4mm Andrew Barclay 18" decoder placement

[figworthy]

I'm part way through building a High Level 18" Andrew Barclay 0-6-0, and I'm wondering where to put the DCC decoder.  I think that there are two options, either inside the boiler, or in the gap between the boiler and the frames, just forward of the gearbox.

 

My concern with putting it inside the boiler is that the motor has the shaft projecting in front of it (I'm assuming for a flywheel), and I'm worried about the lead getting caught on the shaft.  It looks as though I'd have to slot the decoder in before I bring the body and frames/drive together, so I wouldn't have much control over where the decoder ends up.

 

The alternative (which I think will work), is to add a shelf on top of the frames that I can fasten the decoder to, and it should be hidden by the water tanks.

 

I'm not planning on adding sound, which should simplify matters.

 

What does the panel think ?

 

Adrian

[Adam]

I’d cut the shaft off (there’s numerous ways of doing that - I wrap the motor in foil and proceed, gently, with a slitting disc in a mini drill). I understand that DCC does away with the need for a flywheel so you can use that space.

 

Adam

[figworthy]

22 hours ago, Adam said:

I’d cut the shaft off (there’s numerous ways of doing that - I wrap the motor in foil and proceed, gently, with a slitting disc in a mini drill). I understand that DCC does away with the need for a flywheel so you can use that space.

 

Adam

 

Thanks.

 

I did wonder about cutting the shaft off, but I thought that I had read somewhere that it was a bad idea.

 

Adrian

[garethashenden]

5 hours ago, figworthy said:

 

Thanks.

 

I did wonder about cutting the shaft off, but I thought that I had read somewhere that it was a bad idea.

 

Adrian

Its hardened steel, if its cut cleanly no hard done. However, if you try and use something that isn't up to the task there's a risk of damaging the motor. A cutoff disk in a dremel tool or similar is the best option.