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Putting Sound in Bachmann Vanderbilt (Vandy) Tenders MRH magazine help
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Prolific poster 8,844 posts railandsail Prolific poster 8,844 posts
railandsail

I have a number of Bachmann Vandy tenders that I wish to put sound (and decoders) into. In particular I am looking at the VC16 and VC12 tenders at the moment.

First the VC16 tenders. I want to build at least 3 different versions for experimentation purposes:
1) Mount a Railmaster bass-reflex speaker (already enclosed in its own 'box') on the bottom frame firing out the bottom of the tender.

2) Make another version like that of #1, but add a small round hi-bass speaker firing out the front of the tender (in the slot provided for the drawbar) into the cab area of the loco.

3) Make another version that would utilize 2 or 3 small hi-base speakers firing out the bottom of the tender, plus one such speaker firing out front of the tender into the cab area of the loco

 

The VC 16 tenders I have do NOT have any holes in their bottom sides to let the sound out, so I need to drill some. I am proposing to drill some rather 'larger than stock' size holes in between the two long frame members in the bottom of the tender. My thoughts are that these larger diameter holes will allow for a deeper base sound to emanate (sort of like those custom car mufflers for those small engined imports)

In drilling these sound relief holes it would be much easier if that brake reserve cylinder were not in the way. Any suggestions on how to remove and then reinstall it and its piping??

RailMaster Speakers I intend to use
http://www.railmasterhobbies.com/Speakers.htm

Brian

1) First Ideas: Help Designing Dbl-Deck Plan in Dedicated Shed
2) Next Idea: Another Interesting Trackplan to Consider
3) Final Plan: Trans-Continental Connector
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lexon Prolific poster 1,211 posts
lexon

Tenders

I found a diagram of a Vandy tender with sound at the Bachmann website. Drilled small holes just like I could see in the diagram photo. Little styrene strips to form a baffle. Never took any pictures though.Not a big deal.

I used a Vandy tender from an older 0-6-0. Put in metal wheels and home made pickups from Kadee #5 coupler springs.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/dwg/dwgs/H842X-IS001.PDF

Rich
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Patrick Stanley Frequent poster 595 posts
Patrick Stanley

Bachman Vandy

Which version are you talking about ? They have an older version from years ago when all the functions were in the loco. These were ALL plastic and had a plastic drawbar with 2 nubs sticking up that you hooked onto the loco. These were roughly equivalent to an SP C-160. They are just big tubes with not good access to their innards.

Their newer versions have metal wheel pickups, are much better detailed, and have two plugs for power continuity with the loco. I have personally seen these used on the 2-8-0 and the 4-8-2. I have seen two versions from more recently (past 5-6 yrs). A shorter one roughly equivalent to an SP C-90, and a longer one similar to an SP C-120.

These have been recently upgraded with the application of sound which is what is shown in the Bachman drawings in the post above.

Just so happens that I have just started a process of adding a speaker to the shorter version to tag along behind a Life-Like Proto 0-8-0. I plan on mounting a Railmaster in the oil tank with sound exiting the space left by the removal of the wire plugs at the front of the tender. More holes will be drilled there if needed. I don't plan to mess with the bottom so brake rigging is not an issue.  Will let you know when I get there.

Hope this helps ?

Espee over Donner
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railandsail Prolific poster 8,844 posts
railandsail

i am talking about the newer

i am talking about the newer versions of these vandy tenders. I'll take some photos (before and after) soon.

For some reason I am NOT being notified when a new posting has been made to this discussion?

Brian

1) First Ideas: Help Designing Dbl-Deck Plan in Dedicated Shed
2) Next Idea: Another Interesting Trackplan to Consider
3) Final Plan: Trans-Continental Connector
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