Bachman Climax - unsure what to do

Not certain if this adds anything to this topic but this installation by Jack Thompson in a Climax may be of use and provide inspiration for someone attempting something similar. You also might check out his site since his work is pretty amazing and, for me, inspirational.
 
That is a nice install and shows ingenuity in squeezing everything in. That is a REALLY old AirWire G2 decoder with the "split kit" where you split the radio receiver board apart into 2 pieces with a flex cable in between.

Newer stuff is smaller.

The battery placement is the great idea.

Greg
 
PhilP said:
I don't think you would get more than six NiMH 2/3AA cells in the boiler?
That would probably not be enough voltage (for top-speed) or current capacity (for duration of running).
There would be space for a Lithium-based battery pack, though.
(This assumes the boiler is not full of motor and gearbox).

PhilP
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Hm looks like the conversion by Jack Thompson proved my question. That battery pack is the perfect job and run time looked pretty good, noticeably he did not mention run to flat batteries during his afternoon run. Probably enough run time for most tastes.
 
Bit of an update. Have made some enquiries about converting the loco to battery and one or two sound promising.

However, one seemed rather steep - cost estimated between £450 and £550, rising to £700 to £750 with sound. If I sell my loco and spend the proceeds plus the estimated conversion amount I can probably find a newer one with DCC.

I’ll post a further update when I’ve decided what path to follow.
 
Probably not going to add a great deal to this thread but .... I added a QSI Magnum + Speaker to my (older generation) Bachmann Climax a few years ago now .. it was a really tricky installation as I tried really hard not to make major alterations (I dont like drilling holes / cutting bits off my locos) and getting it all to fit inside the 'bunker' . I have done several DCC 'conversions' in the past Heisler , Shay , Connie etc but the Climax was by far the most difficult due to limited space. As others have said .. you might be better off hunting for one of the newer models with the DCC already added if you can find one.
 
darkdaniel100 said:
Probably not going to add a great deal to this thread but .... I added a QSI Magnum + Speaker to my (older generation) Bachmann Climax a few years ago now .. it was a really tricky installation as I tried really hard not to make major alterations (I dont like drilling holes / cutting bits off my locos) and getting it all to fit inside the 'bunker' . I have done several DCC 'conversions' in the past Heisler , Shay , Connie etc but the Climax was by far the most difficult due to limited space. As others have said .. you might be better off hunting for one of the newer models with the DCC already added if you can find one.
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Thanks for this. I keep toying with the idea of having a crack at doing a conversion myself but that would be dumb in my situation, and a reality check from someone with experience of doing the work was sorely needed and much appreciated.
 
Greg Elmassian said:
OK, in your first post you presented a number of options, DC, DCC, battery.

If you have settled on DCC, buy a new one already fitted with DCC, done.... sell the old one of course.

Greg
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You’re right. This thread has clarified that all along I really wanted to have a DCC-enabled loco; considering a battery conversion was drive by the fact I’ve successfully added battery power to a couple of DCC-equipped locos for a modest cost, so my assumption was that the Climax conversion would also be relatively cheap.

In summary, if I’m going to have to spend a fair amount it would be better to get a loco that came from the manufacturer with the capabilities I want built-in.
 
maxi-model said:
A good reliable source Bachmann G Climax Elk River Coal/Lmbr With Sound & DCC 86094 | eBay shows price and shipping with sterling conversion. Add 20% import tax and Parcelfarce (USPS UK partner). Watch out for changing exchange rates. I have bought this and other Bachmann locos from this source. You might get better prices 2nd hand in the UK but his are NIB. Max
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Thanks for the info. We have a trip to the US pencilled in to visit family in the next few months so maybe I can find one whilst we’re out there and bring it home with me.
 
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