Question fellow engineers! I have a small layout and 4 locos. Why not put a decoder in a box car and wire between with miniature plugs like Bachmanns so I can run either of the 4 locos I have with the box. Now all I need is a wiring diagram. Any ideas? Happy Jose
I have never tried anything like that with my HO scale engines, but do it with G-scale and an AirWire900 Wireless DCC Decoder/Receiver from CVP Products.
I foresee a couple of problems: First, you’re going to need at least 6 wires between the locomotive and boxcar – two from the engine’s electrical pickups back to the decoder; 2 from the decoder to the engine’s motor; and 2 for the engine’s headlight. And the locomotives would all have to be rewired to disconnect the motors and headlights from the existing wiring and connect them to the decoder. From then on, the locomotives would not run without the boxcar with the decoder connected.
Just put individual decoders into each locomotive – they’re not that expensive anymore. A good decoder can be had for $15 or less, depending on the brand name and how many you purchase.