Have a rather dumb question........And I know not all questions are in the classification of Dumb. I recently purchased an inexpensive 2-6-2 by Bachmann. I want to experiment with DCC and sound with this loco. But how in the h**l do you get it apart? I removed all visible screws and there still seems to be something (?) holding it together in the forward part of the engine. Any HELP would br neat. I have done all manner of diesels with decoders, so this should not be a problem. Once I get it apart. This is my first attempt at steam and would like it to succeed. Thanks, Carl
Is it N-scale or HO? I should be able to help you and maybe even email you the disassembly directions if it is N-scale. Russ
Sorry - - Should have said HO. It is one of the "Standard" Bachmann engines. I normally work in N but my club is all HO so here I am in HO!!!!!
It's been a long time since I've had one of those engines, so I'm just going from memory. Check for a screw in the smokestack, it might be the last one holding things together. Also, look under the pilot trucks for a screw. You might have a harder time installing DCC sound in a Bachmann, only because the tender doesn't collect electricity. You'll want to add insulated wheels and pickups, then string wires to the engine. Sounds like an involved project; of course, that's the best way to learn! Good luck! Pat
I think AKrrnut has covered all the bases on the removal issue. As far as DCCing it. </font> Are there any wires now going to the tender? Where do you intend to put the decoder? The most important part of the entire intallation process is to isolate the wires coming from the tracks to the motor.</font> e-mail me if you need more info. LOL
One other item crossed my mind, on some of the Bachmann engines you have to slide the boiler shell off. Take off the smoke box front, and then when all screws are removed, gently try and slide the boiler forward. You may have to remove the cab to do this. LOL
squirrelrun, Mess taken care of... wasn't a problem, I've done that same thing in the past. no worries! As for your problem at hand, be sure to look for "snap tabs" that lock the boiler down! This could be your problem as well... I seem to recall that these loco's (the Bachmann 2-6-2) to have these in the rear towards the firebox. They will put presure on the front of the smokebox making it seem as if it has something up their holing the boiler front down! Its been awhile since I've had one of these apart so. I too am going from memory. As for DCC, I'll let someone else help you their as I don't have DCC in my loco's nor work on it. Which I want to upgrade my shop to do work on DCC an not be so limited. All in all, Hope that helps.
To All: The help on getting the enngine apart is just the ticket. As far as the DCC is concerned. The decoder goes in the tender with wire that look like air hoses. The insulated parts of the enginge are OK for my decoder so when I can get it apart seems to be the hard part.. Thanks to all Carl
