DCC and Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2

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Richard Foster - 27 Nov 2004 17:25 GMT

I am thinking about going DCC for my new N scale layout. My fourth. I
haven't started construction yet, I am still redoing the garage as a
workshop and train room and am almost done.
I plan to first build a test layout as I am thinking of using code 55
track and want to see how my present locomotives and rolling stock perform
on it. A small double track oval layout with a few turnouts on a sheet of
plywood seems like a good place to tryout track and technology that are new
to me.
My question is how well do the N scale Bachman Spectrum USRA light 4-8-2
or the Spectrum 2-8-0 perform. I plan on getting either one depending on my
budget with a decoder installed. I would rather not start doing my own
installation right now as I would like this to go as smooth as possible.
I would appreciate any comments from owners of these loco's or other
similarly priced loco's, in other words $200 or under with decoder
installed.

Thanks
Richard

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Peter W. - 29 Nov 2004 06:31 GMT

> I am thinking about going DCC for my new N scale layout. My fourth. I
> haven't started construction yet, I am still redoing the garage as a
[quoted text clipped - 14 lines]
> Thanks
> Richard

I have some experience with one of those locos. I installed a Lenz Decoder
in one of them for a friend of mine.

The loco is very low geared (very nice slow speed and it still runs
prototypically "slow" even at full throttle).

But it's fussy as far as electrical pickup goes. Strange as both the tender
and the loco itself pickup current.

So, you need to keep you track perfectly clean to make that loco "happy".

I installed the Lenz decoder because it is the smallest N/Z decoder available.
But personally I don't like Lenz decoders because they seem to need to reset
after each power interruption. That takes about a second. So, every time loco
loses contact with the track, it sits for a second until it starts up again.
It is quite annoying.

Digitrax decoders dont' seem to have that problem. They start running almost
instantly after they power is interrupted. But they are a bit bigger than Lenz.
And Lenz fit in that loco perfectly.

That is pretty much all I know about this subject.

Peteski

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Richard Foster - 29 Nov 2004 13:21 GMT

Thanks a lot for your information. I'm getting the decoder, a Lentz,
installed by the shop I'm buying it from. I hope to get started on the test
track next weekend, conventional power first then DCC by Christmas. With
luck I can start on the layout itself early next year.

Thanks again
Richard

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Model Forum / General / Railroads / November 2004

DCC and Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2