IS it DCC or NOT ? I have a Rivarossi HO R5466 West Side Lumber ...

Model Railroader Electronics and DCC
1

Hi ALL!
I just got ahold of a Rivarossi HO R5466 West Side Lumber, 2 truck Heisler.I don’t have instructions !!!

I’ve seen on Ebay were this is DCC, how can I tell ? Are ALL the R5466 Riv’s DCC ??

Thanks much, Ted

2

You could put it on the programming track and see if the DCC unit can talk to the decoder in it. You could put it on a DC track and see if it runs. You could put it on a DCC and see if it starts buzzing or humming. If so take it off immediately because that generally means it is a DC. Other wise try channel #3 or the locomotive number and see if it works. If none of that works you could just open the unit up and see if there is a DCC decoder in it.

3

What does it say on the box? With Dcc? Or DCC ready?

There is a similar item listed on ebay except it is 5464. It is listed as DCC ready.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/HO-Rivarossi-2-Truck-Heisler-Ohio-Match-Co-5464-DCC-Ready-/220863468476?pt=Model_RR_Trains&hash=item336c7d13bc

4

It says nothing on the box, pic below.

I can’t find a manual online, Rivarossi is no longer around.

THANKS !!

5

Rivarossi is part of Hornby now http://www.hornby-usa.com/ however, I think you can almost 100% guarantee that an old red-box Rivarossi is not going to be DCC. Here is a link to the TCS DCC installation page, which may be the same as your model? Looks like it should be fairly easy for you to open it up and check.

6

Look at the exploded parts diagram included with the model…look for a 8 pin plug. If you see one, then you have a DCC-READY model (plug in your favorite decoder and go).

If you do not, then you will need to hardwire a decoder into the loco.

David B

7

It’s DCC ready!

Thanks ALL!!

8

My Heisler is a red box with # R5465. It came DCC ready. It has a drop in plug. I used a Digitrax DH123 I think. To get into it.First remove the boiler and cab and the bunker as follows.

1.Start by removing the screw inside the stack.

  1. remove the piping from the air tanks.

  2. lift the front of the boiler upward to disengage the wire braces that hold it to the frame, then pull forward to release the pegs and handrails from the cab.

  3. gently pull the rear sandbox from the back of the bunker

  4. remove the water tank hatch from the bunker and remove the screw.

  5. remove the small air tank from the right front of the cab, under the running board.

  6. remove the front screw then lift the cab and bunker off the frame.

If it is DCC ready, you will see the board at the back of the frame.

This is as per the instructions that came with mine.

9

As Phil states above, but I may add to take your time and be very careful when reassembling. This is one of the more difficult locos to reassemble, especially the hand rails down each side of the boiler, watch them carefully. I have 2 that were DCC ready. In addition, keep a close eye on the small screws that hold the rod on the drivers, these have been known to back out by themselves and drop off while running. Parts are pretty much NLA but there is someone on Ebay selling off quite a few new in box parts for the Heisler, just search for Heisler.

10

I have the Rivarossi Heisler R5466, it is DCC ready. It is simple to add the decoder. It is a great running engine.