+- (https://bigbluetrains.com)
+-- Forum: The Back Shop (https://bigbluetrains.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=52)
+--- Forum: DCC (https://bigbluetrains.com/forumdisplay.php?fid=38)
+--- Thread: JACK ON TRACKS DECODER INSTALLS. (/showthread.php?tid=10014)
Pages:
1
2
RE: JACK ON TRACKS DECODER INSTALLS. - zzrguy - 05-20-2025
Ok so there really isn't a lot I could do for the lighting since the rear light are trapped in the shell, but I do think what I was able to do came out pretty good.
What do you think let me know in the comments.
RE: JACK ON TRACKS DECODER INSTALLS. - zzrguy - 06-18-2025
So, my gears came in from Northwest Short Line for this Bachmann Spectrum Doodle bug so it's time to get it back in-service and since we are opening it up, we Might as well upgrade these lights to LEDs. This was not a simple as it should have been since I had somehow lost the drive saft and had to rethink my lighting options for the front head light, but I manage to get it done without if getting flying lessons.
Northwest Short Line Doodle Bug Gears
https://nwsl.com
RE: JACK ON TRACKS DECODER INSTALLS. - andy.chandler71@gmail.com - 06-18-2025
(06-18-2025, 06:01 AM)zzrguy Wrote: So, my gears came in from Northwest Short Line for this Bachmann Spectrum Doodle bug so it's time to get it back in-service and since we are opening it up, we Might as well upgrade these lights to LEDs. This was not a simple as it should have been since I had somehow lost the drive saft and had to rethink my lighting options for the front head light, but I manage to get it done without if getting flying lessons.
Northwest Short Line Doodle Bug Gears
https://nwsl.com
excellent tutorial. thank you
RE: JACK ON TRACKS DECODER INSTALLS. - zzrguy - 06-29-2025
(06-18-2025, 01:59 PM)andy.chandler71@gmail.com Wrote: excellent tutorial. thank you
I'm glad you liked it and I hope it help you out.
RE: JACK ON TRACKS DECODER INSTALLS. - zzrguy - 06-29-2025
So, after numerous failures of the 4 new Digitrax decoders I installed in these Bachmann F unit I pulled the two SDXH167d decoders out and installed these Econami Decoders and I was instantly happy with my chose.
Stay tuned till the end to hear these engine roar.
RE: JACK ON TRACKS DECODER INSTALLS. - zzrguy - 07-13-2025
Here's how I built and installed these Lighting keep a lives in my Cabooses next, I'll be building more to go in a small fleet of Passengers cars.
Stay tuned and hit the notification button for Santa Fe Super Chief build
RE: JACK ON TRACKS DECODER INSTALLS. - zzrguy - 08-10-2025
Here we go and install a decoder buddy mini with an ESU decoder into a customer's Locomotive.
It was a pretty straightforward installation I added LEDs and made a bracket for the cab light.
[
RE: JACK ON TRACKS DECODER INSTALLS. - zzrguy - 12-11-2025
Upgrade your Athearn MP15AC with rich, crystal-clear sound! In this episode of Jack on Tracks, I install a Scale Sound Systems speaker and an ESU LokSound decoder, walking you through the full process—from opening the box to wiring, fitting the 3D-printed speaker, programming the decoder, and testing it on the track. If you’re into model train sound installs, Athearn locomotives, ESU decoders, or Scale Sound Systems upgrades, this video shows exactly what to expect and how it performs.
RE: JACK ON TRACKS DECODER INSTALLS. - zzrguy - 12-30-2025
In this Back Shop episode, I show you just how fast and simple it is to install an ESU 21-pin LokPilot decoder into a Bowser Long Island Railroad RS3. If you’ve ever been unsure about DCC installs—or thought you had to buy the factory-equipped version—this video proves how easy the upgrade really is.
Watch the full step-by-step process, see the locomotive run on the test track, and get tips on future sound upgrades using Scale Sound Systems speakers. Perfect for HO scale modelers, Bowser fans, and anyone learning DCC for the first time.
RE: JACK ON TRACKS DECODER INSTALLS. - zzrguy - 01-08-2026
Get an inside look at the Athearn EMD Model 40 as I unbox it, install a DCC decoder, swap couplers, break it in, and test run it on the track. This tiny switcher packs huge cool-factor, and I walk you through everything from disassembly to JMRI setup. If you love HO scale, DCC installs, and Athearn locomotives, this one’s for you!