Modelyard

DCC Ready or NOT ?

All recently released Bachmann steam outline locos are DCC ready e.g Standard Class 5, K3 and A1). However many of their longer running models are not - and for a very good reason - they are to the very successful split chassis design. Bachmann have sold many thousands of these locos and are indeed still selling them. Their 2011 new product announcement promises that the V2, B1 and A4 will get a new chassis, however we can still convert your split chassis version to DCC if you wish.

Locos remaining in the catalogue with a split chassis include the V1/3 tanks, J39, J72 tank, Ivatt 4MT tank, Manor and Lord Nelson. We can convert any of these for you.

Why are they NOT DCC Ready ?

The chassis consists of two slabs of metal which are insulated from each other and act as the electrical current carriers from wheels to motor. Because the motor is directly electrically connected to these chassis members it would be a major design change for Bachmann to make them DCC ready. Bachmann are gradually phasing out the split chassis because of this and have recently done the LMS 4-6-0s but it looks like some of them will be with us for quite a bit yet.

A Lost Cause ?

All is not lost, they can be converted to DCC but it involves :-
1. Totally dismantling the chassis.
2. Milling the two chassis halves to clear the motor connections and make space for the decoder.
4. Making a new electrical connection to each of the chassis halves.
5. Reassembling the chassis and testing on DC.
5. Fitting a DCC decoder and testing on DCC.

All One Price - Why ?

All conversions are the same price. Size does not matter - the diminutive J72 does not have valve gear to contend with but it is very tight on space so it all balances out with the amount of work required.

All cost Ł44 INCLUDING the cost of the highly regarded TCS M1 or MC2 decoder. Postage is extra by First or Second Class recorded (insurance up to Ł41) or Special Delivery (next day delivery and insurance up to Ł500).