Installing sound in a Bachmann 08

[corax67]

I have previously fitted a sound decoder to a Bachmann 08 - this was some 7+ years ago using a LokSound from SWD (v3 I think) and a round speaker.

 

This involved a great deal of metal cutting, metal grinding, plastic thinning & drilling resulting in not a lot of chassis but a lovely sound coming from a pepper potted nose grille and great running but much reduced haulage capability.

 

The model eventually got sold on and now I can afford to do one all over again but technology has moved on and hopefully less engineering will be required.

 

My options appear to be sound files on the LokSound Micro or Zimo and a lot of different speakers too.

 

The loco I propose to convert also has an Express Models lighting kit fitted with individual control over each marker light and I would like to retain this feature but if this is not possible I do have other Bachmann 08's to utilise.

 

 

Has anyone done this conversion recently?

 

What decoder option is preferred?

 

What speaker is recommended?

 

Can I retain the flexible lighting?

 

 

Initially I am leaning towards SWD sound on an 8-pin LokSound Micro in conjunction with a sugar cube speaker but am open to suggestions if members know better.

 

 

As always all help is gratefully received and welcomed.

[Barry O]

I used a micro XL fitted in the cab roof, the double speakers which came with it fit at the front of the chassis block (behind the radiator panel). Mine is Legomanbiffo bought from Charlie at dc kits.

 

I  am waiting for Shawplan top do some etches to replace the plastic radiator slats to let a bit more sound out. 

[corax67]

Thanks for the quick reply Barry - an installation with no fettling sounds great.

 

Hearing good things about the Legomanbiffo sound files and seen a few YouTube clips which have impressed me a lot.

[legomanbiffo]

Whichever chip you choose you should use it with two of the Zimo sugar cube speakers, which are something of a revalation. They are compatible with the Loksound v4 and Zimo equivalents. If you do go for a Loksound, the standard size chip will give you a bit more oomph than a micro, though the micro is perfectly adequate for home use when used with sugar cubes. You can fit one in the Hornby model quite easily by removing the circuit board and hard-wiring, I suspect the Bachmann will be similar. Your 08 will be as loud as your other locos with this configuration.

 

Hope this helps,

 

Bif

[corax67]

Thanks Bif,

 

Will probably go for the "more oomph" standard as I occasionally show my shunting puzzle on which this loco will serve.

 

There is less space in a Bachmann than in a Hornby but nothing which can't be tweaked.

[tractor_37260]

I used a micro XL fitted in the cab roof, the double speakers which came with it fit at the front of the chassis block (behind the radiator panel). Mine is Legomanbiffo bought from Charlie at dc kits.

 

I  am waiting for Shawplan top do some etches to replace the plastic radiator slats to let a bit more sound out. 

That's one area the Hornby 08 scores - the grille has open slats, and can be removed, a hole can be cut behind it in the body, replace the grille and it still looks as good as new - but it now allows the sound to get out !

[corax67]

Unfortunately I have a number of Bachmann 08's and no Hornby ones - not the end of the world though

[JBM37404]

That's one area the Hornby 08 scores - the grille has open slats, and can be removed, a hole can be cut behind it in the body, replace the grille and it still looks as good as new - but it now allows the sound to get out !

 

Have done a Hornby one with a Zimo chip, performance can be stuttery unless your track is smooth. Also fitted an Express Lighting kit to it but once the circuilt board for that is in you have very little room left....

 

John