Bachmann Boxcar

Scale:
N Scale


This installation uses the following decoder:


This installation documentation is for a N-scale Boxcar manufactured by Bachmann. This installation was performed using a TCS WOW101 Diesel Decoder, KA3 Keep Alive® and 25x14mm WOWSpeaker.

Note: This installation can be performed using either a WOW101-KA-Steam or WOW101-KA-Diesel decoder, based on which type of locomotive you wish to use with the car. This conversion is popular for diesels which do not have large open spaces like the tenders in steam.

N Scale Bachmann Boxcar shown prior to installation. Gently pulling outwards at each end and along each side of the frame to lift the shell off of the frame.
N Scale Bachmann Boxcar shown prior to installation. Gently pulling outwards at each end and along each side of the frame to lift the shell off of the frame.
The Bachmann Boxcar shown with the shell off. Trim off the tops of these two posts to allow removal of the weight.
The Bachmann Boxcar shown with the shell off. Trim off the tops of these two posts to allow removal of the weight.
To allow space for the new components, trim the top half of these two ribs on either side flush with the interior sides.
To allow space for the new components, trim the top half of these two ribs on either side flush with the interior sides.
The frame shown prepared for the speaker installation step.
The frame shown prepared for the speaker installation step.
Using a small bit, drill several holes in the center of the frame platform for the speaker sounds to escape.
Using a small bit, drill several holes in the center of the frame platform for the speaker sounds to escape.
Using four small, triangular pieces of double sided foam tape, mount the 20mm WOWSound speaker onto the frame as shown.
Using four small, triangular pieces of double sided foam tape, mount the 20mm WOWSound speaker onto the frame as shown.
Taking the wiring harness from the WOW101 decoder, splice in the wires from the micro connectors to match the colors. The other end of this harness needs to be wired to your locomtoive's motor, track power pickups, and lights.
Taking the wiring harness from the WOW101 decoder, splice in the wires from the micro connectors to match the colors. The other end of this harness needs to be wired to your locomtoive's motor, track power pickups, and lights.
Cut a small hole in the front of the frame platform as shown above to allow the wire leads a path out.
Cut a small hole in the front of the frame platform as shown above to allow the wire leads a path out.
Using double-sided foam tape, mount the WOW101 Diesel decoder and KA3 Keep Alive® onto the top inside of the shell. Now you can close up the boxcar. Be sure to be mindful of wire routing and reassembly of the shell as to not damage or foul the installation. Your Bachmann Boxcar is now WOWSound equipped and ready to roll!
Using double-sided foam tape, mount the WOW101 Diesel decoder and KA3 Keep Alive® onto the top inside of the shell. Now you can close up the boxcar. Be sure to be mindful of wire routing and reassembly of the shell as to not damage or foul the installation. Your Bachmann Boxcar 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