Converting Kato RS-2 To DCC

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

With my new (unfinished) HO DCC layout I’m primarily modeling UP transition era and have 4 locos to date, all bought new with DCC & sound. I bit a bullet today (i.e., got ahead of myself) and bought a “slightly used” DCC ready Kato Alco UP RS-2 diesel on eBay. I figured the next to worst case is I have to pay the LHS guru to convert it to DCC & sound (I will want both). The worst case is I get a bad loco, but I’ve heard good reports on Kato and the seller has good reviews.

So, can someone enlighten me on whether I should (in time) attempt the conversion myself? How do I select a preferred decoder (for this model or any other I decide to acquire)? Similarly, how do I select a speaker & enclosure, and will they fit? Should I just go to my (not so close) LHS and let him guide me on parts selection, then do the labor myself? Or should I figure it out myself and buy parts at discount?

Can someone advise what production year this Kato is? The box notes mfg #37-2503.

Any advice appreciated!

Paul

2

That loco should have an 8 pin plug in it, super easy to convert with a motor decoder. Sound is a little tougher, since it’s such a narrow hood. You’ll either have to remove weight, or get a small speaker up in the cab for sound. To put a speaker and enclosure in the hood over the trucks, you’ll also have to cut back the light bars and relocate the headlight LED.

–Randy

3

Ya randy that sounds right I would gut the hole thing and get a tsu-750 tsunami sound decoder that’s smaller than a quarter…the tricky part is doing the wiring and all the resistors for LEDs I can do it but it’s tough