Freerails > Model Railroad Forums > R.C. The Future Now If You Desire > On30 'Bachmann' Porter R.C. Conversion |
Freerails > Model Railroad Forums > R.C. The Future Now If You Desire > On30 'Bachmann' Porter R.C. Conversion |
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Bob R Registered 
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Over the weekend I converted a Bachmann On30 Porter 0-4-2 to RC. Installed a DelTang RX61 receiver, Pololu 9 Volt step up regulator, 250 mAh LiPo battery, reed switch and a charge jack. In order to hide the battery I made an oil tank to replace the coal load in the fuel bunker. I still need to paint on numbers and weather it but otherwise it is done. I test ran it at part throttle pulling three heavily weighted cars. It ran continuously for a little over one hour. On recharge it took in 243 mAh so, the run time will basically be one hour. A 2 cell battery would greatly increase that time but would not be hidden. Attachment: 20180226_134346_resized.jpg (Downloaded 169 times) |
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Bob R Registered
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In this view you can see the DelTang RX61 under the saddle tank, the Pololu beside firebox. Battery w/protection circuit and a solder pad I added to ease install of battery and charge jack wiring. I wanted to fit the Pololu under the saddle tank but there wasn't quite enough room without Dremeling away some metal. All in all the conversion went well. Attachment: P2 (2).jpg (Downloaded 191 times) |
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Bob R Registered
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This view shows the oil tank. The fill cap on top is a disguised magnet to activate the reed switch under the top of the tank. Also visible is the charge jack behind the step on the left side. It is easily accessible and not very noticeable. Attachment: 20180225_202256_resized.jpg (Downloaded 192 times) |
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Bob R Registered
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Posted a short video on YouTube.... https://youtu.be/RVsSVkg6n3k |
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Michael M Registered 
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Very nicely done.  Thanks for the photos. |
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Bob R Registered
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Painting is done other than the brass bell and whistle. My bottle has dried up. Another trip to the store. Attachment: 20180227_133122_resized.jpg (Downloaded 162 times) |
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Bob R Registered
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Declaring the Porter done. Will let paint cure then, pack up and send to my brother for his new switching layout. Attachment: 20180227_172318_resized.jpg (Downloaded 157 times) |
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Si. Moderator 
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     Si. |
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Tom Harbin Registered
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Bob, Very nice conversion. I have two questions if you don't mind. I see the headlight is on in one of pictures. Do you have it wired to a channel or set up to be on while the receiver is on (or some other way) ? Did you buy your DelTang from Geren (On30Guy) ? He is the only seller I have found in the USA. Tom |
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Rick Dow Registered 
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Tom, Just a couple of points relative to one of your questions to Bob in the last post. I have heard nothing but good things about The 0n30 Guy. As a back-up, you can also purchase from Micron in England http://www.micronradiocontrol.co.uk Andy at Micron has been great to deal with, they have a large inventory and they ship directly to you no problem. They are also in touch with David T who as you have noticed, does monitor this forum. Rick |
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Bob R Registered
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Tom Harbin wrote: Bob, The headlight is wired to be on when the receiver is powered. I have purchased all my DelTang from On30 Guy. I have converted about 15 engines and have about 10 throttles. Very satisfied with his service. |
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Rod Hutchinson Registered 
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I live in Australia so I purchase DelTang from Micron in UK. Excellent service & support. I have 7 locos with RC. |
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Tom Harbin Registered
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Rick, Bob and Rod, Thanks. I wouldn't say I know Geren but we were in a Yahoo group together many years ago, when a lot of us were figuring out what an On30 module should look like. I know he is a great guy. I just didn't know if he was the only US source. Rick and Rod, thanks for the alternate source. Their site is very interesting and it is always good to have more than one source available. Bob, thanks for the extra info. I think I may steal your ideas almost completely, except I'll probably use a Banta all-weather cab instead of the oil tank, since my locos are all wood or coal burners and my talents don't lend themselves well to fabricating an oil tank from scratch. Do you remember what voltage step-up regulator you used? I was thinking the 9-volt would probably be about right. I do wish Geren carried the RX62 since it would be easier to have a latching reed switch, rather than keeping the magnet in proximity to the switch. Tom |
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Bob R Registered
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Pololu 9 volt. With regard to the RX62. I find using a magnet is sometimes a benefit. It is usually easy to find a way to have one that does not look out of place - like the oil tank cap on the Porter. When it is on, the engine is on - when off, the engine is off. It is easy to accidently leave a RX62 on, when waving a magnet over the reed switch. Best to have a headlight to know power is on or off. |
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Tom Harbin Registered
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Bob, Good point about the reed switch. I think I'm going to place an order with Geren for a RX61, some transmitter, a 1S and a 2S battery with charger and stop procrastinating. The Pololu site is quite fascinating, easy to lose yourself in toys. Think I'll order a couple of the 9v. Thanks for everything, so far... I'm sure I'll have questions once I actually try to do the conversion. Now I just have to convince myself to actually do it, instead of taking the easy way out and just sticking with DCC. Tom |
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Rob V Registered 
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Hello again James Bob used the same parts you have for his Porter as well as his Shay You might find some of his photos here useful and good tips for one of your conversions Good luck Rob |
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Lee B Registered 
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Four-mooser for sure! |
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