But the features tend to change from year to year. I was hoping that this PC unit, listed as some sort of old stock, would have an 8-pin DCC plug, which older GP40s have. No such luck -- for whatever reason, it had the newer motherboard with an integrated decoder. To switch decoders, I would need to toss the motherboard and install a new one via hardwire.
The biggest problem with the Bachmann decoders is that they allow only limited CV programming, and they include a compulsory speed curve that can't be worked around. I most prefer "DCC ready" Bachmann diesels, which are very inexpensive on the web and have 8-pin sockets. My second preference is the older DCC on board versions with the 8-pin decoder that can be swapped out easily.
I wound up taking a full day to hardwire a new decoder in this GP40:
Here's the unit with the shell back on:
I'm not pleased with the light effect. It's probably good as a mid-consist unit. It will get an ACI label and a train control box, and it looks like it will need some speed programming to match my other units, but with the new decoder, this is do-able.
Good ol 3007! Both Ralph V and I have this locomotive as well. We run it in DC so the decoder issue is not something that affects us. We both noted the engine tends to be a bit loud and we call it the growler. I wished they would have made it a heavier and included a motor with flywheels.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of these units in BNSF paint schemes. I normally run them together and agree with John R, a bit noisy. You a braver soul than I, doing all of that work with DCC. It looks like Bachmann did a decent job with the Penn Central paint and lettering.
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