Besides BB Athearn locos, is there any other non-DCC locos that need some sort of modification in regards to motor isolation for decoder installs?
I’m thinking of the older Proto 2000s, the ones in the beige and/or greyish blue box, Atlas Classic and Proto 1000s?
A few years ago I bought, used, a Walther’s HO H12-44, non DCC ready that has both halves of the motor connected directly to the brushes. One half bolted to the bottom frame and the other bolted to the top weight.
Used Kapton tape to isolate the motor halves and replaced metal machine screws with nylon screws. The original screws where Metric so I tapped for 2-56.
I had to machine a little with a Dremel and carbide bit for 0.002 inch thick phosphor bronze strips to rout power to the brushes.
Squeezed in a Tsunami TSU-AT1000 and a 25 x 35 mm speaker in a styrene baffle.
Rich