A new layout is in the very near future and I am planning on switching over to DCC. I know very little about the specifics and have seen the other threads and the suggested books available so I will look into them shortly but am I correct in my thinking that my new Kato’s can be fit with decoder’s? I have 23 SD70’s, 4400’s, dash 9’s etc. that are all recent releases (past two years) and wish not to lose my motive power for obvious reasons…she’d kill me!!! I do see these units listed as with or without, so I’m assuming that they all have room for the decoder. As these are N scale how hard are they it to install?
I believe adding a decoder to anything purchased in the last several years should be no problem. I have added them to 20 year old Athearn locomotives with no problems so I wouldn’t worry about a two year old Kato.
I don’t know why Kato has been so reluctant to incorporate a DCC socket or even a decoder into their locomotives. I have installed decoders in many Kato models, including some NW2 switchers that were not DCC ready. It wasn’t easy, and required grinding away some of the weight to make room for the decoder, but it can be done.
Yes, the frame halves on the NW2 had to be separated to get to the motor. As it comes from the factory, the Kato motor has bronze wipers that make contact with the frame halves for electrical pickup. These wipers have to be insulated from the frame and have the decoder’s wires connected to them, and the only way you can get to them is total disassembly.