I have an Atlas Classic, RS-1 that is brand new. I would like to convert it to DCC and sound. Can this be done. Some ideas please but remember, I'm not electron girl so keep it simple.
You should be able to. Just a matter of isolating the motor. soldering the wires to the appropiate areas on the loco and away you go. Depending on the age of the engine, it may be easier to find another RS unit that is DCC ready / equipped and place your shell on the frame / motor of the other one. Some of the older Atlas engines can be a bear trying to convert it to DCC.
How to install a TCS CN decoder in an N Atlas RS-1. http://www.fiferhobby.com/html/install_decoder_in_atlas_class.html Looks easy....
I believe she models in HO. So might be easier to wedge a speaker in. Sometimes it is easiest to add a permanently coupled box car that contains the sound. That way the proper baffles for the speaker can be included to give it the lower notes and keep it from sounding tinny.
It is HO and it's new. What if I left a caboose permanently coupled to the engine and put the sound in it and the dcc in the engine. Does this make sense?
Since it is new. You should be able to easily install the decoder. It will just take soldering the wires from the decoder to the leads on the engine and electrically isolating the motor. There are some videos on youtube regarding this subject. I found that these videos to be very informative. A caboose or boxcar behined the engine would work as well. I would choose the boxcar over the caboose. Reason being, the RS-1/boxcar combo could be used in passanger or freight service. In passanger service, the boxcar would be the"head end" car, carrying high priority freight.
If its one of the newer ones, it probably draws 1 amp or less. Here are a couple links for decoder install for the standard decoders.. http://www.wiringfordcc.com/atlasrs1.htm http://www.tcsdcc.com/public_html/C...HO_Scale/Atlas/RSD4-5/Atlas_Kato_RSD_ 4_5.htm HTH.....Mike
