A few months ago I bought an Athearn DCC-ready MP15AC. So far, it’s given me one problem and one question.
My problem is, how do I get the shell off to work on the guts? I’ve tried taking out the only screws I can find but those only remove the gas tank and the couplers. I’ve been staring at the instruction sheet but I’m lost.
My second question is, if it’s just DCC ready and not DCC equipped, will it run on regular DC current until it has a decoder? Thanks in advance.
The two screws that hold the couplers hold the shell. There are some tabs near the middle.Just pull straight off. Its kind of tight.
Yes it will. But heres a pic of the decoder that I used from NCE that allowed the strobe to work. It runs beautifully on DCC.
If it’s one of the older models it has two tabs under were the S would be in Southern on the side. You have to place your fingers there on BOTH side and squeeze in while pulling up. You have to kinda hold on to the gas tank. The shell should pop right off. Second question: YES it will run on DC until you get the decoder installed.
Mike
Thanks, both of you- I managed to get the shell off, but it was quite a fight. I just wish they didn’t make detail parts so delicate! [oops] I think I can glue the big ones back on, though…
Yes, it is fairly easy to glue the parts back on - wait until you’ve reassembled the unit though!
On mine, I found that a DH123 decoder will fit right into the plug, if you just remove the “jumper” board they have in there. And trust me, if I can do it anybody can!
-George