4-8-2 - 1500 Class Series - DCC Sound Installation And Passenger Paint Scheme Decals - Inquiry

I have an HO Bachmann Spectrum "Painted Unlettered USRA 4-8-2 Heavy Mountain with USRA Long Tender".

Using this I would like to model the Frisco 4-8-2 SLSF 1529 in its glory days. It is "DCC Ready".

What do I need to get to have sound and who do I need to get it from?

I do not have any other DCC equipment. Yes, I am stuck in the 1980s/1990s. If I buy stuff to get sound, it will have to be as inexpensive as possible.

Also, how do I install whatever it is?

One more thing, I have tried making my own decals, but it is not working.

Any suggestions on a decal retailer for the Frisco gold steam engine locomotive lettering?

 

Oddball Decals shows Frisco steam engines gold lettering decal set number 312.

I had the tsunami decoder installed in my Spectrum 4-8-2, and it sounds great. I know that is not the cheap decoder you are looking for, but I can certainly recommend it.

I know the Spectrum 4-8-2 is not accurate, but my engine looks good.

Thanks,

Terry

 

The only thing I think I know about DCC is that you can operate locomotives independently on the same circuit.

I have one 4-8-2 Spectrum loco that is DCC ready and seven older locomotives that are not. I am not ready to switch the layout to DCC but I would like sound on the 4-8-2.

1. Can I install a decoder to get sound but use my old "non-DCC" power supplies and still get sound?
2. If so, could you recommend a good dealer on decoders?
3. Can you use analog locomotives on a DCC layout?

 

My research on DCC leads me to believe that DCC can run on a DC layout.

Now my question is will a DCC decoder produce sound on a DC layout?

 

Not without the controller to go with the normal DC power pack.

I would suggest that you forget about running sound locomotives on a pure DC layout and go ahead and take the plunge to DCC.

You will save money in the long run and enjoy your layout much more.

Just my opinion.

Bob Wintle, MMR

 

I just bought a PFM Toby 4-8-2 1500 and would like to decal it in gold lettering.

Who thought ahead and maybe has an extra set of the gold champ numbers and striping they would part with?

Thanks,

mktjames