Ok, so I tore into Thomas to install my decoder (Thanks to aggiewonder for the link that showed it) and found out that my decode is obviously larger than the other gentleman’s that had done this.
I am using an MRC decoder and it is just a little bit long to fit inside Thomas. I am going to make a run to a hobby shop that is 45 minutes away tomorrow and wondered if any of you could offer the name and item number of a smaller decoder so I can call to see if they have it before I waste a trip down there. The link that was provided mentioined a DH121, so something about that size should work. (Tony’s didn’t have very flattering things to say about the DH121, so I’m not sure I want to go with that one…if it is even still available)
I just bought my first 2 decoders this morning, both Digitrax, a DH123 and a DZ123. If there’s not a whole lot of space, go with an N or Z scale decoder. The DZ123 I got is made for N and Z scales, but is rated at 2 amps and works in HO locomotives. Hope this helps.
I have an N scale decoder in each one of my HO scale Kato AC4400CW’s and also in a couple switchers. When in doubt for space go with the N scale decoder.
Any size Decoder Z, N or HO could be used But the decoder’s amp rating must be higher then the stall current rating of the engine motor.
A decoder with a rating of 2 amps should work in HO locomotives as most HO motors do not draw more than 2 amps. To be safe always check the motor’s stall current before buying a decoder for motor control.