adding sound to a bachmann 2-8-2 - Model Railroader Magazine (2024)

wdcrvr

• Member since
  August 2010
• From: Columbia, IL
• 394 posts

I have a Bachmann 2-8-2 Mikado DCC w/o sound. This engine really runs great and I think I would like to add sound to it. Can anyone give me some guidance on a good sound decoder for this engine and any information about the process of installing the decoder.

Thanks

wdcrvr

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BigDaddy

• Member since
  December 2015
• From: Shenandoah Valley
• 9,094 posts

TCS makes a kit https://tcsdcc.com/1904 speaker and decoder.

They have installation pics of other locos on their website.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

• Reply

wdcrvr

• Member since
  August 2010
• From: Columbia, IL
• 394 posts

Thanks, but $145 is more than I paid for the locomotive. I would hope there are some less expensive alternatives.

wdcrvr

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oldline1

• Member since
  July 2006
• From: Huntsville, AR
• 1,250 posts

Look for yankeedabbler on feebay. They have great prices.

oldline1

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Autonerd

• Member since
  August 2015
• 409 posts

I have a DCC-ready Bachmann Niagara into which I installed a Digitrax sdxh-166d, which I think cost me $55 w/ speaker. It was a pain to squeeze into the tender but works nicely. Now, I don't know how the board of your dcc-equipped Mike compares to the Niagara (does the decoder plug into the board or is it a dedicated board?) so I dunno if this is useful.

I can tell you that I have a Bachmann 2-8-2 Sound Value and I've never been terribly pleased with it. Detail is great and the sound is fine, but it doesn't pull much and the leading and trailing trucks can be *very* finicky on less-than-perfect track-work -- and even on perfect track work. I wanted it for a road engine, but it works better as a switcher.

I also have a Bachmann 2-6-0 that I bought (with sound) from that big place in Brooklyn for $100 ($70 less than the Mikado) and I love it. It pulls even less, but I use it for my three-car museum excursion train and it traverses all 28 scale miles of our club layout with no problems, 2% grades and all. If you're looking for steam on a budget, and not running long trains, that might be something to consider.

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richg1998

• Member since
  October 2006
• From: Western, MA
• 8,571 posts

wdcrvr

I have a Bachmann 2-8-2 Mikado DCC w/o sound. This engine really runs great and I think I would like to add sound to it. Can anyone give me some guidance on a good sound decoder for this engine and any information about the process of installing the decoder.

Thanks

wdcrvr

I am a little late but SoundTraxx has one. Check the site.

I have used SoundTraxx a lot in the past.

https://soundtraxx.com/reference/decoder-selector

Rich

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Trainman440

• Member since
  May 2014
• From: Pennsylvania
• 1,154 posts

Is this a USRA light mikado, or Bachmann Spectrum Susquehanna SY 2-8-2? Also, what is your sound preference? Prices range from Digitraxx and MRC sound, which costs only around $50, and Tsunami 2, ESU Loksound and TCS which cost around $90+.

Charles

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Modeling the PRR & NYC in HO

Youtube Channel:www.youtube.com/@trainman440

Instagram (where I share projects!):https://www.instagram.com/trainman440

• Reply

wdcrvr

• Member since
  August 2010
• From: Columbia, IL
• 394 posts

It is a Bachmann Susquehanna sy 2-8-2. Can I just add sound to the dcc decoder already there or do I need to repace the decoder? I know nothing about this stuff.

thanks

wdcrvr

• Reply

BigDaddy

• Member since
  December 2015
• From: Shenandoah Valley
• 9,094 posts

wdcrvr

Can I just add sound to the dcc decoder

Almost certainly not.

Henry

COB Potomac & Northern

Shenandoah Valley

• Reply