Hi, I've just bought 2 Baldwin saddle tanks. (chivers kit on bachmann0-4-0 chassis I think) 1 doesn't run at all and the other is very erratic. They may need new chassis and I believe the n-drive has a replacement chassis.
I would also like to put dcc decoders in at this time. Does anybody have any experience with this loco/chassis/decoder combination.
Thanks for your help.
John
John
I have a Chivers Baldwin saddle tank on a Bachmann 0-4-0 chassis and have installed a decoder. Sometimes it runs fine, others its useless and I cant predict which will occur next time
However the problem is definitely the pick ups which are rivetted to the chassis block and short. They are very susceptible to picking up track debris, fluff etc. I am reluctant at present to diassemble it all so using my new minitrains one instead
To install decoder in cab space (not very elegant but painted black and a crew hide it) I chose Lenz silver mini and have not bothered with lights
Completely disassemble chassis keeping record of order of dismantling etc ( I stick each piece to a strip of double sided tape and make notes. Be sure to retain clear plastic motor isolating strip which I reinforced with Tamiya masking tape for reassembly.
File off the lugs on each chassis side which mke contact with the motor terminals. Orange/grey then soldered direct to motor being careful to enure insulated from chassis
Drill holes in each chassis side on top cab end and force fit brass screws . Solder red/black to these
If I do another I will add extra red/black to go to a small tender with pick ups Rmove all other decoder wires ensuring insulate, I wrap in masking tape Thats basically it. Come back if more info requd
Peter Smith
I think that Neville supplies a DCC version of his chassis (sans chip). Have not got one myself so can't comment on what the differences are but it may make the conversion to DCC less dificult i.e. not having to dismantle the chassis to file the lugs off the chassis side frames.