end can be used to mop up the remaining fluid.


If viewed under a light at JUST the right angle, you can see where the lettering used to be.  Otherwise it appears like it came unlettered from the factory.

The insulated gap sections are already electrically isolated, no need for plastic joiners.

How is your loop set up?

You need two isolated gap track segments to electrically isolate the loop from the main line.

Welcome!

The analog 2-6-0 is the only currently-produced loco I'm aware of that's DC only, though Bachmann also makes a DCC version now with an optional sound module.

Bachmann's current lineup of DCC On30 locomotives use dual-mode decoders that are compatible with DC operation. the drawback is that they need a few volts to 'wake up'; So they won't start to crawl until you turn the dial up a bit.

If you aren't satisfied with the dual-mode DC operation, it's possible to rewire the DCC locos to be analog-only.

The set comes with 18" radius curves, each curve is 30 degrees.

Track radius should be measured between the rails.  The width of a full circle including the roadbed is about 38 inches.


I apologize if that doesn't help, I use XTrkCAD for my layout.

I've had good luck removing Bachmann's lettering with Testors' Easy Lift-Off.

https://www.testors.com/product-catalog/testors-brands/model-master/primers-top-coats-thinners-cleaners/paint-and-decal-remover/

Soak one end of a Q-tip in it, then rub the lettering until it dissolves.  Dry the area with the other end.


Won't harm the underlying paint or plastic either.

I think that's Sirapite, it survives at the UK's Long Shop Museum.

http://www.longshopmuseum.co.uk/the-story-of-sirapite/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIh3PxrR7Xc

Quote from: infamouselijah on November 09, 2018, 05:57:33 PM
Out of curiosity, what would you consider to be a "heavy" freight car?

I'm assuming a Schnabel car?

https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=258_324_659&zenid=lbh1i08m602r7vilamvkfmgeu4

You're welcome.  However I don't have that specific model of locomotive so I may be mistaken.

If that's the case you can set CV 8 to 8 to reset the decoder to factory settings if it messes up.

Here is the complete list of CVs for that model if it helps you:  https://www.soundtraxx.com/factory/images/bachmann/pdf/ho_2-6-0_sv.pdf

Yes, the two functions are for the forward and rear lights.  The sounds are independent.  (I know it's confusing at first)

Even in sound decoders, the 'functions' are typically for lights or lighting effects such as strobes or firebox flicker.  Since your loco only has two lights the 2-function option makes the most sense.

Page 5 of the Sound Value Quick-Start Guide says the decoders have two lighting outputs unless you have the DD40AX diesel locomotive.

This should mean that the loco has a 2-function decoder.

https://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/images/Sound-Value-Decoder-Quick-Start-Guide.pdf

Quote from: Trainman203 on November 05, 2018, 01:08:14 PM
I don't think there's such a thing!

How about diesels that USED to be steam?

http://ngdiscussion.net/phorum/file.php?1,file=22522,in_body_attachment=1

http://david-longman.com/sitebuilder/images/Australia_08_-_Baldwin_52102-694x456.jpg

https://camo.derpicdn.net/b8c9a6ea61cd5753cab75054ced7e63b7c41fb05?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.freerails.com%2Fgallery%2F589%2F589_082142_370000000.jpg

http://www.railpictures.net/photo/313615/

I believe that last one is gasoline, but I still think it's cool.

Quote from: mabloodhound on November 02, 2018, 12:18:20 PM
Look at the WOW decoders from TCS. 
You will be impressed and easy to install. https://tcsdcc.com/wowsteam

I didn't know about those, I have a Climax bunker at home (I made a small tender for my Porter from it) and I think the B-MB2 might fit inside.

I love how some of those boards have Keep-Alives built-in, those will be a great help with DCC since it's more picky about track quality and cleanliness than analog trains are.

It's not a silly idea, it's been done before.  Perhaps you could even make the Climaxes look like type C with the sound trailer?

Space is limited, but removing the bunker will give you some more room to work.

As for doing the conversion, I'll need to defer to somebody who's seen the inside of the analog model.  I'm only seeing DCC-ready ones with the 8-pin plug.

Glad I can help. 

Sadly, Bachmann has run out of the sound decoders that go in that tender.  You can, however, install a 3rd party sound-enabled decoder directly to the exposed wires.

I've had great luck with SoundTraxx's sound decoders.  They sell speakers, gaskets, and other installation accessories as well.