Having a hard time finding locos that already have a decoder, etc. installed and are ready to go, at least in N scale.
Plenty of dcc ready, etc., but I’d prefer to have all that done already upon purchase.
I’m looking at UP and/or BN diesel locos, preferably 1980’s on.
Any ideas ?
Atlas has made some, look for their “Gold Series”, those have decoders already installed. Most newer N scale models are fairly easy to install decoders in - there are specific decoders that replace the standard circuit board and most times don’t even require soldering.
–Randy
As Randy said many of the newer Atlas locos can be had with decoders installed. In general, Katos don’t came that way, but there are drop-in decoders available for most. In most cases it really is a five minute job. The hardest part is getting the shell off. I just did an RDC, that was a bit harder (especially since I think they had the lights wired backwards, but never mind that), but that’s the exception. Of course the PCM E-7s have decoders with sounds, but they are a bit early for you. Life-Like/Walthers is at this point the challenge in N scale. As far as I know there are no drop-ins, and you either need to modify the frame yourself or buy a replacement to get a decoder in. The same is true of the Atlas Classic series. I just did an RS-3, there’s not much room under the hood, there. But I think that any true new releases will be available decoder equipped, or with easy drop-ins.
Great info, thanks guys !