I have converted a few of these using the TCS Z2, stripping the lightboard of the resistor and LED and mounting the decoder to it. I also solder the power wires to the light board. A small surface mount LED tucks neatly in the gap at the front. For the motor leads, just switch the brush holder tabs top to bottom, and cut the wires to length. Solder the wire to the tabs (off of the motor of course). Since the tabs clip on, there is no need to remove the brush holder. Now that you are using the longer tab to supply the power to the bottom brush, the tab sticks above the frame and no removal of material to run the wire is needed. Be sure to use Kapton tape to isolate the tab from the frame side. I have one that I started at bedtime last night, taking pics as I went. When I finish, I will put pics on my Flickr account and post the link here. I would like to see TCS make a decoder for this much like the CN series, but using only one board. The Z2 is proof it can be done. It could plug in the light board slot, feature a surface mount LED, and have two wires coming off of pads to solder to the motor tabs (or even come with pre-attached tabs for even easier installation). Another set of pads could be provided for those that wish to use a rear LED. They could probably corner the market on this switcher if they did this.
That's a GREAT idea - I don't even think it would take that much re-engineering work for TCS, and their decoders are excellent (though I've never used the Z2 - might start, though, given the price increases for the Lenz, which has gone from something like $33 a couple of years ago to $45-50 today). John C.
Well, pulled the trigger on one. I figured I had to reward them for offering it in CNW colors. At least I won't have to file the flanges down on this one, that's a plus.
As I'm getting further re-involved with the hobby, my memory has failed on somethings I already did or knew Which Kato worms will fit the LL SW's? I converted several a few years ago, but got sidetracked by love, and well, you know.... Don't remember which ones I ordered from Kato, or do they all fit the SW shaft??? Thanks, Joe D
Here is what the inside of the Walthers/LifeLike SW1200 looks like: From the side Overhead Blurry shot, from the rear Inside the shell. Pulled a power pick up off, as I was attempting to remove the body! The following are suggested, from what I have seen: DN126M2 Series 6 Board The TCS MT15 is also suggested. I have the Digitrax board on order, from Denver.
Okay................how many people whining about the "DCC readiness"actually HAVE one of these? I don't have mine yet, but I DO have a TCS MT1500 decoder, and it sure looks like it will fit in place of the stock board in the pictures Keith just posted. I'm not a big fan of having to solder motor wires to the board, but it beats a total rewiring. And it isn't any different than the newer Intermountain F units.......they require soldering the motor leads to the board as well. And easier than putting a TCS split decoder in an Atlas RS. The Walthers site still says they are DCC friendly with the already mentioned TCS or Digitrax decoders. Seems to be a pretty simple install to me.........but as I already said , I won't actually have my SW till I can make the 150 mile drive to my "local" dealer to pick mine up.
Rpeck.........the newest run (2018) are on the shelves. Some road names already appear sold out https://www.walthers.com/products/s...-announced-advanced-reservations-new-arrivals
