Decoder size for KATO switchers and Spectrum FM H16-44s ??

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1

I am away from my collection for some weeks, but preparing an online order of decoders to have on hand when I get back.

Just realized I had not opened up several KATO RS switchers and others before I left to see what size they would take.

Since I have almost 3 dozen decoders to get, I would like something like the NCE D13SRs that aI have used on many of the lower end locos to date.

Ques: 1. Can I get a D13SR into KATO RS series switcher?

  1. or into Bachmann Spectrum FMH16-44s ?

  2. Otherwise, perhaps what N scale decoder would you recommend (budget wise) for these road switchers?

  3. Also, Do the old stock Atlas Kato C-425 series have 8 pin light board sockets or will all need hardwiring?

Thanks to anyone who cares to answer, or point out where I have gone wrong in my questions.

2

I guess it depends, have you taken a look at the engines’ instruction sheets and such?? The more recent version of these engines should be set up to accept an 8-pin “plug and play” decoder. Is there an eight-pin receptacle on the lightboard?? Otherwise, several companies make lightboard replacement “drop-in” decoders for Kato engines.

If nothing else, any HO decoder should be able to be hardwired into place.

3

For the Kato NW series, you need to either hardwire a DZ123 (with the decoder in the cab) or solder in an N scale decoder.

For the Bachmann unit, you have to completely dissasemble the chassis to isolate the motor and mill out room for the decoder (there is NO room). I would also use a DZ123 in this case.

David B