TCS M-1 Decoder Installation on a Bachmann GE 44-Tonner
(Aka NSWGR 79 Class)
24/06/05
This
decoder installation applies to an earlier release of Bachmann’s GE 44-Tonner
model. I don’t know exactly when the chassis was upgraded with a newer style
‘Lighting’ PCB, but the newer releases of this model have a different one to
the one on my model.
The installation is relatively simple, but is not suggested as a beginner’s decoder installation. The mechanism consists of two self-contained powered bogies, each with their own power pick-ups fitted for each side of the bogie. I used these existing pick-ups as they work fine. I electrically joined the pick-ups from each bogie, to the corresponding sides’ pick-up on the other bogie to guarantee good track power supply to the decoder. I also connected the corresponding terminals of each motor to ensure that each motor receives the same current as the other one.
Step
One: Remove the body from the mechanism via the screws thru the fuel tank.
Unsolder all wires coming from the bogies from the PCB. Unscrew the
lighting/power PCB from the top of the chassis. See picture on left.
Do not discard the PCB, as we will use it later. Unscrew the bogies from the top of the chassis. It is not essential to remember which bogie belongs to which end, but it may be an advantage. See picture on right.
Step
Two: Dismantle one bogie and separate motor from bogie. Remove bogie
side-frames. Have a look inside the
frame of the bogie where the motor sat and you will see a contact extending
thru the frame on each side going back towards the pick-ups, they need to be
removed so that they no longer make contact with the motor. I withdrew them
from the frame and snipped them off.
Step Three: Solder new wires to each side pick-up on the bogie. I chose red and black wires so I knew they were power pick-ups for later identification. Solder wires to both motor terminals. I chose Grey and Orange wires, so as to distinguish them as motor terminal wires.
Step
Four: Dismantle the other bogie and repeat ‘Step Three’. Care needs to be
taken, as this bogie needs to have the pick-ups electrically orientated the
opposite way. That means you need a ‘Left’ and ‘Right’ handed bogie. See
picture on left.
Step Five: Now reassemble the bogies, making sure
that the motors go in the same way up (i.e. Orange wire to top). Refit the
bogies to the chassis and take care to thread wires thru the chassis so the
bogies move freely. At this stage you can check that both bogies have the same
coloured pick-up wires on the same side. See picture on right.
Step
Six: Solder the corresponding wires from each bogie to each other. This
will ensure good current continuity in the chassis and minimize any unscheduled
stops. Now solder the wires from the decoder to each corresponding wire on the
chassis. Be sure to insulate each soldered joint from each other using
heat-sink tubing. See picture on left.
Step Seven: Mount the decoder on top of the chassis
and connect you desired light globes/LED’s. I used the existing 12v globes and
pieces of the original PCB. See picture on right.
Step Eight: Put the completed mechanism on the programming track to test installation and program the decoder. When you run the locomotive for the first time, check that both motors rotate in the same direction. If not you will have to swap the wires to the motor terminals, on the one that runs the wrong way.
Lastly, refit the body and make sure to turn the driver around, as he is facing the wrong way for the NSWGR.
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