Very nice! Thank you for sharing... 

Well, I did some research on the basic differences between the B&O EM-1 and the Northern Pacific Z-5. Comparing the visual & dimensional differences, I decided that the #7627 (small dome) was sufficiently close to the Z-5 that I might eventually [try to] convert it for my Northern Pacific RR ... So, I now have one on reserve...

Is there any chance that Bachmann will release ~ prototypical versions of the 2-8-8-4 for other railroads, such as the Northern Pacific?

Mr RustyCoupler,

I plan on converting a 2012 version of the Bachmann 4-8-4 one of these days. I took a few photos & notes with the shell off a few weeks ago, otherwise, no dis-assembly.

DCC Conversion notes:
1. Split frame
2. Shell removal requires removal of three screws and prying shell aft sides away at cab floor slots
3. Locomotive electrical pick-ups not visible with only shell removal
  (Spookshow.net states forward six drivers are electrical pick-ups as are the pilot & trailing trucks (one track each)
4. Motor electrical pick-up via small metal contacts which are bent around frame slots
5. Threaded shafts for the shell aft two fasteners block running wires from motor area to locomotive aft end
6. Shell inside contours appear to be snug to the split frame contours, not allowing pathes for light, electrical pick-up or motor wiring
7. Tender was not disassembled, however, unlikely that it can be so (probably glued shut, is very light therefore probably all plastic, etc.); A DCC-ready tender would be the best solution for housing a decoder and gaining additional electrical contact.

NOTE: How does one contact an Administrator on this site? I tried to upload a photo of the loco with the shell off, but received an error stating the file exceeded the upload folder size. However, the photo did not exceed the size limit. What the hey?

I would like one too! And, I will hold my breath!   

There's an article in the Jan/Feb 2013 issue of N-Scale Magazine where the author mentions (several times) that he converted a 0-4-0 Dockside to DCC. I've been meaning to write to the editor to see if they might ask the author to submit an article about the conversion, but I have not had the time.

The loco. has limited electrical contacts (obviously), limited weight and no traction tires, so it seems that modifying it to fit a decoder might render its capabilities more than you would like.

I look forward to reading about your conversion...

Since you mention "DCC Ready Spectrum 4-8-2" ("light mountain"), the newer version of this model is wired from the locomotive to the tender and the tender has a board within it to which you can solder a small decoder. The earlier version is not wired and the tenders were not so equipped; it is "DCC ready" in the sense that Bachmann provided a space for a decoder under the boiler shell and isolated the motor as the prior posts mention. Please note that there is also a Spectrum 4-8-2 "heavy mountain" that is DCC decoder equipped. You might wan to visit the following to see a thorough right-up on these: http://www.spookshow.net/bachmann482.html

Typical n-scale cars representing 1930's to present passenger coaches are about 6 inches in length. My experience with such cars suggests that operation on 13 3/4 inch radius is okay, but smaller radii may lead to problems. This is based on testing a variety of brands (Walthers, Micro-Trains, Intermountain, Kato & Con-Cor). My opinion on appearance is that anything less than about 18.75 - 19 inch radius seems inadequate.

Many thanks to all of you for your replies.

Mr. Ward, thank you very much for the explanation and advice. I have passed it on to my brother, and he will be quite pleased!

Mr D., my apologies for the puzzlement ... It would be difficult to explain my brother's layout predicaments, but sufficed to say, he has a very limited space in which to run trains, and, at this point in time, the trains are more for the enjoyment of the family in watching trains run than for modeling, performing railroad operations, etc. He has just enough space to have an N dog-bone within an HO oval.

Greetings!  My brother would like to run both an HO scale locomotive and an N scale locomotive simultaneously using his new E-Z Command Controller. Is there any technical reason why he should not do so? Thank you in advance!