The Bachmann Fairburn 4MT Tank engine is a favourite performer here at locoyard. It predates this blog, so a DCC fitting guide was never published before, however as the locomotive had a small decoder fitted but had space for a bigger one, I took the opportunity to replace it and publish this guide!This is a reasonably simple procedure. As usual, you want to be sure the model is running well with no problems in DC first.
The next step is to remove three screws – the middle screw in-between the cylinders and the two next to either rear buffer, as indicated above.
Remove the blanking plate and fit the decoder as per manufacturers instructions.
Even a large DCC decoder will fit in the smokebox of the body (see above). However, the motor mechanism behind the 8 pin socket is exposed. So be careful that no wires are trapped above it – you may find a little insulating tape is needed to help tidy the wires. Test that it works and re-screw the body to the chassis and you’re done. A simple job!
Loco Yard 
Really helpful guide, many thanks indeed. On removing the body of my loco however, there were five screws holding the body to the chassis. There were two, one each side of the body, stuck way down in the depths which needed a long, thin screwdriver to reach them. Very difficult to replace as well and, to be honest, I doubt there would be a problem if they were not replaced.
LikeLike