Ditto on the above. After having converted six old locos I can say that the effort is only worth it if the loco runs perfectly.
Agree with you guys basically but with the exception of at times you might need to. I'm modeling UP from the 40's to mid 70's and have tried to get every commercially made UP loco from that time period. I think I have all or almost all that where made and have now picked up 3D printed shells that allow me to add more along with one kit-bashed attempt also at this point. Most came off of eBay since you can't buy them new with most manufactures moving onto equipment that is more modern. Some of the ones I bought are models made in the 70's/80's that aren't great runners. I still want them, mainly to look at but since I'm DCC I'm even converting those over. At $16-$30 a pop it is worth it to me. Sumner
Not exactly on topic but I had an unpowered LifeLike E7B which was part of an ABA consist. I used the A units shells on two Kato E8 mechanisms that were DCC equipped. They were a perfect fit. The B unit will eventually house a sound decoder whenever I get the opportunity. Another story of too many projects, too little time.
I have converted about 45 new and old Atlas, Kato, Arnold and Athearn n scale diesels. I initially used TCS, NCE Lenz, and DigiTrax non-sound decoders. Once I heard sound, I changed everything to ESU LokSound V5. I make my own speaker cases customized to fit specific diesels. A bunch of my backcase designs are on TinkerCad if you want to copy them. The smallest conversions are a very old Atlas RS2 switcher, and an Atlas GP7/9. Challenging frame modifications, but they sound great. The Arnold U boat was also a challenge as they use a large metal plate on the top of the frame which complicated installation of the decoder and speaker. Smaller GP and U23/25s are also a bit tight, but with a bit of machining, everything will fit under the shell. Newer frames are much easier to convert, of course. Now, I only buy Kato and Atlas diesels. I have used a number of WVD conversion boards in Kato wide bodies. I make my own headlights using SMD resistors and 0201 or 0402 LEDs. These lights can tuck into the clear plastic lenses without any glue.
I am curious about how you do the headlights. I am not that electrically talented, could you outline the details and what you use? Will this process aork to add headlights to older locos that either do not have them or they are old/weak bulb types?
If you are just starting out/restarting in the hobby, do a little research on the sound aspect of things. I know a lot of people who HATE sound. I'm sort of in the middle. I enjoy sound, especially steam.........for about 5 minutes, and then it starts to get on my nerves and I turn the volume down/mute it. I also like the horns/whistles and other operator controlled sounds, but the chuffs/engine sounds get on my nerves very quickly......and that's just with one engine.........having 3 or 4 sound locos running makes me want to turn off the power and walk away from the layout. I'd say "that's just me", but I know a lot of people that feel that way.....at our club layout, when you are there all day, virtually everyone ends up turning the sound off after a short period. About the only good thing anyone has to say by the end of the day is "at least I know my loco is still running". But a lot of people love the sound too. Just make sure you are one of them before spending a lot of money on sound decoders,speakers, ect.
^^ THIS ^^ I bought 2 sound locomotives (Diesels) just so when someone posts something about sound I can relate. And I can totally relate to what MRLdave posted !!!
Unless you already own a DCC Controller System, another option is to purchase an MRC 0001200 Tech 6 Hybrid DC/DCC Sound Controller Throttle with an optional MRC 0001203 Tech 6 Hybrid DC/DCC Handheld Throttle. Having purchased one of these (i.e., following a customer inquiry about the unit) to supplement my DCS52 Digitrax Zephyr Express, in my opinion, extremely simple to operate (i.e., because it is operated in the same manner as regular DC powerpacks are), the MRC 0001200 Tech 6 Hybrid DC/DCC Sound Controller Throttle is an excellent choice for individuals interested in dipping their toes into DCC, but not yet ready or able to install decoders in their existing analog DC locomotives. The MRC Tech 6 Hybrid's unique feature is its ability to avoid damaging the motor in an analog DC locomotive, because the unit can be operated in either Standard (DC) or Dual (DCC Power with Sound) Mode While not nearly as advanced as the Digitrax Zephyr Express, basic DCC decoder programming can be undertaken with the MRC Tech 6 Hybrid. With an optional MRC 0001203 Tech 6 Hybrid DC/DCC Handheld throttle, one additional DC analog or six additional DCC decoder equipped locomotives can be run simultaneously. The MRC Tech 6 Hybrid has an output jack for one handheld throttle. With MRC 0001501 Extension Plates, the Handheld Throttle's range can be extended to more than nine feet. The only two limitations to the MRC Tech 6 Hybrid that I can see are that you can only use DCC locomotive addresses from one to six and the unit's maximum current rating is two amps. MRC 0001200 Tech 6 Hybrid DC/DCC Sound Controller Throttle Instruction Manual MRC 0001203 Tech 6 Hybrid DC/DCC Handheld Instruction Manual MRC 0001501 Extension Plate Instruction Manual
That does look like an interesting system. But I did already purchase a DCC-EC CSB1 controller and learning how to use it with JRMI. I programmed my first DCC loco last night and I have to admit, after only running DC in the 90's, it was quite a "rush" lol. My layout hasn't even been fully planned yet, but what a kick it was running that loco back and forth on the programming track, ringing the bell and hitting the horn using an old Android cell phone..
Nowhere near the level that you have currently reached with DCC, I wound up spending some time reviewing what the EX-CSB1 Express Command Station/Booster is, how its used, and what operational features it has. According to the Some Questions Answered section of the DCC-EX Lets Get Started + Our Products page: “Any Track outputs can be switched from DCC to DC PMW. Either one type or the other, not both at the same time on one output (But different outputs can be different at the same time.)” Compared to the MRC Tech 6 Hybrid, the aforementioned feature (along with many others such as WiFi and mobile phone or tablet connection capabilities, USB hookup, a 5 amp maximum output rating, up to ten throttle connections, and TCS UWT-50 and TCS UWT-100 handheld throttle support) makes the EX-CommandStation quite a bit more flexible and useful. Like the MRC Tech 6 Hybrid, the EX-CSB1 is designed to run DC or DCC trains. Will definitely have to acquire and play with one of the RTR EX-CSB1 units. Uploaded on January 10, 2025 by a UK based HO-Scale modeler, online, there is currently an excellent YouTube video review of the Plug & Play DCC-EX-CB1.
Yes! I was able to make that happen today using Track Mgr,. Also, finally figured out how to send DCC commands to the CSB1 through TrackManager AND the Arduino IDE. Now, still trying to learn how to create and enter automations. Thank you ALL for your help!
Well, I wrote a long, detailed reply for you. Looks like something did not work yesterday. I will try try to recover the write-up. It must be somewhere in this site. Stay tuned. ggn
This has come a long way! Are there any plans for Railcom & LCC integration (both NMRA-standard interfaces)? LCC (Layout Command Control) incorporates wired/WiFi throttles and a CAN bus for track-side accessories like occupancy detection, signals, and remote turnout control, etc. (i.e. an open standard in lieu of proprietary Loconet.) Railcom, a back-channel within DCC (from loco to CS) is a little more involved, but implementing the "RailCom gap" in the DCC waveform would be a start, allowing a separate, bolt-on system to insert the protocol.
I should describe what RailCom does... RailCom allows very fast decoder programming and readback on the main, even while other trains are running. Some (e.g. TCS) command stations use RailCom to confirm that a locomotive has accepted a speed command, and to reduce the rate at which follow up speed commands are repeated. Under heavy usage, this reduces the latency for new speed commands. If a locomotive is not RailCom compatible, the command station will repeat speed commands to it at a higher rate. Multiple RailCom detectors can also provide location and identification of locos occupying respective zones.
