Bachmann Spectrum 2-10-0 Russian Decapod

Scale:
HO Scale


This installation uses the following decoder:


This installation is for HO Scale Bachmann Spectrum 2-10-0 Russian Decapod.

It is recommended to perform this installation using the DP2X or KAM4P-SH decoder, rather than the MC2 shown.

The DP2X will be a direct-plug replacement, whereas the KAM4P-SH will be a harnessed plug-in. The original installation was performed by Tom Gosser of Alaska.

 

The HO Scale Bachmann Spectrum 2-10-0 Russian Decapod fully assembled prior to installation.
The HO Scale Bachmann Spectrum 2-10-0 Russian Decapod fully assembled prior to installation.
You will need to unplug the two wired connectors between the locomotive and tender, from the tender. Lift the tender from the drawbar. You will need to turn the tender over and remove the phillips head screw. Lift the top off from the front as it will rotate off of the two tabs at the rear of the tender.
You will need to unplug the two wired connectors between the locomotive and tender, from the tender. Lift the tender from the drawbar. You will need to turn the tender over and remove the phillips head screw. Lift the top off from the front as it will rotate off of the two tabs at the rear of the tender.
Once the tender shell is removed you will see a small PCB mounted to the chassis. On top of this board is an 8 pin socket with a small "dummy" plug plugged into it. Remove this plug as this is where the new decoder will plug in.
Once the tender shell is removed you will see a small PCB mounted to the chassis. On top of this board is an 8 pin socket with a small "dummy" plug plugged into it. Remove this plug as this is where the new decoder will plug in.
See that little yellow two legged capacitor in front of the 8 pin socket? You need to cut one of its legs.
See that little yellow two legged capacitor in front of the 8 pin socket? You need to cut one of its legs.
With that capacitor leg cut you can bend it over on it's side. You may also remove it completely. Install the decoder so that the Orange wire lines up with Pin #1 of the socket. If you are using a DP2X, your decoder installation is finished here; If using a harnessed decoder, you will notice that the decoder extends past the end of the tender when plugged in.
With that capacitor leg cut you can bend it over on it's side. You may also remove it completely. Install the decoder so that the Orange wire lines up with Pin #1 of the socket. If you are using a DP2X, your decoder installation is finished here; If using a harnessed decoder, you will notice that the decoder extends past the end of the tender when plugged in.
Fold the decoder back into the tender and fasten with tape.
Fold the decoder back into the tender and fasten with tape.
Once the shell has been reinstalled, connect the tender back to the locomotive.
Once the shell has been reinstalled, connect the tender back to the locomotive.

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