The Decoder Install Thead

[zzr1200guy]

Alright, let's add some lights and number boards this unit. I'm still searching for a replacement for the broken light tube, we can get the rest done in the meantime.

 

[zzr1200guy]

NOW FOR SOMTHING TOTALLY DIFFERENT!!!!!
The exciting journey building the Bachmann Hi-Rail Bus begins! The first step is to install the decoder setting the foundation for a smooth and successful build.
Stay tuned as we embark on this fun project, transforming a simple model into a fully functional and impressive Hi-Rail Bus.

 

[zzr1200guy]

Im finally getting around to adding the blinking lights

 

[zzr1200guy]

Ok so moving forward with the Erie Lackawanna F7 ABBA set build hers the second F7-A decoder install. In the next video, we will address the lighting by installing some Warm White SMD for the number boards, a 3mm LED for the front light, and a plug so the shell can be removed for maintenance.
SO PLEASE STAY TUNE!

 

[zzr1200guy]

So, I dug out this engine and while at the Springfield Mass show I picked up a Soundtraxx Baldwin Fairbanks Morase Tsunami 2Decoder for it. So now let's see if I can shoehorn this decoder and a speaker in this unit and maybe do some cool lighting effects. PSA we will be revisiting this engine for Speaker up grade.

 

[zzr1200guy]

Ok so there really isn't a lot I could do for the lighting since the rear light are trapped in the shell, but I do think what I was able to do came out pretty good.

What do you think let me know in the comments.

 

[zzr1200guy]

So, my gears came in from Northwest Short Line for this Bachmann Spectrum Doodle bug so it's time to get it back in-service and since we are opening it up, we Might as well upgrade these lights to LEDs. This was not a simple as it should have been since I had somehow lost the drive saft and had to rethink my lighting options for the front head light, but I manage to get it done without if getting flying lessons.

Northwest Short Line Doodle Bug Gears

NorthWest Short Line

NorthWest Short Line

nwsl.com

 

[zzr1200guy]

So, after numerous failures of the 4 new Digitrax decoders I installed in these Bachmann F unit I pulled the two SDXH167d decoders out and installed these Econami Decoders and I was instantly happy with my chose.
Stay tuned till the end to hear these engine roar.

 

[zzr1200guy]

Here's how I built and installed these Lighting keep a lives in my Cabooses next, I'll be building more to go in a small fleet of Passengers cars.
Stay tuned and hit the notification button for Santa Fe Super Chief build

.

 

[zzr1200guy]

Here we go and install a decoder buddy mini with an ESU decoder into a customer's Locomotive.
It was a pretty straightforward installation I added LEDs and made a bracket for the cab light.

 

[Frenchie]

Hi !
I'd like to install Blunami decoders in my two Walthers' Trainline ATSF GE Dash8 40BW.
They must be almost 30 years old and they had only one test run at the time, so they are like new ( paid 48$ at the time !! ).
With added details, they should look good enough.
I removed the original board and the weight.
I wanted to check if the motor is insulated from the frame, but there are no screws under the fuel tank for access.
Does anybody know if the motor is insulated from the factory ? Otherwise how could I lift up the motor ?
Thank's beforehand for your help.

 

[bnsf971]

Hi !
I'd like to install Blunami decoders in my two Walthers' Trainline ATSF GE Dash8 40BW.
They must be almost 30 years old and they had only one test run at the time, so they are like new ( paid 48$ at the time !! ).
With added details, they should look good enough.
I removed the original board and the weight.
I wanted to check if the motor is insulated from the frame, but there are no screws under the fuel tank for access.
Does anybody know if the motor is insulated from the factory ? Otherwise how could I lift up the motor ?
Thank's beforehand for your help.

The motor is insulated:

 

[Frenchie]

The motor is insulated:

Thank's for your help bnsf971, I appreciate.
So I won't risk to do any damage trying to disassemble everything.
I rather keep decoder installs as simple as possible.

 

[zzr1200guy]

Thank's for your help bnsf971, I appreciate.
So I won't risk to do any damage trying to disassemble everything.
I rather keep decoder installs as simple as possible.

I haven't installed any Bluenomi but from the looks of it from that video there PNP8 board should easily wiring just have to see if there room for the speaker and weight

 

[zzr1200guy]

Welcome back to Jack on Tracks and another hands-on episode of The Back Shop! In this video, we dive deep into a model train decoder swap and address the headaches with Digitrax sound decoders in a set of Bachmann Plus F7A locomotives. After dealing with fried decoders (multiple times!), Jack shares a budget-friendly fix using Soundtraxx Economi and non-sound decoders that perform phenomenally well without breaking the bank.

Whether you're into DCC installs, model train repair, or just trying to get better sound quality and reliability in your older HO scale locomotives, this video is for you.

 

[zzr1200guy]

Upgrade your Athearn MP15AC with rich, crystal-clear sound! In this episode of Jack on Tracks, I install a Scale Sound Systems speaker and an ESU LokSound decoder, walking you through the full process—from opening the box to wiring, fitting the 3D-printed speaker, programming the decoder, and testing it on the track. If you’re into model train sound installs, Athearn locomotives, ESU decoders, or Scale Sound Systems upgrades, this video shows exactly what to expect and how it performs.

 

[diesel]

You have mostly video promotions in three Workbench threads now. I feel, they belong in the video threads.

 

[zzr1200guy]

In this Back Shop episode, I show you just how fast and simple it is to install an ESU 21-pin LokPilot decoder into a Bowser Long Island Railroad RS3. If you’ve ever been unsure about DCC installs—or thought you had to buy the factory-equipped version—this video proves how easy the upgrade really is.

Watch the full step-by-step process, see the locomotive run on the test track, and get tips on future sound upgrades using Scale Sound Systems speakers. Perfect for HO scale modelers, Bowser fans, and anyone learning DCC for the first time.

 

[zzr1200guy]

Get an inside look at the Athearn EMD Model 40 as I unbox it, install a DCC decoder, swap couplers, break it in, and test run it on the track. This tiny switcher packs huge cool-factor, and I walk you through everything from disassembly to JMRI setup. If you love HO scale, DCC installs, and Athearn locomotives, this one’s for you!

 

[zzr1200guy]

In this episode of Jack on Tracks – The Back Shop, we dive into a Pennsylvania Railroad 4-6-0 steam locomotive picked up at a train show for an exceptional deal. While the engine runs and has DCC sound, the factory speaker leaves a lot to be desired. On the workbench, we open up the tender, troubleshoot wiring issues, identify the decoder, and upgrade the speaker using a Scale Sound Systems speaker to improve overall sound quality.

If you’re into model railroading, DCC sound upgrades, Bachmann Spectrum steam locomotives, Pennsylvania Railroad modeling, or budget-friendly improvements, this video shows what kind of performance you can get with a little work and the right components. Stick around to hear the before-and-after sound test and see whether the upgrade was worth it.