I have a pair of the original 44ton switchers that were released as part the original Spectrum line that a friend will be taking to use on his dcc layout. I haven’t converted to dcc so have never tried to install a decoder in to one of these units. How difficult is it and which decoder do you recomend? He’s using and MRC Prodigy system if that makes any difference, thanks for the help!
the dual motor one is rather difficult as installs go. There are lots of opportunities for mistakes and shorts, not to mention the mechanical side of the loco. But it can be done with some patience. I used TCS M1 decoders in the ones i converted. The M1 is a very small decoder, and being TCS, if you do mess up and ruin the decoder, just send it back to TCS for a free replacement.
I’ve done it to two of them – used Lenz LE077 dime-sized decoders, which now have a new number but are still made. A TCS M-1 is also a good choice for one of these engines because it is small enough to fit.