A laser-cut kit is a regular kit that is put together the same way as any ordinary kit, and it's made from the same...
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What is a laser-cut kit?Read more -
What is the purpose of the leading wheels on a steam locomotive?Read moreLeading wheels, also known as pilot wheels or guide wheels, serve an important purpose on a steam locomotive. They...
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How do I check for faults on model railways?Read moreHere are some tips for checking for faults on model railways:Visually inspect the tracks. Look for any debris,...
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What is meant by 'Bringing life to your layout or scene'?Read moreOften, railway modellers talk about the importance of bringing their scene to life, but what does this mean? and why...
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What is the best way for beginners to power a model railway?Read moreIf you have never built a model railway before then it may not be obvious how to supply your model railway tracks...
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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