Okay, so on the recommendation of a few friends, I have picked up a Rivarossi 4-6-4. However, I run a DCC layout and all my locos have sound. Not wanting this engine to be the exception to the rule, how do I wire it for DCC? What decoder (w/ sound) should I be shopping for... and do you expect the installation to be complex? Thanks.
The first ? is the motor. The first thing you need to find out is the current draw of the motor that is in the loco. Older units will draw too much current for most decoders. The high current draw will destroy the decoder. If by chance the current draw is less than one amp, then you can install a DCC /w sound. If the motor draws more than one amp, you will more than likley have to remotor the loco. IMO the best sound decoder that is made is a Tsunami by Soundtraxx. By far the best sound and motor control. IMO
Alright, this sounds like a lot of work. How do I test the draw of the motor, or should it say somewhere on the box/instructions. If I am forced to remotor it, does anyone have any suggestions on where to turn for a new one?
If you think finding the current draw is a lot of work I doubt that installing a sound decoder will be your cup of tea - seriously. It is not a trivial task unless the loco is already built to take a drop-in/plug-in decoder and has a speaker mounting; and even now few new ones do. You might be better to junk your friends' advice (on what basis did they think that engine was for you, given you want DCC and sound?), sell the Riv and get a factory fitted job.
Motor amp draw The first thing you need is a ampmeter and a voltmeter. If you have these tools you can perform the test. If not, you might have someone else who knows how to do this for you. If you have the tools, let me know and I will try to walk you through the testing of the motor. There are several motors that you can use. North West Short Line has a line of motors as well as u-joints and flywheels. A-Line also has motors and u-joints and flywheels
I desired a smooth-running 4-6-4, and this is apparently the only one out there (aside from Brass). I guess I'll try and find someone who can do the work for me.
Fair enough. Having a tender to fit a speaker in can make things a bit easier installation-wise, but then you have to get more wires across the gap to the engine (unless there is already a decoder in the tender, which, from what you say, there isn't). It's doable, but I'm guessing that it's not a cheap loco, so attacking it with sharp tools and soldering irons will take courage
