Bachmann J39 and DCC

John Clements asked:-

By some fantastic coincidence, typing the words "DCC" "fitting" and "J39" into Google produced the following page which answers your questions precisely:-

(kim)

Phil: For Zero-1 (requiring a larger decoder space), and the J72 chassis (original versions with motor filling cab), and similar tank loco models, I cut away 1-side of the forward part of the the 'boiler' section of the casting, and located the decoder there. This is a much easier job now, because of the smaller dcc decoders available today! - There is room without cutting on some tank locos.

The other problem is to intercept the electrics to the motor.

1/ Old Mainline chassis with integral motor- this year I opted to replace these, where available, with replacement Bachmann versions, using the better motors.

Split Chassis method... My standard method with these is to fully dismantle the chassis, and cut away the top section on 1 side where the upper motor connection to the chassis is/was, and to enlarge the opening around the lower connector. I then use shortened Hellerman rubber sleeves over the soldered-to-motor wiring connections, so that there is no chance of any short to chassis. my latest method of picking up the chassis connection is to use the 'copper tape' advocated by ZTC for layouts: I use it on either side of a plasycard/foam pad insulator (larger than the copper tape) which is inserted and 'clamped' between the two halves of the chassis at a suitable point. __ / IO __