Bachmann GP50

Scale:
HO Scale


This installation uses the following decoder:


Installation

This installation is for a HO Scale Bachmann GP50 using a TCS WOW121 Diesel Decoder, AK-MB1 Version 2 Motherboard with built in Keep Alive® and UNIV-SH1-C WOWSpeaker kit.

HO-Scale Bachmann GP50 shown prior to installation. To start off this install, we must first remove the front and rear coupler screws and their housings.
HO-Scale Bachmann GP50 shown prior to installation. To start off this install, we must first remove the front and rear coupler screws and their housings.
With the couplers removed, while gently pulling outwards at each end and along each side of the frame at these four tabs highlighted in red above, lift the shell off of the frame. Take care to release the handrails as you lift off the shell so they don't break.
With the couplers removed, while gently pulling outwards at each end and along each side of the frame at these four tabs highlighted in red above, lift the shell off of the frame. Take care to release the handrails as you lift off the shell so they don't break.
The Bachmann GP50 shown with the shell off. Remove the wires from the original lighting board and remove it from the chassis.
The Bachmann GP50 shown with the shell off. Remove the wires from the original lighting board and remove it from the chassis.
Trim, tin or lengthen the wire leads to fit.
Trim, tin or lengthen the wire leads to fit.
Using double sided foam tape, attach the AK-MB1 Version 2 to the rear of the frame as shown above and solder the motor and track pickup wires according to the included wiring diagram. Using small lengths of TCS 3/32" and 3/64" shrink tubing, insulate these solder leads if neccessary.
Using double sided foam tape, attach the AK-MB1 Version 2 to the rear of the frame as shown above and solder the motor and track pickup wires according to the included wiring diagram. Using small lengths of TCS 3/32" and 3/64" shrink tubing, insulate these solder leads if neccessary.
In this installation, we replaced the original bulbs with LEDs, placing them in the original locations. Solder these wire leads to the motherboard according to the included wiring diagram as shown above and secure them with a small dab of hot melt glue.
In this installation, we replaced the original bulbs with LEDs, placing them in the original locations. Solder these wire leads to the motherboard according to the included wiring diagram as shown above and secure them with a small dab of hot melt glue.
We have found that LED light output is brightest when shinning directly into the end of the light tube, but in some circumstances they may be placed along the length of the tube as well with satisfactory results. In doing so, white light LED output would be least affected, while non white LED output will be more affected by placement. TCS motherboards include on board current limit resistors for LED use. There is no need to apply external resistors for LED use.
We have found that LED light output is brightest when shinning directly into the end of the light tube, but in some circumstances they may be placed along the length of the tube as well with satisfactory results. In doing so, white light LED output would be least affected, while non white LED output will be more affected by placement. TCS motherboards include on board current limit resistors for LED use. There is no need to apply external resistors for LED use.
With the 35mm X 16mm WOWSound speaker inserted into the UNI-SH1-C enclosure and using double sided foam tape, mount this assembly to the frame as shown below. In this installation, we created a channel for the front track pickup and front LED leads in the tape to ease installation.
With the 35mm X 16mm WOWSound speaker inserted into the UNI-SH1-C enclosure and using double sided foam tape, mount this assembly to the frame as shown below. In this installation, we created a channel for the front track pickup and front LED leads in the tape to ease installation.
If your speaker enclosure installation covers the portholes on the enclosure, we recommend adding new port hole(s) similar to the original porting. Be sure that the new portholes are the same size and amount of the original and are vented freely into the locomotive We have found introducing a port of the correct size greatly increases the volume and sound quality of the installation. Too much or too little porting decreases the sound quality. You can now plug in your WOW121 decoder. Lastly, in order to keep the wires neat and prevent possible shorts, lace the wires into a bundle using lacing cord. Now you can close up the locomotive and reinstall the coupler assemblies. Be sure to be mindful of wire routing and reassembly of the shell as to not damage or foul the installation. Your Bachmann GP50 is now WOWSound equipped and ready to roll!
If your speaker enclosure installation covers the portholes on the enclosure, we recommend adding new port hole(s) similar to the original porting. Be sure that the new portholes are the same size and amount of the original and are vented freely into the locomotive We have found introducing a port of the correct size greatly increases the volume and sound quality of the installation. Too much or too little porting decreases the sound quality. You can now plug in your WOW121 decoder. Lastly, in order to keep the wires neat and prevent possible shorts, lace the wires into a bundle using lacing cord. Now you can close up the locomotive and reinstall the coupler assemblies. Be sure to be mindful of wire routing and reassembly of the shell as to not damage or foul the installation. Your Bachmann GP50 is now WOWSound equipped and ready to roll!

Important Soldering Tip

Please do not use any flux either liquid or paste on the mother board. Over time, the acidic properties of liquid or paste flux will begin eating away at the fiberglass PCB and will damage it. Use only Rosin-core solder or no-clean flux approved for electronics use.

TCS recommends the use of Kester "44" Sn63 Pb37, .015" diameter Rosin-core solder. Kester part number 24-6337-0007.

You can order this solder from the following retailers:
Digikey - PN:KE1110-ND
Techni-Tool - PN:488SO6775

Other solder tips

When stripping wire, only strip a tiny little bit of the insulation. Strip no more than a 1/32 of an inch. When the wire gets tinned with solder, the insulation will shrink back more. Try to not expose any more wire than half the length of the solder pad at most. In no case should solder or exposed wire wire ever be outside the boundary of the the solder pad you are attaching a wire to.
Click here for important information on properly Stripping and Tinning wire

Lacing Cord

In order to keep the wires neat and prevent possible shorts, we recommend lacing the wires into a bundle using lacing cord. Lacing cord is a wax impregnated string used for wire bundling and making harnesses. There are many choices of lacing cord available from Digikey www.digikey.com. 
We use part number 802534B BK032-ND