I just recently picked up a few decoders for my n and ho scale engines. I first opened up my n scale bachman 215 santa fe f unit. the directions are showing connecting the decoder between the wires connected to the motor but there doesnt seam to be any wires in the engine. There is a heavy metal frame that covers the motor, drive shaft and wheel base, is that metal shell acting as the wire? I am completely lost, any help would be apreciated. Thank you.
Stevin
What is a “bachman 215 sante fe f unit”?
David B
*What is a “*bachman 215 sante fe f unit”?
David B
I’m gonna guess that 215 is the product or road number. F unit, as in F7 and
Most likely the current gets to the motor through the frame. So, you will have to find the contacts from the motor to the frame, and isolate them, and attach the decoder to them. Then, you will have to connect the input wires of the decoder to the frame. And, you’ll have to make room for the decoder. In the end, you’ll do a lot of work, to convert what is probably not a great loco to begin with.
215 is the road number, yes it does seam as though the current is reaching the motor through the frame and probably wouldnt be worth the time and effort. I guess I would have to shave out room in the frame for the decoder to fit but as of right now it is the only engine in n scale that I have. Could anyone suggest an economic engine that has ample room to add a decoder and runs smoothly for the price. I am new to dcc and to n scale. Thank you.
Stevin
A nice loco that has a drop in decoder available would be a Kato F3. You can get a loco for around $60, and the decoder for about $28. There’s also the Kato F7, some price, and they have an ATSF one, if that’s what you want. Same decoder fits that one, if I am not mistaken.
If you are trying to use a decoder you already have, it would be helpful to know what you have, so we can figure out what it might fit in!
I got my hands on a couple of mrc decoders and they arent plug ins, they have wire ends that will need to be soldered. Santa fe isnt a must, that just happens to be the only engine that I now have, it was found at a yard sale, I am more of prr guy and anything ny as I am from the bronx.
I sorry to say that you will be disapointed with the MRC decoders. They tend to fail often and quickly. In the future, I recommend that you go with Digitrax, Lenz, NCE, TCS or Lokpilot decoders. They will serve you better in the long run and will be cheaper as well in the long run.
David B