N Scale Bachmann 44 tonner with Loksound Nano

[Jim Starbuck]

I agree that something doesn't seem to add up.  I wouldn't think that any of the added components woudl weight more per volume than the solid metal they replaced.

John, you did a really nice job with this tiny loco!

Got home and rechecked the weight. Looks to be correct.

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Jim

[Chris333]

I'm sure each of our scales would measure differently. Even if someone bought 2 of the same scale you might get 2 different readings.

[peteski]

I'm sure each of our scales would measure differently. Even if someone bought 2 of the same scale you might get 2 different readings.

Then what is the point of having those new-fangled accurate digital scales?  I would expect the tolerance to be a gram or two, but this seems like a larger error.

[tehachapifan]

Curious as to if a speaker might fit in the cab. Did you consider putting one in there? It would obviously block the windows but would also save some milling (for those of us that don't have a fancy milling machine! ).

[Chris333]

Then what is the point of having those new-fangled accurate digital scales?  I would expect the tolerance to be a gram or two, but this seems like a larger error.

I once saw a photo of about 20 aquarium temperature probes. All the same brand and type sitting in the same 5 gallon bucket of water. No 2 probes read the same temp.

[Jim Starbuck]

Curious as to if a speaker might fit in the cab. Did you consider putting one in there? It would obviously block the windows but would also save some milling (for those of us that don't have a fancy milling machine! ).

I think the speaker could be made to fit in the cab if desired.
Honestly though, for the small amount of material that needs to be removed from the chassis, 15 minutes with a flat file would accomplish the same thing.

[Jim Starbuck]

Then what is the point of having those new-fangled accurate digital scales?  I would expect the tolerance to be a gram or two, but this seems like a larger error.

I guess I’m not on the same page here. What is the error?

My point is that there really isn’t enough material removed from the chassis to have a dramatic negative impact on the performance of this locomotive. Don’t be afraid to cut on it a little folks, you’re not going to ruin it’s pulling capacity.

Weight is only one element in the equation of a nice running mechanism. The excellent motor control of a properly dialed in Loksound in addition to the rock steady voltage of the power module in my experience more than make up for the tiny amount of weight lost to make room for the electronics. Part of that loss is also regained by the addition of the components as reflected in my measurement. Just how much is hard to say but even with discrepancies in various scales we’re talking what? Half a gram?
I think we’re overthinking the whole bit.

[peteski]

Jim, it appeared like you removed quite a chunk off the solid metal chassis, replacing it with relatively lightweight electronic circuit (decoder), small speaker in a feather-light enclosure (full of air).  I was just surprised that it ended up weighting as much as the unmodified loco.  But what I failed to consider is there was quite a bit of empty space between the top of the original chassis and the top of the shell.

As far weight goes, it is not mainly all about the traction or pulling ability.  It is mostly about reliable electric pickup.  The heavier the model is, the better it will pickup electricity.  But it appears that the model runs reliably, so all is well.

[Jim Starbuck]

I looked at Bachmann’s parts website and it appears that there was another version of the chassis produced.
The one pictured has the frame halves overlapping with a smooth solid part over the motor perhaps to add weight to the design. Mine would have been an early production which is open above the motor.and is consistent with the parts diagram shown on the website.
My guess is the chassis milling would be pretty much the same for either version.

[Chris333]

The one pictured has the frame halves overlapping with a smooth solid part over the motor perhaps to add weight to the design.

If you look close that is an insulator like a die cut piece of electrical tape (or something) covering the motor.
https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=1671
https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=popup_image&pID=1672

[Jim Starbuck]

Ah, I see it now. Thanks Chris. Makes sense since that would be for the stock decoder. I took the stock board out of mine and put a better hardwire decoder in it in about 2008 so I wasn’t starting from stock on the sound conversion.
 

[peteski]

I'm aware of 2 slightly different chassis', but the only difference I noticed is that they use slightly different motor, and the routing of the motor wires are different.  They all included the insulator placed on top of the chassis. It is made of paper with a thin black plastic film on top, and pressure sensitive adhesive on the chassis side.

[Jim Starbuck]

Thanks Peteski,

It’s been so long since I originally took mine apart I had forgotten that.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I just want to say again how hot this is.

[Jbub]

I just want to say again how hot this is.

I agree. This is one of those inspirational posts that make me want to do decoder and sound installs.