Installing a decoder in a IHC steam engine

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi, Has anyone ever installed a decoder in a IHC steam engine? If so i would like to know what decoder to use and the best way to install it? Doug

2

IHCs are pretty easy installs. My favorite decoders are TCS www.tcsdcc.com A T1 is perfect for an IHC steamer. You shouldnt have to isolate the motor from the frame, so its all a matter of soldering wires. The best way to do it is to put the decoder in the tender and run the wires betweent the loco and tender, remember to make slots instead of holes to run wires through the tender and engine shells. With a slot you can slip the shell off over the wires, but if you just make holes the shell is pretty much tethered to the frame.

Good luck.

3

Yup…IHC’s are pretty simple and straight forward to convert to DCC. I’ve done four of them with the cheapy 1 amp decoders from Digitrax (I think they are the 121’s, but without looking, I’m not sure I remember) and that rub pretty sweet…And with a little extra detailing they look as good as they run.

If I’m not mistaken, I think the new IHC locos are DCC ready with a plug in the tender. I also run a Bachmann Shay and a Climax, both with the plug. Boy…That really makes it simple to install a decoder!

4

Yeah - I installed an NCE D13SRJ from Empire Northern Models in my IHC 2-10-2. Plugs right into the DCC-ready socket in the tender. Not sure if any other IHC steamers are DCC-ready, but this loco runs great with this particular decoder - and it’s under $15.

5

As far as I know the 2-10-2 is the only DCC ready IHC right now.

6

I’ve installed decoders into several IHC steam engines and was always able to get the decoder into the boiler.

Their new 2-10-2 has a decoder socket in the tender and cutout for a speaker in the tender floor. Installing a SoundTraxx Tsunami was simply a matter of replacing the JST header on the decoder with one that had the NMRA plug on the other end, plugging it in, and putting the speaker over the cutout.

7

Thanks JPM335, I have 4 or 5 IHC steamer that i need to do. Railcon44

8

Thanks colvinbackshop, I’m going to look at the digitrax decoders also. Railcon44

9

this is good news.i have a new premier series o-8-o from ihc.it sure runs good.will have to take it apart if i can and try and get a decoder in it…good info from everyone.terry…