DCCing a loco?

[kylewoody]

Hey guys,

I really like this Dash 8 loco in the CSX color - and can only find one, the Bachmann Spectrum:

http://nscalesupply.com/BAC/BAC-Dash-8CW.html

It says on their website "DCC ready", but I've heard that it has the spots were the wires would go. How hard is it then, to add a decoder? Obviously this one isn't just plug it in.

As well, I think I might want to do DCC - in which case, does the track have to be kept cleaner or anything different than regular DC for it to work?

Thanks!
Kyle

 

[el3637]

Hey guys,
It says on their website "DCC ready", but I've heard that it has the spots were the wires would go. How hard is it then, to add a decoder? Obviously this one isn't just plug it in.

It probably has an NMRA 8-pin socket. Best case it might work; worst case it will pop the decoder. In between most likely - it will run but blow the lights the moment you turn them on. Athearn has true DCC plug n' play. Short bulb life, but not near as short as .001 seconds which is how long it takes to fry a P2K LED!

I've blown up three decoders plugging them in to Bachmann steamers. If I were going to DCC a Bachmann diesel (or steam) I'd remove all factory lighting and electronics, and install my own. I do the same for P2K, and some Atlas locos.

Andy

 

[UP2CSX]

Kyle, DCC Ready is a marketing term that can mean anything from plugging in one plug to another to a nightmare of motor isolation, bulb changeouts, and soldering. From the look of the picture you posted, DCC is not just a matter of plugging something in, you'll have to hard wire a decoder. There is a newer version out that is much improved from the version pictured and does have an DCC plug already on the circuit board. I suggest you e-mail Bachmann and ask them if that's the case with the Dash 8's they have on their site.

No disrepect intended but asking if DCC requires anything different than DC indicates you need to do some reading on the subject since DCC can be a substantial investment. I suggest getting the book at http://www.dcctrain.com/shop/item.asp?itemid=3150 and reading it carefully before you make any decisions about going to DCC. It will be money well spent and will answer all your questions about what needs to be done to make DCC work.