What Choices do I have for a DCC Switcher?

I’m thinking about going all DCC and that will leave me without a Switcher for my yard. I had planned on using my Atlas/Kato SP RS-11 and I don’t think I can convert it.

The only switchers I can find in N Scale that are DCC is Bachmann. Are there any other choices?

 

I have the Kato NW2 switcher. Very easy to install a decoder.
http://www.katousa.com/N/NW2/index.html
Decoders
http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Installation_Pictures/N_Scale/Kato/NNW2/Kato_N-Scale_NW2.php

http://www.digitrax.com/prd_mobdec_dn123k3.php

 

Oh that’s pretty cool, I didn’t know that Kato made a switcher. I don’t know why it didn’t come up in my search results.

 

What about the Atlas MP15DC?

 

The Atlas MP15-DC is available as both DCC-ready and DCC-installed. Both TCS and NCE offer a drop-in decoder: the NCE NMP15, and the TCS MP15N.

Pat

 

Thanks guys, I looked up the NW2 and although I like it, it’s a little before my era. I’m more modern, but due to lack of availability for some items, it’s a little mixed. The MP15DC is closer and I see that there are some available with my choice of roads. I didn’t know there was so much available to choose from. I can’t look too much right now because I’m in the middle of things, but I’m going to look some more tonight.

 

Are there modern Switchers?

I was looking around for something more modern and I can’t say as I’ve ever seen a modern switcher. Do they even use them anymore?

 

Johnny,

Re: New switchers. Yes, down at the Long Beach and LA wharf's they are using a newer type of eco friendly switchers.

Another look at what has been suggested is this PDF on a split....decoder. http://www.tcsdcc.com/Customer_Content/Literature/Decoders/N_Scale/Classic_N/CNBEMFWEB.pdf

Also, check out (edited to correct oops) Septembers, issue of Model Railroader. There is an article showing a conversion of N scale, RS11 loco from an analog DC to DCC. Sorry, I don't have more information but I will be able to use this to convert a number of older GP7's and GP9's.

This opens the door to a plethora of options with regard to older equipment.

Going back to a previous discussion we had regarding reversing loops. Steve just finished installing three (3) Digitrax's AR1's, on his layout. I was able to run trains without throwing a reversing toggle and it works slicker then the locomotive sound features. No buttons to push no toggles to throw....WOW!

 

I guess I’m going to have to subscribe to Model Railroader. Everyone is always referencing something from a magazine, which I don’t subscribe to any of them. Every time I’ve looked at one there wasn’t anything I was interested in, so it just wasn’t worth the price they ask.

As far as my reverse loops go, I got a little sidetracked with this DCC stuff and because I needed a break on the layout. I was starting to get burned out. I have all the track weathered and I think it looks pretty good. I’m glad I did it, but I just can’t get motivated to put it all together right now. I should have taken a photo before putting everything away. I just packed it up in boxes today so that I don’t have to hear about the mess from the family.

 

Johnny,

I oop's dd. It is the September issue of Model Railroader. There's no need to subscribe as this is one issue out of many that actually carries a N Scale article. You should be able to pick it up at a LHS or news stand.

The author strips the factory paint off the unit, repaints and decals the shell and converts the chassis over to DCC. A good how to.

I understand the needs of the family and how it can conflict with the hobby. You'll get a chance to get back to it. When you do feel free to PM, e-mail or call me. We'd be glad to drop down off this hill and lend a hand.

 

Johnny,Yes every major railroad still have switchers like SW1500,MP15DC,MP15ACs.

Of course a yard switcher could be a SD40,SD40-2,GP38,GP38-2,GP40,GP40-2 or any older 4 or 6 axle GE unit.

 

Thanks, this is something that I’ve been wondering about for a long time. :thumbs_up:

 

I gotta say, I'm really wanting that Kato NW2 in the C&O/Chessie colors. But I can make it fit, era-wise, a little more than Sleeper.

I'm also hoping somebody will model a Railpower Genset locos like this one... Maybe someday I'll kitbash it...

 

I use GP-20's and GP-30's for yard work...JMO

.

 

Don't forget the Atlas VO1000. A drop in decoder is available.

Cheers
David

 

And the original....Arnold SW2!

 

Digitrax has a decoder to fit the MP15-DC DN163A3

Gary

 

I decided that I’m going to order one of the new Atlas Union Pacific MP15DC.
I was wondering if I should order it with the Decoder installed or do it myself.

 

If the price is right, order it with decoder in place.

 

For what is worth I agree with Rick.

The reason I know the Ditrax number is because I had to replace the factory decoder and for some reason it was a pain. I don't know if it was the small size or just me.


Gary