Replace DCC Decoder for Bachmann 4-8-4.


Yes, this one here...
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I have actually ended up with 3 of them...somehow?
I got all 3 of them out today, and was trying to recall the history of how I ended up with 3?,...and which ones had what modifications??

If I recall correctly, I purchased 2 of them from Peach Creek Shops when they were closing. They were both brand new, and came with the stock 'DCC installed',.....just motor control, not sound.

I burned one of these up when it stalled out on a Shinohara double crossover during some turnout experiments I was working on Subsequently I was visiting with a gentleman south of me who promised to show me some introductory work on DCC installations,...and to sell me a few of his surplus (used) TSU 1000 decoders at a very attractive price. We replaced the burned out 4-8-4 Bachmann with one of those TSU 1000.

While we were at it I replaced the second new loco I had with a TSU decoder as well.

That left the 3rd one of those engines that I believe I bought thru the mail (craiges list or something) a few years ago. It came all packaged up as a new one would be, so I'm now thinking I must have never removed it from it box and done a thorough inspection?...strange??. Why do I say this? I unpacked it today and noticed it was missing the one, rear most wheelset on the tender. I then decided to open up the tender and do an inspection on its interior. This is what I found.
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It appears as though the previous owner installed some sound capability, and perhaps changed the motion decoder?? The motion decoder I am assuming is the Digitrax DH-163. Is this original equip from Bachmann?
The sound decoder appears to be the Digitrax SFX-0416?

My question at this point is can I run this engine on a DC track (not DCC) without problems, or burning something up? In other words is this a dual mode decoder setup??
 
I was taking a closer look at that 3rd Northern to see if I might find out whats wrong with it,... I got some sound, but no motion.


I pulled the components further apart for these next 2 photos,..
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...and I marked the 4 wires that I have questions about. It appears as though the sound decoder is hooked in with current pick-up wires from the tender's wheels,..those 2 with the shrink wrap on their ends.


There are 2 wires on the motion decoder that appear to not be connected to anything,...could they previously been connected to those shrink wrap ends? (that might connect the sound decoder with the tender wheel pick-ups ??)
 
Hello - what's a recommended or the best DCC decoder (and speaker) replacement for a Bachmann 4-8-4 Northern? Looking for optimal performance and realistic sound.
I am a Soundtraxx guy, their heavy steam decoder with a scale sounds speaker (the biggest you can fit) sound pretty freaking amazing.
 
There are 2 wires on the motion decoder that appear to not be connected to anything,...could they previously been connected to those shrink wrap ends? (that might connect the sound decoder with the tender wheel pick-ups ??)
Those are for aux lighting, cab light or what have you.
 
I just did two more of these Bachmann GS4s. This time I used TSU2200 Steam2 in both with scale sound speakers. I picked the models up brand new from Trainworld for $99. I repainted them to look more like the blacked out GS3s SP used during the ware. I also removed the flange in the second set of drive wheels and added weight to the chassis and the pilot truck for more reliable running (no derailing).
 

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Soundtraxx TSU2200 Steam 2 are rated for higher current draw than the TSU1100. Also connecting one of their Keep Alive capacitors will reduce stalls.
 
I just did two more of these Bachmann GS4s. This time I used TSU2200 Steam2 in both with scale sound speakers. I picked the models up brand new from Trainworld for $99. I repainted them to look more like the blacked out GS3s SP used during the ware. I also removed the flange in the second set of drive wheels and added weight to the chassis and the pilot truck for more reliable running (no derailing).
Hi, Mike. I have a Bachmann 4-8-4 Northern (Santa Fe) about 2012 vintage. It has only the motion decoder and I intend replacing it with a sound decoder. The decoder connection under the loco cab is in two parts (2 wires and 4 wires). If the GS4 has the same connectors how have you connected the TSU2200? Does it need an adapter?
 

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