DCC for older N Scale

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I own several old N scale engines. Wondering if anyone has any experience with these in installing DCC decoders and, if so, any tips!

I own three Atlas E-7s from the late 1970’s. They have a separate PC Board to conduct power from the trucks to the motor and the light. Can this board be replaced with a decoder? It appears the trucks are isolated from the frame. There also appears to be a lot of room behind the frame and above the rear truck. A decoder could be fit inthere. Is it possible to adapt the present PC board to work with a decoder? ANy suggestions as to type/brand?

I also own an ancient, repowered Minitrix F-9. Can this be equipped with a decoder? Any tips?

How about an old Concor PA-1 with a dummy PB-1? I’m thinking I could put a decoder in the dummy PB-1 and permanently couple them together with some sort of wire harness running between. This model still runs flawlessly.

Finally, I have an older (1970s or 80s) ConCor J3a Hudson. Runs like a top. Can DCC be installed in the tender? Any tips?

Thanks a bunch! I have been enjoying a return to the hobby after nearly 20 years. My kids are fascinated, too! the quality, especially in N scale is infinitely better than much of my old equipment. These few engines still perform well, however, and I am loathe to abandon them to the wrecker’s torch.

-Dad Howe

2

Greetings!

The key to DCC installs is to isolate the motor from the track pickup or you let the magic smoke out of the decoders. The older ConCor PAB set and the Hudson, I have performed installs for customers, I just put the decoders in the tender and dummy unit.

For your E-7 and F-9, I’d suggest checking out the following website. www.aztectrains.com He provides a very good service that mills your locomotive frames to provide you the space to install your decoders. Give him a look. I have quite a few customers using his services!

Have FUN with your DCC.

Mike Tyl
Green Diamond Hobbies
greendiamond@msn.com