Great install! Every time I try and install the CN decoder in an atlas rs-3 locomotive, i end up shorting it out, currently waiting for the new run that comes with DCC/sound form the factory. As for the loud noise this locomotive is making, I would check the make sure the motor is properly lubed and cleaned, especially the commutator. I find that lubing or cleaning this will get rid of the noise.
this loco actually quieted down quite a bit - and cleaning and regreasing was final trick. something i had done time and time again but whatever happened on the last run did it. i thought it would be awesome to have this with sound - but after looking inside - there's absolutely no way. so, i too will be waiting for the factory stocked version to hear that ALCO growl!
Hi Sean. Well, just so happens I have one in my collection. It didn't make the cut for the layout but i pulled it from storage and opened it up. Once the shell is removed (2 screws in the fuel tank, then (2) screws holding on the shell), you note the typical Bachmann all metal chassis, but no lights or board. Inside the shell top, however, there is a board with brass tabs attached to the shell. I did just a bit of poking around, and a little online snooping and turn up just about nothing. I think this is going to be challenging install. You're going to need a DZ146 Digitrax (or comparable) decoder, isolate the motor just like in this video and attached the orange and gray wires. I think you might be able to reuse the LEDs from the original board, and also any resistors associated with them. It appears the decoder should fit in the space the old board occupied with little or no chassis modification. The short of it is, you're going to be doing some soldering and some tinkering with this one - there's no 'drop-in' solution. Bachmann's new releases do come DCC equipped for future purchases, however!
Well-explained, thanks!
Excellent video. This explanation will bring back to recent technology many fine locos out there.
Great install! Every time I try and install the CN decoder in an atlas rs-3 locomotive, i end up shorting it out, currently waiting for the new run that comes with DCC/sound form the factory. As for the loud noise this locomotive is making, I would check the make sure the motor is properly lubed and cleaned, especially the commutator. I find that lubing or cleaning this will get rid of the noise.
this loco actually quieted down quite a bit - and cleaning and regreasing was final trick. something i had done time and time again but whatever happened on the last run did it. i thought it would be awesome to have this with sound - but after looking inside - there's absolutely no way. so, i too will be waiting for the factory stocked version to hear that ALCO growl!
Great how too. I had a couple of GP 9's that have DCC added. Nice to re-purpose these older engines. Thanks for sharing. Dave
Thank you for the DIY vid. I have four bachmann spectrum dash 8's from late 90's what sort of trouble could I possibly be into with those?
Hi Sean. Well, just so happens I have one in my collection. It didn't make the cut for the layout but i pulled it from storage and opened it up. Once the shell is removed (2 screws in the fuel tank, then (2) screws holding on the shell), you note the typical Bachmann all metal chassis, but no lights or board. Inside the shell top, however, there is a board with brass tabs attached to the shell. I did just a bit of poking around, and a little online snooping and turn up just about nothing. I think this is going to be challenging install. You're going to need a DZ146 Digitrax (or comparable) decoder, isolate the motor just like in this video and attached the orange and gray wires. I think you might be able to reuse the LEDs from the original board, and also any resistors associated with them. It appears the decoder should fit in the space the old board occupied with little or no chassis modification. The short of it is, you're going to be doing some soldering and some tinkering with this one - there's no 'drop-in' solution. Bachmann's new releases do come DCC equipped for future purchases, however!
@@AlleghenyNorthern thank you. I will dive into it and see what I can do with them.
Sounds like the worm gears aren't completely meshing with the drive gears.
How are the wires trimmed?
Very carefully with a sharp hobby knife. They're too small to run through a wire stripper.