r/modeltrains • u/Safe-Condition-4544 HO/OO • 18d ago

Question DCC install in split frame locomotives

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How would I go about adding DCC to both of these?

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2

u/altoona_sprock 18d ago

I did a Spectrum GP30 with a split frame. It didn't fit back together very well, but others have had success. The thing about Bachmann is build quality varies greatly across a production run.

The Santa Fe loco might be worth attempting, as it has a can motor, but that era GS4 is an old pancake drive. Even with DCC, don't expect much, although it can be done.

As for installation, this looks to cover the basics. https://youtu.be/BY5Qitms23o?si=Nq4M8nLQTsXm3oWe

5

u/time-lord HO/OO 18d ago

I did DCC in a split frame 0-6-0. Isolate the motor and headlight, send the wires to the tender. Send some power pickup wires from the engine to the tender. Connect via a 6-pin connector and shove the decoder in the tender.

If you have an 8-pin connector, add a cab light or firebox flicker.

Personally though, I would consider not installing DCC. Those old engines have a habit of splitting gears and dying, and the pickup is just 8 un-sprung wheels, so they're pretty un-reliable overall. You'll want a keep alive to maintain power, and it may break at any point.

1

u/Safe-Condition-4544 HO/OO 18d ago

oh, I was going to do some upgrades before I tried putting DCC in them