Decoders and locos

[maczimb]

Hi Guys.
Got a few things I would like to discuss.
1: I have an IHC 4-6-2 in which I installed an MRC sound decoder. Yes I am aware that MRC is not the greatest. The sound is great but it requires a lot of throttle to make it move.
I stripped it down and before I installed a new decoder, I carried out a test.
I removed the decoder, connected DC direct to the moter teminals, the little #$%^ still requires a lot of throttle. When I turn the drive shaft over by with my finger, I can feel what might best be described as "pushing a car over a series of corrugations in the road" bump, bump, bump.
I believe it's the magnetic effect of a permanent magnet motor?? any input??
2: I acquired a sound only decoder, with the idea that I could add sound to my Bachmann, I believe it's a GP35 with "on board DCC". There is no room for a speaker??
3: I would like to install DCC in an older Bachmann Spectrum, the box says it's an EMD SD 45. Again, no space for a speaker. This little baby has great pulling power, hence my desire to install DCC.
Apart from all of that, and the fact that arthritis is keeping me off the golf course, I have very few problems in the world.
Mac

 

[Lightstorm]

You may need to clean and oil the gears and drive shaft, make sure they are all moving freely and nothing is broken. It may even need a new motor if the one in it has been worn out.

On the speakers. That's a common problem with many "DCC Ready" locos. They come with the plug for a decoder, but they leave little to no room for sound decoder and a speaker. You will most likely need to make room by removing some of the interior of either the shell or the frame.

Many people mill out the fuel tank for speakers. You'll lose weight but you have sound, so it's kind of a trade-off. You can add weight in other places where you have leftover room inside the shell if this is the route you go so you'll still have some traction.