01-21-2009, 10:11 PM
Hi Tom.
I did a search on the web and found one photo of a Bachmann DDA40X. It did not say anything about Spectrum series so I don't know if what you have is the same as the photo I looked at. WOW!! This is a gaint locomotive. The photo I saw showed two motors in the locomotive.
Is this how yours looks?
If so I would think that you will want to use a deoder in each loco. Going to sound later? Might just as well do it now. You can run the two locos independent of each other or MU them with the use of DCC. Much better (IMO). Looks like there is a lots of room for decoder and a speaker- maybe two. speakers. DCC with sound would be the way to go. BTW do you know what type of prime mover these units used for power? Need to know that so you can get the corrrect decoder sounds. No need to do a DCC conversion and then turn around and install sound. Double the work and half the fun?
LEDs should not be a problem. Most decoders have provisions for mars light, ditch lights and rotory beacons ECT.
I did a search on the web and found one photo of a Bachmann DDA40X. It did not say anything about Spectrum series so I don't know if what you have is the same as the photo I looked at. WOW!! This is a gaint locomotive. The photo I saw showed two motors in the locomotive.
Is this how yours looks?
If so I would think that you will want to use a deoder in each loco. Going to sound later? Might just as well do it now. You can run the two locos independent of each other or MU them with the use of DCC. Much better (IMO). Looks like there is a lots of room for decoder and a speaker- maybe two. speakers. DCC with sound would be the way to go. BTW do you know what type of prime mover these units used for power? Need to know that so you can get the corrrect decoder sounds. No need to do a DCC conversion and then turn around and install sound. Double the work and half the fun?
LEDs should not be a problem. Most decoders have provisions for mars light, ditch lights and rotory beacons ECT.