Bachmann Spectrum GE 44 tonner

By chance has anyone run across an upgraded decoder for this loco. I would like to improve speed control by using a speed table. Thanks. ...Tom

 

Are you referring to the N scale version?

I replaced the stock decoder in mine with a Train Control Systems Z2 hardwired and then installed micro LEDs for the lights. The slow speed now goes down to .64 SMPH on the stock settings and may even be able to be improved with some tweaking.
TCS makes a drop in Z scale decoder that would perform the same but be much easier to install than the route I took.
Their MZA4 would need the pickups and motor leads soldered to it but it has onboard LEDs and it's also 4 function just in case you wanted to install a beacon or other effects.
HTH,
Jim

 

Thanks, Jim. Yep, the loco is N Scale. I should have specified. Thanks for the input, that's exactly what I'm looking for. One question: I assume that the
TCS drop-in decoder you're referring to in your 2nd paragraph is the MZA4 that you mention in the next paragraph, right? I don't know a lick about TCS decoders. I'll check it out. Thanks again. ...Tom

 

Tom,
Yes, the MZA4 is the decoder. Sorry about the confusion. The MZA4 is a drop in for Micro Trains Z scale locos but it should adapt well to the 44 tonner.
My experience with TCS decoders has been extremely positive. I love the way they run.
Their auto adjusting BEMF gives excellent slow speed and very smooth motor control.
Here's a link to the TCS site:

http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Products/Decoders/Z-Scale/Z Series.html

 

Thanks for your help, Jim. I've got a MCA4 on order with Litchfield Station and it should be here tomorrow. Thanks again. ...Tom

 

Tom,
Let us know how it works out, or better yet, post some pictures of the install.
Jim

 

I installed a TCS MZA4 decoder in my 44T this morning. The installation was mostly straight forward. The decoder sits between the mounting screws that held in the original decoder. I slightly bent the LEDs to make room for the screw head. I used a couple of plastic washers to gently hold the decoder in place. The LEDs had to be filed flat on top for clearance under the hood.

My only oops was the loco runs backwards. The decoder mounts upsidedown and I swapped the wires so I guess that proves two wrongs don't make it right.

I'm very pleased with the decoder's performance. The MZA4 gives me complete control of the loco's speed and provides headlamp dimming. My next project is to replace the couplers.

The attached picture shows the completed installation.

 

Tom while you're at it, there is room for extra weight inside the cab below the windows which helps also. I used small Tungsten disks inside the cab and glued to the underside. Good luck, Otto

 

Otto, that's a great idea. Where did you get the disks and what sort of glue did you use?

 

I have installed a DZ125 in a two motor 44 ton but I think you have the single motor. The DZ125 has very good control. I had 1 mph at speed step one using the 128 mode.



If you ever want sound, a LokSound Micro with 16mm X 25mm speaker works just fine.
I am doing a second one right now.
Speed step one is 1 mph.



Rich

 

Tony, I get my tungsten weigts from Midwest Tungsten Service (800) 626 0226. Not cheap but reasonable. It comes in various sized small disks; I think they are leftover punchouts. Weighs a ton...
Otto

 

Awesome! And the glue? (I wouldn't have a clue as to what sort of glue would work on tungsten)

 

I just used 5 min.epoxy, but I'm sure AC would work too.

 

I got my MZA4. Here's the dumb question - is there any special way to remove the 44T shell? I tried to pry apart the shell at the middle but it didn't seem to do much.

(later) Cheez, that was like trying to pull a cork out of a bottle of wine with broken fingers. :tb-rolleyes:

So Nancy, one of the brown wires goes to the little solder pad on the left as does one of the orange wires. It's not quite clear to me where on the MZA4 the brown and orange wires on the right side go.

 

Ah, figured it out. Hope to finish by this evening.

(edit) And it's done! It's nice that Bachmann sells this with DCC but by comparison the stock unit is no match for the TCS (no surprise I guess). At it's slowest speed on stock the 44T was hurking and jerking its way over the track. I popped the upgraded unit on the rails and with no adjustment got a scale .64 mph, smooth as silk.

 

Glad you got it worked out. Mine motor leads ended up wired backwards and I had to program the direction so that the horn faced forward when running forward (Fixing hardware problems with software) The 44T'er works a lot better with the TCS decoder. Slow is good, but I really enjoy the limited top speed.

Nancy

 

Nancy, how far did you have to file down the LEDs? I filed down the collars until I was down to the body of the LEDs but I still can't seem to get the body shell back down all the way. Unless I'm remembering wrong. Isn't the body supposed to come down far enough so that the center edge drop to just below the gas tank? IOW, it is a bit lower than the bottom edge of the tank?

 

That's right. The fuel tank is barely below the frame. I filed beyond the collar and into the dome, almost half the thickness between the unfiled dome and the LED leads. In the picture I posted you can see on the left LED the hazy color from the filing, which extended almost to the tip of the LED.

Nancy

 

Ah, thanks. Time to pop the shell and give them another shave!

 

Adding weight to locos

Something to consider in the future for weight, go to a gun shop and get some lead shot as used in shotgun shells. You can put this stuff in may locations.
I have about a pound of shot someone gave me some years ago for weighting down stuff.


Rich