Just recived my EVA 01 set from Kato. One thing I didn't think of is whether or not it was DCC ready? A quick search online shows kato DCC ready models with doors on the bottom to install decoders. I do not see any on this set, nor any instructions for the 500 series.
it is a non dcc ready unit. The power car will have to have a decoder hardwired in. directional function lighting (headlights, marker lights) would have to be wired into the end cars. Enjoy! Kelley. www.dufordmodelworks.com
Beautiful train, isn't it? I got mine in the mail today. I keep my Shinkansen collection analog just to keep things simple. You might try jnsforum.com for help. I'm sure somebody there is doing the conversion.
Got my EVA unit as well as a couple of FL12s and an EM13. Sure enough, Kato did not update the mechanism on these units. The motor car has the same power system as the P42/E8/PA once you open it up, just more cramped. EM13 and FL12s will not simply drop in. Thinking of mounting the EM13 above the seats and running short wires to transfer power around. As far as the FL12's go, haven't figured out a good way to mount those yet. Here's what I'm thinking for the EM13, just need to get some wires:
My boys absolutely love this train. I've been trying to figure out how to add a double DC track elevated above my DCC track, but haven't figured out how yet. Having it DCC would definitely simplify things but that doesn't look too easy either. The jns forum appears to be down, but these were the links I was looking at before: http://www.jnsforum.com/community/topic/4249-how-to-wire-kato-fl12-decoder-in-500-series-shinkansen/ http://www.jnsforum.com/community/topic/2163-kato-jr-500-10-510-dcc-digitrax-dn163/
