How good are the decoders that are factory installed in the 2-8-0. Are the CV's adjustable? What brand are they?
I have the 4-6-0 and the 2-10-2, but I imagine that the 2-8-0 has the same decoder. Its a good BASIC decoder. you can adjust the start voltage, and adjust the accel/decel rates. Haven't done anything else with mine , and they run well on my system.....Mike
I have a slightly earlier 2-8-0 for which I installed my own DZ125, but if the decoder is the same as what is in the 4-6-0, like Mike mentions, its an okay basic decoder. Some people don't like them and replace them, but I have found I can do what I want to do with them. They are Bachmann's EZ Command 2-function decoder, if I recall correctly. I contacted Bachmann for a manual page and they sent me a one-pager photocopy that shows the CVs it uses.
Hi! Here you have the manual: http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/ez_content/1_Amp_Decoder_Instr.pdf I have several diesel and steamers which come with this decoder and I can say they are doing their job very well. Since those modern Bachmann spectrum are slow runners and not rocket speedster as are the older examples you won't miss the CV5 to reduce top speed. The CV2 is good enough to make the engines creep nicely. Regards Mathi
