Comments on: How Easy Is It To Convert Old Locos To DCC? https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc Model railroads and model trains Fri, 22 Jun 2018 19:41:02 +0000 hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.9.4 By: Chris Blackwell https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html#comment-22288 Fri, 22 Jun 2018 19:41:02 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3520#comment-22288 In reply to Dale Smith.

Thanks Dale, this makes the most sense, out of the many opinions on the subject. Really looking forward to getting DCC set up, and the conversion project down the road with make an awesome tinkering opportunity.

]]> By: Jose Arango https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html#comment-8946 Fri, 24 Apr 2015 21:03:41 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3520#comment-8946 In reply to Newman Atkinson.

I found your information very useful. I got my sounds train set out a few years ago, it was thirty some years old. I put it on a board and have been expanding it every once in a while. I have a few Dcc trains, a couple I have converted. Now I am installing sound on some of them, I also have train engines that came with sound. your information fits right in with what I am doing . Thanks.

]]> By: David Bryan Thompson https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html#comment-8875 Tue, 07 Apr 2015 08:07:23 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3520#comment-8875 got a second hand Bachmann GRESLEY V2. Class 2 – 6 – 2 locomotive and what to make it a DCC (it is a split chassie ) I have got a Hornby decoder R8249. a ll my track /controller rolling stock are all Hornby,,,,, is it much trouble ,, I no you have to islate the motor from both chassie,s WILL WECOME ANY HELP…DAVID

]]> By: Skip https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html#comment-8810 Thu, 19 Mar 2015 22:15:42 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3520#comment-8810 I have ask 2 people and so 1 only came back to me and in essence he said he deals with HO. I have a N scale DC e8#5700920-34078 prr its brown w/ three yellow strips on the side, which I have been trying to get to me its very rare. So in saying I would like to know what is the best decoder w/ sound. If you could help me I would appreciate it. Thanks ever-so-much.

]]> By: Newman Atkinson https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html#comment-8793 Thu, 19 Mar 2015 02:46:23 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3520#comment-8793 In reply to Karl Tosberg.

Karl, O27 or 0 scale folks are modernizing to simular type systems… They that kind of things out there but to AC. I have seen big scale clubs operating at shows just like DCC. Although I have not seen much of their systems they are out there from sound to control I have seen some beginning systems in a hobby shop in Evanston, Illinois one time
from Newman

]]> By: Karl Tosberg https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html#comment-8772 Mon, 16 Mar 2015 01:10:25 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3520#comment-8772 you talk about changing to DCC I am just starting out with an old 027 AC set can it be converted to DCC with out to much problem?

]]> By: Newman Atkinson https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html#comment-8758 Sun, 15 Mar 2015 01:29:04 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3520#comment-8758 In reply to Phil.

Phil We all hope we have helped you I am sure. Always welcome to questions. If nothing else We have the experience to tell you what not to do…… Happy Railroading and let us know how it goes….. from Newman

]]> By: Michael W https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html#comment-8754 Fri, 13 Mar 2015 15:17:04 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3520#comment-8754 In reply to Newman Atkinson.

There is one major error in one of the above messages. The max stall/draw amps has to be under 1 amp. If it is over 1 amp, you will blow the decoder every time it stalls. You can try reworking the open frame motors with rare earth magnets or replace motor with a new CAN motor.

DCC uses digital AC current, so it can damage a DC engine. Only one system that I have heard of will run one DC engine. An alternative to isolating motor is to isolate the brushes from the pickups.
DCC has two parts: the engine decoder and the control system. All engine decoders work with all systems, but each system does not work together (NCE, Digitrax, Bachmann controllers can not be cross matched). NCE is easier to use since it uses english when programming. The other systems you almost need to be a computer programmer to use.

]]> By: Phil https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html#comment-8749 Fri, 13 Mar 2015 03:08:39 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3520#comment-8749 WOW! Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my question. I am starting from scratch with my layout so I can pretty much do anything I want. I like the idea of getting a few already equipped & then going over my roster. I am only running steam on this layout & a few I have are kind of sentimental so I will try to convert them down the road. I might have to rework some due to no operation in 18 yrs. but there isnt much to do when were snowed inanyway. Thank you all, I’m sure I will be asking more questions down the road. I should have my backdrop painted this weekend & then start on the benchwork.

]]> By: Maynard Ross Sr. https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html#comment-8745 Fri, 13 Mar 2015 00:23:52 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3520#comment-8745 One of the easiest ways to get sound on a layout may be to NOT go to DCC. Rather investigate the new MRC sound systems that work with all kinds of locos. Or possibly try the new KATO Sound Box. Factory Direct Trains for example, offers it for $224.00 and it plugs into a home stereo sound system. If you have a lot of locos that you would like to keep (and they run well), you may find it a lot cheaper to stay with DC and make the whole room come alive instead of just one or two locos.

]]> By: Tracey K https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html#comment-8743 Thu, 12 Mar 2015 23:21:01 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3520#comment-8743 In reply to Jim.

The SoundTraxx Tsunami Digital Sound Decoder Installation Guide includes a section about testing the motor stall current (as well as other installation considerations), which can be found on page 7: http://www.soundtraxx.com/manuals/tsuinstallation.pdf

]]> By: Don https://blog.model-train-help.com/2015/03/how-easy-is-it-to-convert-old-locos-to-dcc.html#comment-8741 Thu, 12 Mar 2015 19:31:34 +0000 http://blog.model-train-help.com/?p=3520#comment-8741 DCC is the way to go you get sound,light effects you can automate turnuouts etc from a hand held cab. If you have some favorite loco,s you can add sound decoders the better ones are pricey. If you like steam engines , Broadway has a decent selection off steam locos that are great runners . theres a lot of DCC diesel. I personally think DCC with sound makes the hobby much more enjoyable I’ve been running trains sice the late 40″s.

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