Anyone know what gauge # the wiring is inside most locos? I need to call around, so I need to know what to ask for. Also, kinda on the same topic, do ALL Bachmann locos have the big metal body under the shell that make DCC installation a major pain if at all possible (like the engine on the left) ? What other brands should I stay away from? The life-like model was pretty easy to install a DZ143 decoder (on right).
Digitrax sells 30-guage wire specifically for decoder installations: "Decoder Wire for decoder, lighting & signal installation 90ft 30AWG stranded wire-10 ft lengths in 9 colors $14.99" Many Bachmann and LL lococs have the large metal mechanism frame. Requires milling for many applications to get a decoder installed... It's called 'DCC unfriendly'
I'm no authority,but I think Kato,Atlas and Intermountain are the only ones who make DCC ready models.(meaning the decoders drop right in)Even Life Like,for all their recent quality improvements havn't made it easy for DCC users.Looks like you have a older Life like there.Nothing is impossible to put a decoder in though,with a motor tool and lots of patience.
I JUST bought these (3 of em) from BLW, they better be new ... with the simple instructions, it was fairly simple to install the DZ143 decoder. Just time consuming (being it was my first one). For a total of $35 (loco + decoder), this was a real deal - even if it means I have to wire it in. As far as the Bachmann goes... no thanks! never again! (at least for DCC consideration)
Mike: The Bachmann Spectrum series steam loco's are very DCC friendly. . They are the Bachmann 2-8-0 Consolidated and the Bachmann 4-8-2 Mountain. They have to be hard wired but are easy for decoder installation.
Mike: The LL 2-8-8-2 is also DCC friendly. The light board must be removed however and the front headlight must be wired through the decoder . If the light board remains in place this loco has been known to blow out decoders as well as the front headlight. A resistor must be wired to the front headlight to prevent this from happening. The Kato Mikado 2-8-2 is one of the most difficult steam loco's to put a decoder in. The earlier Kato diesels required milling of frames for decoder installation.
