I loved the U28C model in HO. Had about 8 units from Rivarossi and ConCor(?) and AHM... So, I found an N scale version from Arnold/Hornby at a good price. I talked with Frank at ESU USA, and he said the 6 pin wired version of the Micro DCC would work. Just got the ESU decoder, #58816. I will print up a cabinet for the speaker next week, and put it together. Stay tuned.
Well, this was a bit of a bummer. I tried a bunch of different ways to install the decoder... It will require some significant machining of the frame- so project on hold for a while.
Is the U28C this one.... http://www.spookshow.net/loco/arnoldu25c.html If so pulling out what is there looks like there is a fair amount of room. Sumner
Hi Sumner Yes, this is the unit. With the Kapton tape 6 pin plug cable, the front volume is not usable. Then, I tried taking out the little connector towers (in the picture- look like little umbrellas) and hard wiring from the truck pickups- again, not quite enough room for a speaker. The fuel tank is solid alloy, so I might hollow out the tank and install that way. It has the traction tires (I do not like them), so the weight loss should not be a real issue. I have tried to find spares to get rid of the traction tires. but nada. Talked to the guys in England- the company has changed hands so many times that most of the lore is lost, sadly. The US guys have no spares for anything- called them too.
Well, being a stubborn guy, I kept at it. Found an extension cable in the ESU website. Ordered a couple parts. So, when I get the parts, I will try again.
Update- my efforts on this engine using the 6-pin interface have come to naught. The ESU decoder is about 0.9mm too wide for the shell opening. So, new direction- the ESU 58923 nano. This one will just make it in the volume available. New speaker cases needed, too.
