Jump to content
 
  • entries
    13
  • comments
    19
  • views
    7,522

DCC conversion of older Hornby locos


ifoulds

1,578 views

As I've started to slowly lay down track and I'm waiting on some more supplies for that, I took the time to fit DCC decoders to the fleet of older Hornby locos. I'd already completed a decoder install a few months ago on one of the HSTs using a Bachmann decoder, but was a little concerned as to the cost outfitting the remaining locos. I'd read good things about the Hattons 8-pin decoders for £10, so picked some up and found they work just great given how basic the older locos are. This was the fleet after much soldering:

 

blogentry-31723-0-53711100-1496774496.jpg

 

The HSTs are fairly well documented on YouTube for DCC conversion. The Class 91 / Intercity 225 is a little trickier as one of the rail pickups then has a screw carrying the current through the motorblock. I ordered Kadee #58 nylon screws to isolate the motor, then will screw a separate pickup for the decoder straight in to the block. It should work just fine.

 

The Class 58 was also a little different with how the bogies come off the chassis rather than loco body coming off the chassis, but again, it was a pretty straightforward conversion since there are no lights on the 58001 model. I did put together a rough video of the process since there aren't really any references I could find. Not sure how many folks are trying to convert the old Class 58s, but maybe it helps someone:

 

2 Comments


Recommended Comments

I wasn't aware of the cheap Hatton's 8-pin decoders, but will take a look so l can get some more of my DCC ready locos operational ;)

Link to comment

I don't have enough track hooked up to try running trains for real yet, but at least on the test track I was impressed with them :) Easy enough to install and program.

Link to comment

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...