Not sure if this was already discussed here, but Atlas says they're reissuing their 2-truck shay. http://www.atlasrr.com/nloco/nshay2.htm Yeay! Looks like Santa's delivering them in time for Christmas. (Probably with those curved turnouts, too ) My question: What does "DCC capable-motor isolated from frame" REALLY mean? That I'll have to figure out the wiring, solder it AND find a place for the decoder? Anyone know if this run will be frame-ically different that the older? & is there space for a decoder? TopHobbyTrains offers decoder & led instillation for an extra $100: We use the great new TCS Z2 decoder in this installation We completely dissesemble the loco and wire in the decoder. The loco is listed as DCC capable-motor isolated from frame which is true but rewiring but space in the loco is tight. We now offer the lighting package as part of the DCC package. We remove the stock LEDs and modify the front and rear lights to accept color corrected SM LEDs. The new LEDs are wired to the decoder for DCC control. Which brings the loco to about $250 if you get it at discount $130. Just wondering how hard it'd be to do it myself.
Just found this thread, here on this site, of all places! http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=90914 Wondering if advances in technology (or redesign of the frame) have made it any easier since the last run.
I have two of the Shays and while I haven't tried converting them to DCC (yet), they are VERY small. I don't know if TopHobby would have to mill the frame to get the decoder in or not but it could be a possibility. That having been said, if they are changing the LEDs as well, it might be worth the extra $100. (Especially if you solder as poorly as I do.)
Yes. I am very excited to get mine. I'm already combing ebay for some log cars and stuff. As to the DCC - my new layout will only run two locos at a time in different places of the layout. So I think I am going to go back to DC block control. The tight fit of the decoder is problimatic but I've done some installs on them for others before. If you are looking to do it yourself I would suggest you practice soldering techniques before attempting. And take your time. At the first sign of frustration - turn off your iron and walk away. Collect your thoughts and work on it the next day. Eric
DCC in Atlas 2-truck Shay DCC in Atlas 2-truck Shay -> http://www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/dccconv/at2shay.html
This was one of my installs before the latest generation of decoders. Now you don't have to worry about bunker modification or making the shelf for the decoder...much easier. Still, this is one SMALL engine and easily messed up if you are not careful. For $100, with new lights, that sounds reasonable to me... NCDaveD
I got my Shay DCC'd by Litchfield Station, from memory I think it cost about $80. I probably could have done it myself but it most likely would have been a collection of parts for a few months, locomotives come apart easier for me than they go back together. I mailed it off to them before I went on vacation and it was waiting for me when I came home, he has a waiting list a few months long so it was well timed. It is a bit disappointing though that Atlas haven't found a way to put DCC in the Shay considering what other manufacturers are doing. THE HOBBY SHOP - Product: min12439 (don't look at the price) Even Bachmann can put DCC in a 44 Tonner.
