Hi Bob,

I have two of the SP Daylight engines. I suppose both of them are both a little glossy but not enough for me to dull coat them (at least for the moment).

I'm not sure how to gauge the speed. Neither one runs at a "full out" speed like some toy models will. I would be curious to know if mine max out at the 55, 60 mph limit or if they are running true to scale.

Hopefully someone will have your answer!

Chuck S

Hi Alex,

Try Caboose Hobbies in Denver, CO.  Looks like they have lots of what you want.

http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?scales_name=HO+Scale&roadnames_name=&categories_id=156&inc_subcat=1&manufacturers_id=572&keyword2=&sku=&osCsid=8cc6a9956d163d49987528363cb77aa7&maxrow=50&x=25&y=10

HTH,

Chuck S

Quote from: FPVonk on May 25, 2009, 11:46:25 AM
Hello, I bought the Telescoped Northern 4-8-4 & Tender (Operating Headlight) Road Name: Santa Fe #3777 (1940s - 1950s).
Can you tell me the minimum curve radius for this Locomotive. Can you also tell me when I purchase more locomotives in the future where I can find this.
Also I want to know if I put in a decoder with DCC and sound if I should take out the print which is already in the loco, and I do not mean the DCC decoder. The Loco will be run on DCC.

Greetings From Holland.

Fred Vonk

Hello Fred,


Was that the Bachmann 4-8-4 Santa Fe you purchased? I have two Bachmann Southern Pacific GS4 Northern 4-8-4 locos and they do not like 18 curves or #4 turnouts.  They tolerate 22 curves but look unrealistic.

The manufacturers web site should list the minimum recommended curve radius. You could always contact the manufacturer and ask if you cannot find the information you want. Some manufacturers list it in the instructions that come with the loco, some on the box

As for your last question, I believe you mean the printed circut board. Yes, it will be replaced by the decoder unless it is dcc ready. There will be an 8 pin plug adapter that the decoder will plug into if it is dcc ready.

Hope this helps,

Chuck S

Hi,

My local Hobby Lobby offers the printable decal sheets in the section where the model paints are located.  I can't remember the brand for sure, but I believe it was a Testor's product.

HTH,

Chuck S

Hi taku,

Try this link, http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,8744.0.html 

I paid a little over $100 USD for the setup, but the sound is fantastic.

Best of luck,

Chuck S

Aah, a trip down memory lane...

Wow, and what memories they are!  I remember being 15 and visiting an uncle in Atlanta, GA.  I went to a LHS and saw a six pack of undecorated box cars (these were kits).  Had to have them.  I can't remember the brand or price, but I do remember being short on cash.  There was also infatuated with a Bachmann Union Pacific steam loco (smoke unit), a 2-6-0 if I remember. The owner and I struck a deal.  I would take care of his lawn the following weekend and he would give me the loco and cars.  Showed up at 7:00 am and got to work!  That was 25 years ago.  The loco officially "died" ten years ago, but I still have the box cars.  I just left them undecorated all these years.  They are still in good condition and roll smooth.

Thanks for taking the time to read!

Chuck S
Pueblo, CO

Quote from: Joe Satnik on April 04, 2009, 10:42:43 PM
Comments on auction shenanigans:

I'd say that the auction must have run into 2 crazy high bidders.

The winner on e-bay pays 1 cost increment above the second highest bidder.  A crazy high bidder relies on the second highest bidder to bid sanely, say, no more than 10 percent higher than the item is really worth.  The crazy high bidder is now the winner, paying only 10 percent higher plus one cost increment.

The logic and sanity of a single crazy high bidder falls apart when 2 crazy high bidders start competing with one another, or a shill is bidding to jack the price up for the buyer. 

The only way to protect yourself from the crazies and shills is to set your bid to no more than you are willing to pay for an item, and then let the auction end without changing your bid.   You could get a second chance offer if:

1. The seller has more than one of the items to sell,
2. The shill overshot your bid by accident (guessed your highest bid wrong.)
3. The highest crazy bidder refuses to pay, and the second declines his second chance offer, which was set to his highest bid (way too high). 

Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Joe Satnik

 

 

Joe,

Your right on about setting your highest bid and sticking to our guns.  I just picked up a FACTORY NEW Bachmann GS4 DCC on-board Southern Pacific 4-8-4 Loco, for $56.00 USD plus shipping.  My highest bid was maxed at $60.00.  This is the second loco of this type I have purchased from the same seller.  However, I do recommend buying from a well established seller whenever possible.  Like mentioned above, I got mine at THE FAVORITE SPOT!

http://cgi.ebay.com/BACHMANN-HO-DCC-4-8-4-TRAIN-LOCO-SO-PAC-POST-WAR-50203_W0QQitemZ350185836353QQcmdZViewItemQQptZModel_RR_Trains?hash=item350185836353&_trksid=p4634.c0.m14.l1262

Happy Bidding

Chuck S
Pueblo, Colorado

Here is another update!

Just acquired another Bachmann GS4 Northern Southern Pacific 4-8-4 Loco, Post War (black) #4459.  I was so impressed with my original sound installation I decided to do it again

Below is the MFG info and Caboose Hobbies (Denver, CO) SKU #'s.  You will have to find or make your own baffle. 

PS: Free US Shipping orders over $66.00 until 4/30/09

1 x DECODER;TSU1000;HEAVY STEAM
1amp motor stall + 4 - 100mA light outputs = $95.20
Manufacturer: SoundTraxx
Caboose Hobbies SKU# 1636826103

1 x WIRE HARNESS;SH;JST/NMRA 1-1/4
1-1/4 INCH
JST TO 8-PIN NMRA = $5.99
Manufacturer: Train Control Systems, TCS
Caboose Hobbies SKU# 11711042

1 x SPEAKER;ROUND;HB106R;HIGH-BASS
1.06 DIAMETER x 0.56 HIGH = $7.95
Manufacturer: American Hobby Dist
Caboose Hobbies SKU# 1194318

Hope This Helps!

Chuck S
Pueblo, Colorado

Hi Larry,

If you already have the crossover you can use an ohm meter to test for continuity.  If not, does anyone you know have the same type of crossover you can test?

Hope This Helps!

Chuck S

Quote from: Matthew Redden on March 31, 2009, 08:57:21 PM
Hello,
  Mr Bachmann do you still have in stock HO Bachmann Spectrum C&O 4-8-2 with sound & dcc on board stock #84202. Could you please reply with your advice.

Regards Matthew Redden

Hello Matthew,

Walthers has an unlettered one in stock, if you could find the right decals.
http://www.walthers.com/exec/search?manu=BACHMANN&item=&words=restrict&split=30&category=Locomotive&scale=H&instock=Q&keywords=c%20%26%20o&start=90

Sunbird Train Mart lists one coming soon. (USRA heavy 4-8-2 with Tsunami sound: coming in C&O, N&W + SP. Reg. $310, us $229.)
http://www.sunbirdtrainmart.com/current2.htm

Caboose Hobbies also has the unlettered in stock (at a better price than Walthers).
SKU# 016084201  4-8-2 USRA HVY UNLTRD DCC/SOUND  HO Scale   Painted No Letters   Bachmann Spectrum $355.00  Our Price $262.70 
http://www.caboosehobbies.com/catalog/advanced_search_result.php?scales_name=HO+Scale&roadnames_name=&categories_id=76&inc_subcat=1&manufacturers_id=1245&keyword2=&sku=&maxrow=50&x=22&y=10

HTH,

Chuck S
Pueblo, Colorado

Al,

OK, here is what I did.  I used the Soundtraxx Tsunami TSU-1000 Heavy Steam sound decoder, an 8-pin JST harness, a PB106 speaker, and a plastic cap for the baffle.  I was lacking the baffle before and having one installed makes a world of difference.  The salesman at the LHS must of assumed I could mount the face of the speaker to the perforated underside of the Bachmann tender, but not so. 

I ended up having to trim some of the plastic to allow for the ears on the speaker, then used RTV to attach mount the speaker to the cap.  I let it set for 24 hours.  I then used velcro to attach the cap to the underside of the tender.  The TSU-1000 has quite a nice array of various sounds and effects (even CV's for EQ, lol). 

Now I have a great sounding loco.

Thanks everyone for your help!

Chuck S
Pueblo, Colorado

Thanks, Okie Rick!!!

I'll have to at least try the MRC.  Doesn't seem too expensive of an option, and allows more choices when considering to purchase dcc ready, dcc equipped, or dcc with sound.  I know some locos I want do not come in equipped mode and this could be a deciding factor. 

Thanks again,

Chuck S

Well said, Bob!

This is my first venture into sound, and I am probably basing the volumes by what the Athearn F7 AB sounds like right out of the box.  Thanks for the tip about using a db meter to "scale" the volume. 

160 db?  Wow, lol

Chuck S

Quote from: Hunt on March 24, 2009, 05:51:23 PM
Bachmann HO turnouts manufactured to specification are DCC friendly; but, only if the metal wheel sets are in gauge,  truck side frame not warped and turnout is used on flat firm surface.

Thanks, Hunt!

Chuck S

All,

I was wondering if the e-z track manual and remote type turnouts would work without shorting when using dcc to power the track?  Don't want to fry my new dcc system, lol.

Thanks in advance,

Chuck S