Bachmann Plymouth Switcher

Tom Schilling Aug 31, 2004

  1. Tom Schilling

    Tom Schilling TrainBoard Member

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    Hi, I’m cross posting this because I wanted to let folks know about a decoder installation service that I just used. I bought a Bachmann Plymouth Switcher from some train store. When I received the loco I quickly decided a decoder install was beyond my skills. Prowling the internet, I just happened to run across the name, Charles Gregory, who installs decoders for a fee. I contacted him and asked him if he wanted to take a shot at installing a decoder in the Plymouth. He said sure so I sent him the loco.

    I just got it back yesterday and it really runs great. The only sacrifice Charles had to make was he couldn’t fit the wiring to make the headlight work.

    He charges $70 for any decoder installation but if you send him your decoder he drops the price to $50. The $70 includes only a normal decoder. He charges extra for Sound and other headlight adjustments. If you want to contact him, his email address is:

    candkgregory@hydrosoft.net

    I know, spending that kind of money on an $18 locomotive seems stupid, but if you’re totally DCC watching this little bugger run on your layout seems to make the expenditure worthwhile. ….Tom
     
    Tom Schilling, Aug 31, 2004
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  2. Brett C. Cammack

    Brett C. Cammack TrainBoard Member

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    I never would've dreamed that you could fit a decoder in that little thing. Do you have issues with it stalling on the turnout frogs, or do you use electrofrogs?
     
    Brett C. Cammack, Aug 31, 2004
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  3. Doug A.

    Doug A. TrainBoard Supporter

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    That's pretty cool. I think I might get one of these and play around with it. Anybody know off the top of their head what the absolute smallest decoder on the market is?
     
    Doug A., Aug 31, 2004
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  4. wig-wag-trains.com

    wig-wag-trains.com Advertiser

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    Doug:

    The TCS M-1 is the smallest we've seen.

    Digitrax makes one for Z that could be smaller
     
    wig-wag-trains.com, Aug 31, 2004
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  5. Doug A.

    Doug A. TrainBoard Supporter

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    These were the two smallest I found (but a VERY quick search, chime in if you know of smaller or similar decoders)

    DZ123 0.36” x 0.55 x 0.13”
    TCS M2 0.355" x 0.570" x 0.132"

    I will probably go with the Digitrax because it is cheaper and has transponding.
     
    Doug A., Aug 31, 2004
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  6. Len

    Len TrainBoard Member

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    Last night I did a size comparison twixt the M-1, the DZ143, and the Lenz 521W. The Digitrax comes out favorably when you balance cost features and size. Where one is a tad shorter, another will be thinner or narrower. Does anyone know if the M-1 has BEMF? . The Lenz and Digi do. Digi is 10 bucks cheaper than the Lenz. Also, are the quoted sizes, with or without the shrinkwrap covering. My job at hand is to install a decoder in the B'mann Connie. If I remove the shrink wrap and apply Kapton tape in the right places, the Digitrax will fit with ease. All three decoders are great.

    Len
     
    Len, Aug 31, 2004
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