I am a new modeler and decided to build a prototype in N scale. Because of the size of the room, I wanted to use DCC. Now that I am looking for engines, I can’t find any in N scale that have decoders already installed. What are my options?
I know Atlas does. Here is a sight that has Atlas locos with and without DCC. www.nscalesupply.com I don’t know if Kato or Proto does but Dave Vollmer might.
-dekruif
Many Atlas locomotives are available with DCC installed. Many/most Kato locomotives have available decoder boards (from Digitrax and others) that quite easily replace the factory light board. Life-Like is more of a challenge, but many have room to hardwire a decoder with some modification to the existing frame. Southern Digital and Aztek (I think that’s right) sell frames either modified or specially built to accomodate these decoders for many of those locomotives, as well as older Kato and Atlas units that do not have replacement board provisions.
Virtually all new Atls locomotives come in both decoder-equipped or decoder-ready versions. Most newer (past 5 years or so) Kato locomotives require very simple drop-in decoders that replace the locomotive’s circuit board. Real easy.
Just wondering how hard is it to install a decoder in a decoder ready Atlas n scale loco? Thanxs
I think you just take the two halves apart and put the decoder in place of the light board.
-dekruif
I just put a decoder in an Atlas engine saturday, all you do is take the shell off, un screw the two halves of the frame( dont worry if the trucks come out because you can make sure the wheels are in gauge), take out the factory light board and drop in the decoder. Make sure the CPU of the decoder is in back, or the long hood section.* For more information read the manual that came with the decoder.
- NOTE: I used a Digitrax decoder for my engine.
Victor
Happy Railroading.[swg][swg]
The first one will take you about an hour. Every one thereafter will take you about 20 minutes. Atlas and Kato DCC-ready units are extremely simple. Particularly with Atlas, be sure to take a few minutes to test the unit before you put the shell back on since the power contacts to the motor don’t always line up to the contact points on the decoder the first time.
In my opinion, the third-party decoders for Atlas units (I’ve worked with both Digitrax and TCS) are better than what Atlas equips their locos with. More CVs available and more functions, if you ever want more than just headlights.