Fitting Hornby Saphire to Bachmann 45xx

[Chris Dark]

Hi all,

As the title says, I am trying to put these two together but the body is such a tight fit (or the decoder is a large one). Has anybody put the two together successfully? or can recommend an 8 pin equivilent?

 

I have looked at guides but they use smaller decoders.

 

thanks

[33030Crompton]

I've got one the Bachmann Panniers, and as you say, they do require a small decoder, the one I would Suggest would be the Dcc Concepts TS or S Series Decoder, I've used the Gaugemaster version (DCC26 I think) and its a perfect fit to slide in the side tanks on the front of the loco, either that or use a 6 pin and combine it with an 8 pin adapter harness

[Chris Dark]

Thanks for the advice, which one out of the TS or S series is most similar to the saphire? I have come across this http://www.digitrains.co.uk/ecommerce/search/10331-10331-silver-decoder.aspx. on paper the system looks similar to the saphire?

 

Edit: just to add i have come across this http://www.digitrains.co.uk/ecommerce/locomotive-decoders/small/zimo-mx621r-decoder.aspx which comes recommended for low speed running which is a key feature as i am going for a small terminus.

[33030Crompton]

The TS and S Series I believe are the same with a few improvements on the TS (the newer of the two), as for how they compare with the sapphire I couldn't say as I have gained a strong dislike for any Hornby chips so have not attempted it, but due to how the Pannier is set up, most chips should run it slow due to the gearing on it. But as I've only used the gaugemaster rebadged variant I couldn't say for certain.

[RAF96]

Not sure if the Lenz Silver/Gold series, which are very Sapphire like in ability can be gotten as Lenz Minis.