Cork is a popular choice for model railway track beds due to its numerous advantages. Let's explore some of the...
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What advantages does using cork as a track bed offer to a modeller ?Read more -
What are the benefits of a multiple grit sanding stick?Read moreInevitably in most modelling projects, there is a requirement for the clean-up of parts prior to assembly. This may...
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What's the difference between a bus and a coach?Read moreThe word coach has been around since the 15th century and derives from a town in Hungary called Kocs (pronounced...
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What is a trailing goods yard?Read moreA trailing goods yard was a type of goods yard commonly found at many country and smaller stations during the days of...
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Is there a quick way to clean model train wheels?Read moreCleaning the wheels on your rolling stock is an incredibly important job that helps to keep your models running...
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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