I'm thinking of buying a Bachman S2 loco to break into HO scale, planning a small switching layout. I'd like to have the sound; a retailer has the sound equipped version for 109.00, the DCC ready version for 49.00. Should I just cough up the extra dough up front and get the sound equipped version? MRR magazine did a review a while back and seemed to like it; I, and my grandson, only need the basic engine rumble, horn and bell..... I'm not at all familiar with sound decoders, don't know if a better one could be had for the 60 dollar price difference... If any of you folks have any experience with this loco, I'd appreciate the feedback, also, do you think this is a good choice for a "starter" engine? Thanks for the help! Mike
I have a DCC-Ready S2 and have been really impressed with its performance. As for sound, the fun part about installing an aftermarket decoder in the S2 is the lack of space. Depending upon your knowledge of decoder and speaker installation, it may be easier just to get it DCC/Sound equipped S2. The only sound decoders that I know of that go for $60 or less is MRC, and believe me, your better off with the tsunami light that the bachmann comes with!
The Bachmann S2 is a good engine, although somewhat light on detail. For the price I would get the sound equipped (Tsunami) version. If you are not into sound, the DCC on board is the way to go. A Digitrax DN125 fits fine. Joe
Warning - the DCC-Ready version S-2 is unique - as unlike other Bachmann DCC-ready versions, this one does NOT have the speaker hole, etc to change to sound. It would take a lotta work to make it have sound. The part I got caught in was I wanted CB&Q, and it was only available in DCC ready version. However, I just ordered a Sound version B&O, and will swap shells when I get it, then sell the B&O as a DCC-ready. (Other Bachmann DCC-Ready Engines I had (FA) had the speaker hole pre-drilled) PS the Sound is really great, but I preferred to change the horn over to the 'chimish' sound, instead of the default blarp one.
