GWR ‘Pannier’ tanks are perennial favourites and Bachmann has added the ‘64XX’ version to its existing range. PAUL CHETTER investigates the internal changes made to this newer design in order to fit sound and ‘stay alive’ capability to this and the earlier ‘57XX’ series locomotives.
Despite being of superficially similar outward appearance, there are significant internal differences between these two models of GWR ‘57XX’ and ‘64XX’ 0-6-0PT. This installation guide will help you whichever model you have. Although the Zimo MX649 sound decoder and 15mm x 11mm x 9mm ‘cube’ speaker can be fitted to each model, the design changes dictate that they must be installed differently.
In fact, the only similarities between these installations is that the Digital Command Control (DCC) interface was removed from each model and the insulating sheath plus unused wires were removed from the decoders, all to create enough space for the full workings of sound. Both are DCC ready, but there is not a great deal of free space available for components beyond non-sound decoder installation.
Above: Two ‘Panniers’ modelling two different classes, but with similar requirements for installing digital sound. Paul Chetter explains how in this step by step guide.
In order to remove the ‘57XX’ model’s body from its chassis, the tension lock couplings must be removed then the revealed screws front and rear released. After lifting the body clear it can be seen that the chassis is equipped with an 8-pin DCC socket on a small Printed Circuit Board (PCB) which dominates the boiler space in front of the motor. <…
