[rsv1ho]

The instructions that came with my locomotives were a waste of paper, nothing there regarding operation of the models. On-line no help either for my issues. Composed a letter to Bachmann that vanished into cyberspace.

I have four Bachmann Spectrum products. A "Doodle Bug" that is a joy to run and three locomotives that won't run at all.

First a 0-6-0 switcher with a "Y" type draw bar connector loco to tender. Little tiny postage stamp size instruction says to remove the screw and nothing else.

Tried that thinking the platform above it would come off allowing connection of the draw bar but it doesn't.

Anyone know how to connect the loco to the tender?

Also, I have a DC only track and the locomotives are DCC equipped. None will run either with the two connectors connected or dis connected.

Any ideas?

Thanks

 

[Krieglok]

I am not an expert, but I was under the impression that most DCC equipped locos will not operate on straight DC track.

I have some British models by Bachman and they come equipped with “blank plugs” that allow them to run DC. Otherwise, if you are operating a DCC system, you have to purchase the decoders and install them if the engine didn’t come DCC equipped.

Hopefully a better qualified person will chime in here...

Tom

 

[Big Ed]

Is this yours?

click to enlarge

 

[mesenteria]

All modern decoders are ‘dual mode.’ They will operate on both DC and DCC. Not sure about MTH, but I believe it applies as well.
To permit that capability, CV29 must be configured for it. A common value is 38. If DC ops is not desired, then a common value is 34. That value prevents decoders from confusing sudden track power in DCC at full voltage, which DCC always is, with full DC voltage. Some decoders take off at full speed and can damage themselves in collisions.

 

[wvgca]

i have a bunch of bachmann spectrum stuff, unfortunately it was put together maybe six years ago, and i don't remember that part of it ..

 

[MichaelE]

Maybe it's time for a DCC system.

Or, remove the decoders and replace them with the dummy card if they came with one.

 

[wvgca]

You -shouldn't- need a DCC system to make those work ... the Spectrum series with DCC are new enough that they would use a 'dual mode' decoder, that is a decoder that will work on DC as well, and -if- they are new, then the DC part would be enabled by default ...
If they are -used- and the DC part was disabled [through Cv29] then you would need to take them where a DCC system was, and re-enable them ..

 

[rsv1ho]

These are the little darlins'.

I can't get the Y connector between the 0-6-0's tender and locomotive to fit either. Instructions say to remove the screw and that's it. Nothing about actually sliding the connector into the slot which it won't.

None will run on my DC only track, not even a hum.

The three were purchased on ebay from a volume seller with 100% positive feedback who says they ran on his DC only track.

And yes, I am considering buying a DCC system. Bachmann has one for $100 but there are others. Any recommendations?

Thanks - Bob

 

[Big Ed]

I don't see an 0-6-0 in your pictures?

 

[wvgca]

they -probably- need the tender, not only added on but hooked up , to run, either DCC or DC

 

[Tom_C]

And yes, I am considering buying a DCC system. Bachmann has one for $100 but there are others. Any recommendations?

Thanks - Bob

I switched over to DCC several years ago, and like you I tried to get away without a real DCC controller/programmer. I use a bachmann command center for day to day use, but found out quickly that I needed a programmer, so I bought a NCE Power Cab starter kit to program stuff. You can run with the powercab, but the command center is easier, particularly if someone else wants to run the train.

There are other programmers but I have never used them. The Power Cab is a well known unit and you can get the starter kit for about $175 and it will do everything you need to get started.

 

[CTValleyRR]

they -probably- need the tender, not only added on but hooked up , to run, either DCC or DC

That's my experience with newer steam: the motor is in the loco, but the pickups and decoder (if any) are in the tender. Without those wiring harnesses connected, it's not going to go anywhere.

 

[rsv1ho]

Thanks all.

Had the tender hooked up on the 4-4-0 still did not run. Will call Bachmann customer service tomorrow and see what's up.

Most of my equipment does not have room in either the tender or the locomotive to even install the smallest of a pc board.

I have watched youtube videos of DCC equipped trains running. Impressive.

Bob

 

[Krieglok]

Maybe if you provide the various stock numbers for each locomotive it would give us a clue as to the situation.

I have some locomotives I purchased a few years ago and they are either DCC or DC, but not both or dual mode. They are not old, but they are not brand new, factory fresh. I am thinking your engines might be DCC equipped but not dual mode.

I am kind of shooting in the dark here, but it bugs me that a solution hasn’t been reached for you. I am sure they are great locomotives, we just have to figure them out...

Tom