advice on choice of decoder for backlog of locos requiring DCC fitting.

[runs as required]

I've been away from my (DCC roundy-round 'No Place') layout for over a year and as a New Year resolution - with family endorsement - I am bringing it back into commission.

The Big Question I face is that I seem to have amassed an additional 15 locos (second hand well-pre-DCC, plus 8 pin and 21 pin DCC ready) from small tank locos to Churcward 28xx and Heljan Beyer-Garrett that require chipping.

 

From initial Google searches I have found this

Gaugemaster Controls DCC26 8-pin 4-function 1A (1.5A peak) small OPTI decoder

 

It looks:

• good value for money @ £13 each
• small enough to fit in everything
• capable of being cut and soldered to a few pre-DCC-fitted locos*

Any helpful comments/experiences would be very much appreciated before I commit myself to this expense.

 

dh

 

*one is tender drive, one has a split chassis similar to my old Bachmann V2 (that still works on DCC)

[OldSutt]

I have been in the same position on changing to DCC, so far I have chipped some of the easiest - Bachmann GWR Panniers with Hattons direct 8 pin, Hornby GWR Railcars with Hattons and Gaugemaster direct 8 pin. The latter provided an easy solution for a Bachmann GWR 66xx, where the former was too big.

I have been considering the Gaugemaster DCC 26 as a solution for some of my Hornby T9s and shall be interested in your quest. 

[RedgateModels]

I've had good results with the (opti)dcc26 decoder with older Bachmann split chassis locos, comparable to the TCS-M1 but the connector makes them bulkier and so more often than not chassis needs to be removed etc. Swings and roundabouts I guess, I'll charge more to fit the cheaper decoder as it will take me an hour more to start modifying the chassis to make space for it ....

[shibushe]

I've been away from my (DCC roundy-round 'No Place') layout for over a year and as a New Year resolution - with family endorsement - I am bringing it back into commission.

The Big Question I face is that I seem to have amassed an additional 15 locos (second hand well-pre-DCC, plus 8 pin and 21 pin DCC ready) from small tank locos to Churcward 28xx and Heljan Beyer-Garrett that require chipping.

 

From initial Google searches I have found this

Gaugemaster Controls DCC26 8-pin 4-function 1A (1.5A peak) small OPTI decoder

 

It looks:

• good value for money @ £13 each
• small enough to fit in everything
• capable of being cut and soldered to a few pre-DCC-fitted locos*

Any helpful comments/experiences would be very much appreciated before I commit myself to this expense.

 

dh

 

*one is tender drive, one has a split chassis similar to my old Bachmann V2 (that still works on DCC)

With regard to the Tender Drive. If its Hornby then be careful. ( not sure with other makes) There is the danger of a short through the body resulting in a fried decoder. Something to do with the brush holder screws. I seem to remember some time ago there is a type of screw that's hard plastic that does the job, but memory fades. If its a more modern motor then should be ok, not had any trouble with those myself.

If its an older type, then there is a solution. Replace the back plate

( If you can find one)  with a clip in type, No Screws.

Always best to test with a meter first.

[runs as required]

Thanks for some encouraging replies.

 

Of my existing stock of pre DCC fitted locos, I have to confess I found the split chassis locos by far the most difficult. I managed to get the V2 working OK despite the valve gear falling apart while I was looking the other way.

But a little split chassis Worsdell 0-6-0 tank I never managed to get working dependably so found a newer one to replace it.

I've done a few tender drive Hornbys - my son's 1970s old Black Five and an old red LMS Compound are favourites that still run well.

 

I've yet to be brave enough to tackle some 1960/70s H0 Epoch III Jouef, Lilliput and Rivarossi Continental locos - they seem very delicate.

dh

 

PS

I came back from a trip into Newcastle this afternoon with a DCC ready Saint 'Glastonbury Abbey' reduced to £70 from Fenwicks - adding one more requiring a coder!