Fleischmann and DCC

Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

I’ve a reasonable small loco collection at the moment consisting of 4 Fleischmann piccolo N scale locos. A 7065, 7360, 7332 and 7163. All really good runners and brilliantly detailed. My rolling stock is also Fleishchmann and around 30 items. I’ve been collecting them when the’ve come up in good condition 2nd hand and have been gifted a few items. For a small N scale DC layout this was more than enough rolling stock for me.

I’m about the build my 2nd railway and am going to go digital. With the exception of the 7163 which has a tender I don’t think there is any room in these models for decoders. I also haven’t been able to find any conversion instructions. I also haven’t found a hobby shop yet that is willing to do the work for me.

Is there anyone here with Fleischmann and digital experience? I’m keen to stick with Fleischmann but need to know how they fare digitally.

I’m pretty sure I’ll have to sell my DC locos and buy Digital locos.

Are the Fleischmann digital locos compatible with Roco, Digitrax systems (which are my preferred DCC controllers at this time) or are they non-NRMA standard so need Fleischmann gear?

2

After quite a bit of searching today I found the importer for Fleischmann in Aus. I posted my question to him and I received an extremely positive response.

These locos are all do-able and can be fitted with twin-decoders. The FMZ Fleischmann standard and DCC in one. The locos will be able to operate on either standard. The distributor does guaranteed modifications and has had training by Fleischmann on the delicate operation.

Converting each of my loco’s to digital involves some machining. A small amount of the weight in the loco needs to be machined out to fit in the decoder. Definately no plug and play here. There is no modifications to any externals. His conversion price is very good. Much cheaper than selling my locos and trading up to digital installed locos. I’ll be getting him to do the work, in the end it will be a small price to pay for peace of mind.

The Fleischmann locos can be fitted with twin or just DCC standard decoders so it will be compatible with non-Fleischmann control units.