I’m still considering picking up a Bachmann 2-2 “Lyn” loco. It is labelled DCC-ready. What decoders would be appropriate for this loco, and how do you install/set it up?
“DCC Ready” means that the loco is wired such that all of the features of the loco (motor, lights, smoke, etc.) are controlled from a central location. On the 2-4-2 (according to Bachmann’s documentation), it has the NMRA-standard 8-pin connector on this board. Installing a DCC decoder would be as simple as plugging in any DCC decoder into this socket via an 8-pin plug.
Bachmann DCC installation diagram
As for which decoder, that’s up to you (though something with a diesel sound might raise eyebrows). This being a small loco–presumably one that’s not going to be pulling heavy trains, I’d think one of the smaller decoders rated at between 1 and 2 amps would be more than ample. ESU, Zimo, Soundtraxx, TCS–they all have suitable decoders. The decoder may be available pre-wired with an 8-pin connector, or you may be able to buy an adapter harness for some. You could spend the extra money on the higher-capacity decoders, but they’re definitely not going to have an 8-pin connector wired to them, and they may not fit inside the boiler of the loco.
Later,
K