N-scale Atlas GP-38

leghome Jan 1, 2005

  1. leghome

    leghome TrainBoard Member

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    I just installed decoders in my N-scale B23-7's with no problem. The same Digitrax decoder, DN163AO, is also supposed to fit the Atlas GP-38 however when I tighten the bolts that hold the frame halves together it puts the trucks in a bind. I got to looking at the decoder and it appears wider where it mounts in the frame than the stock circuit board did. Has anyone else expeienced this problem with any decoders?
     
  2. N_S_L

    N_S_L TrainBoard Member

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    My DN163A0 instruction manual does not say it'll fit a GP-38... are you sure it's the right one? Even loys toys says: Atlas GP40-2, U25B, SD35, B23-7, Trainmaster, Dash 8-40B, Dash 8-40BW, and (we think) GP38-2
     
  3. Tad

    Tad TrainBoard Supporter

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    My 2 Atlas GP38s came with LEO63XF's installed from the factory.
     
  4. leghome

    leghome TrainBoard Member

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    According to the Digitrax webstite it is the correct decoder. I am going to go and double check to make sure I read it right.
     
  5. Tad

    Tad TrainBoard Supporter

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  6. leghome

    leghome TrainBoard Member

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    Got a reply from Digitrax today and they told me to carefully file the area where the decoder does not fit.
     
  7. mcjaco

    mcjaco TrainBoard Member

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    This is good information to know. I planned on installing a Digitrax DN163A0 in a GP 38 shortly. I get nervous filing circuit boards.

    What area is not fitting? Could the shell be filed down too?
     
  8. N_S_L

    N_S_L TrainBoard Member

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    I know in the B23 case, there are spacers between the frame halves - is this the same for GP38's?

    I ended up with the same problem of slight binding and slight torquing of the decoder board when I forgot to reinstall them - before I noticed and put them back in.
     
  9. leghome

    leghome TrainBoard Member

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    On my GP-38 where the decoder mounts to the frame was the tight spot. Ihe board was a little to wide at those points and I have just about got it where it needs to be. The wide board was holding the frame to far apart and now it is almost there. Whew. A little more filing will fix it I hope. The shell does go on OK but still need to file a litle more.
    When I installed my first decoder I also forgot to reinstall the bushings. These bushings also act as insulators keeping the frame halves from making contact with each other.
     

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