One of the jobs of a DCC decoder is to control pretty much everything that your model locomotive does, from starting...
Cart 0 Product Products (empty)
No products
Free shipping! Shipping
Ā£ 0.00 Total
Product successfully added to your shopping cart
Quantity
Total
There are 0 items in your cart. There is 1 item in your cart.
Total products (tax incl.)
Total shipping (tax excl.) Free shipping!
Total (tax incl.)
Search Tips
Tips categories
Latest Tips
-
What is a DCC decoder CV?Read more -
What is a solenoid?Read moreIf you are building or own a model railway layout, then you have likely heard the word solenoid, a lot! and that is...
-
How do I remove glue from a plastic part?Read moreTo remove glue from a plastic part, here are some effective methods you can try: File it: Use a fine abrasive file...
-
How long does it take to build a model railway?Read moreBuilding a model railway is a rewarding but time-consuming hobby, and how long it takes depends on several factors,...
-
When airbrushing, should I use a thinner?Read moreWhen using an airbrush, there are a couple of reasons why modellers use thinners. Firstly, if they are using paints...
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
Click here to receive the tips weekly in your mailbox. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Related products
Prodigy Express Starter Package
Price: Ā£ 315.00DCC controller - Prodigy Express Package Comprising of a Base Station,...
Zen Black Decoder: Mini 8 Pin Harness 4 Function
Price: Ā£ 29.95Zen Black Decoder: Mini 8 Pin Harness 4 Function
0.9 Amp 4 Function 8 Pin DCC Decoder featuring...
Price: Ā£ 27.950.9 Amp 4 Function 8 Pin DCC Decoder featuring RailComPlusĀ®
Related posts
-
What scale is Hornby?Hornby model railways are OO Scale or 1/76th that is 4 millimetres to the foot (12 inches). It runs on a track with... - How to weight my model so it does not tip?For wargaming figures, a small coin or washer glued to the under side of the base will usually to do the job. This...
- Is Bachmann compatible with Hornby?Yes, any OO scale loco, wagon or coach will work on any OO scale track, regardless of brand. Couplings are also...
- What are the model railway eras?According to Bachmann, as it states in their catalogue there are 9 eras. As they say in their catalogue this is not...
- Can a "DCC ready" train be used on analogue?Yes, you can use a DCC ready train on your analogue layout. DCC ready just means that the train has been factory...