I have a DC Bachman H16-44 in N&W blue, I'm switching to DCC, can I switch the shell to an Atlas DCC loco and if so, which one? or do I need to bite the bullet and solder?
Atlas made the same locomotive in N scale with DCC. I don't know how well the Bachmann shell will fit on the Atlas chassis.
The Atlas H16-44 is not the same locomotive as the Bachmann H16-44. The Bachmann H16-44 is a Phase 3 model (phase IIIb). Atlas H16-44s cover Phases 1&2. These are externally quite different locos (think GP38 vs GP40 or something like that). As to if the shell will fit the Atlas chassis, I don't know. But it is possible to add DCC to the Bachmann unit. H-16-44 by Bachmann - First Impressions BTW, I have the Bmann in N&W black - I didn't know they released it in blue. Mark
I'm currious as to why you just wouldn't put a decoder in the Bachmann. It is a good running loco in my opinion and DCC conversion is not hard. Remove a weight from the frame to make room for the decoder and solder it in. A DZ125 or similar is an easy fit.
I agree. The Bachmann is a good-running, good-pulling loco. Decoder installation was typical for Bachmann--about 30 minutes.
While I am DC runner; I have to agree that my Bachmann H 16-44 are some of the best; reliable loco's I have (and I have over 120 loco's) Yep; they are noise makers; well so are real loco's; they pull the teeth out of your head; run forever without an issue (I ran one by accident for about 50 hours with a 19 car consist - no issues) and they look good.........why would you mess with success.......?
Man, somebody must have been really bored to dig up this old thread. Where were you guys last year, when I needed you? For the record, I got my courage up about a month ago and put a DZ125 in it.
I am the guilty one. Us folks on staff are encouraged to go back looking for posts that somehow slipped by without anyone answering them. I have to admit, I had to dig deep for this one. Sorry it took so long but I'm glad you resolved the issue.
Glad I found this thread. I previously posted in the compulsive purchase thread; I really like the last H16-44 design, and the Bachmann model is really good in N. These models are available for cheap, and they are an ideal platform for detailing and DCC installation. On 2010-10-04 the best price I found was 29.99 at some train store.com. The one I received this evening (B&O 928 (not a true number) Bachmann P/N 61452) came way over-lubricated to the point it was a tiny job to remove the oil from the body shell prior to testing the unit. This particular unit runs really well, and the shell molding and handrails are very, very good. I think the Bachmann H16-44 is a worthy candidate for those of us who want to get a little wet detailing a locomotive and also DCC conversion. Ric
I just had a slight thought, if you were looking for an atlas shell to fit the Bachmann H16 onto. I have Baldwin Sharknose shell from V-line that was made to fit on an Atlas RS3 chassis. Just out of curiosity, I thought I would try and see if an H16-44 shell would fit on the RS3 chassis, as well. By chance, it looks like the H16-44 just might fit properly on the RS3 chassis, but you most likely have to remove the coupler holders from the Bachmann shell (the RS3 chassis I was trying has truck mounted couplers anyway), or file the ends of the RS3 chassis down slightly to slip inside the H16 shell at the bottom edge. It was just an idea. I'm going to keep my eyes open for some more Atlas RS3 chassis, but for the moment, the Shark shell stays on the chassis.
