Pendragon Sailing Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 I have recently acquired a J50 tank engine (R.3406) which is DCC ready (8 pin), but has precious little space inside the body cavity for a decoder (and speaker). After examination, I have concluded that sound installation is (probably) not an option, but before I reach such a conclusion definitively, has anyone successfully installed sound into one of these (HM7000 or other make)? I note that there are weights in the side tanks that are supposedly removable. Does removing these provide the necessary space? I imagine that removal will likely affect the performance too, given they just provide a significant percentage of the overall weight of the loco. My current thoughts are that the only viable option will be to fit a non-sound ‘nano’ decoder that plugs directly into the socket. Thoughts or observations welcome…… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveM6 Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 The OO J50 was one of the first TXS conversions I did and relatively straightforward. Remove one of the weights to give space for the decoder then fit the stayalive and speaker in the cab and disguise them with a crew. If you want a challenge, try converting a Bachmann J72! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 Seeing as another thread talks about fitting sound to the TT:120 J50 I would think the 00 version would be a reasonably easy conversion. I fitted TTS sound to a GWR pannier tank long ago using the big round speaker after cropping the tank weights, so anything is possible with TXS and the small speaker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pendragon Sailing Posted May 10 Author Share Posted May 10 Thanks Chaps…….I feel a project coming on 🙂 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loewietje Posted May 10 Share Posted May 10 Let me know how it goes, I have couple of those still to do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tornado 16 Posted May 12 Share Posted May 12 Yes it certainly does work. Fitted the decoder to the side cavity having removed the weight and a speaker fits in the main body. I haven’t fitted a stay alive yet but will do when they’re next back in stock. It will have to go in the cab. Not noticed any difference in operation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pendragon Sailing Posted May 28 Author Share Posted May 28 On 10/05/2024 at 21:23, Loewietje said: Let me know how it goes, I have couple of those still to do. I’ve now completed this project. HM7k 8 pin decoder fitted into the tank space (after removing the weight), with the smallest sugar-cube speaker led through to the cab. I have not fitted a PB. All pretty straightforward in the end. 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loewietje Posted May 28 Share Posted May 28 Thanks, might give it a shot tonight! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pendragon Sailing Posted May 30 Author Share Posted May 30 On 28/05/2024 at 08:11, Loewietje said: Thanks, might give it a shot tonight! With a bit of faffery, you might be able to locate the speaker inside the boiler cavity too……… Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loewietje Posted May 30 Share Posted May 30 Thanks. Stupid question, but I’ve misplaced the stay alive, don’t ask…. is the box it came in the same size as the decoders? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted May 30 Share Posted May 30 1 hour ago, Loewietje said: Thanks. Stupid question, but I’ve misplaced the stay alive, don’t ask…. is the box it came in the same size as the decoders? Hornby power bank comes in a plastic bag with a card closure. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Loewietje Posted June 2 Share Posted June 2 I fitted the speaker (smallest cube) on top of the 8-pin plug, no need to put it in the cab. It is running around a piper on parade (guess which sound profile I used…) and no need for the stay-alive so far. If this changes I think I might cut the other weight in half, and put the stay-alive there. The hardest part of all was fitting the wires inside without them interfering with reassembling the body on the chassis. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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