I realize that this is supposed to be a simple install as the tender is equipped with an 8 pin socket in the tender.
Finally deciding to convert my N scale fleet to DCC I figured I’d start with this loco as its the only one I have that has a socket for quick installation.
At the recommendation of my LHS, I purchased a DZ125PS for this loco.
While the decoder plugs right in, the issue is that the rear of the tender where the socket is does not allow for enough height when trying to put the top back on with the decoder installed.
The plug sits just a tad to high with this decoder. Is there any other decoder to recommend for this loco?
I had the same problem with my first 0-8-0. The answer was to cut the plug off and wire direct to the plug in the tender. It work but I don’t recommend it. On my second 0-8-0, I used a TCS Z2P with a TCS plug on it. It was a much easier installation. The TCS plug is flat enough to fit well beneath the top of the tender. See the TCS site. They have an illustrated installation for the 0-8-0 and their Z2P.
Thanks for the info. I ordered a TCS Z2P based on your recommendation and the pictures on the TCS site. Why couldn’t Walthers customer service provide that info?It seems that the customers are more informed or more willing to share info than the manufacturer.
Walthers is also a distributor. They distribute many brands of decoders, so they are unlikely to recommend any one brand. Most of the DCC decoder makes have charts listing which decoder is recommended for various locos. Sort of like the Kadee couple lists on the Kadee site. Walthers would likely never tell you which Kadee couple is needed for one of their Proto 2000 locos since they already come with their own brand of knuckle coupler.