Washes are highly diluted paints used to bring out the detail in your model and enhance the appearance of the base...
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What is a wash?Read more -
Is satin paint the same as Semi-Gloss?Read moreSatin and semi-gloss paints are similar but subtly different products. As a general rule of thumb Satin is less shiny...
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How do I achieve smooth colour transitions by blending paint?Read moreAchieving seamless colour blending is an essential skill that can elevate a model's realism and visual appeal....
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Is finescale track better than standard track?Read moreWhen evaluating whether finescale or standard track is the better option for your model railway pursuits, there are...
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Why are groups of wagons on a train sometimes referred to as a rake?Read moreHistorically, a group of wagons connected together and forming a train was often referred to as a "rake." This term...
Can a non DCC ready engine be converted to DCC?
In theory, any analogue model railway locomotive can be converted to DCC, but instead of having a socket to plug a decoder into (like you would on a DCC-ready loco) you will need to hardwire the decoder directly to the locomotive yourself.
But before you rush off to buy a conversion kit or a decoder, make sure you can identify the function of all the wires inside your model because you will be required to patch into them. Good soldering skills would be an advantage too.
Another challenge is space. Don't forget that any additional wiring and the decoder must all be able to fit somewhere inside your locomotive's bodyshell. This is probably the biggest challenge most modellers face when converting their engines to DCC. Fortunately, decoders are becoming smaller as the technology evolves, but even then, some models of smaller tank engines or engines of smaller gauges struggle tremendously for space. So make sure you have some before deciding to convert.
Converting your engines to DCC can be very rewarding, and with every model you convert, the job gets easier. But don't forget to check for space first!
Posted in: Model Railway
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