DCC on older DC locos ?

[Paul60]

Hi all,

 

Can DCC be fitted to older DC models ?

 

I'm thinking of buying a 2nd hand Hornby train set that dates back to the late 60s and would be great if I could run it on my DCC layout.

 

Thanks.

 

[Yelrow]

Paul, yes in theory.  Firstly, the loco, must run very well on DC, as if not, it will not perform either on DCC. It is my understanding that most hornby  locos, can be converted. It is not so easy, on some bachmann ones. You will need to have some  soldering experience, but if you buy your decoder from well known  shop, they will fit for you. john

[Fishmanoz]

Further to John's, all locos can be converted but it can be fiddly to do so on split chassis locos (that's the Bachmanns John is referring to) and some ringfield motor locos where the left brush connector is connected to chassis and must be isolated.

 

We could say more if you said which specific train set you are thinking of but it is very likely the loco has an X04/05 motor and these are some of the easiest to convert although needing a decoder that will handle 1 Amp continuous.  That means not an R8249 although a Sapphire and many other brands are suitable.

[Paul60]

 Thanks guys,

 

I am looking around for an old 1960's Tri-ang Hornby Blue Pullman train set. I see they come up on ebay from time to time.

 

Just want to know if that can be done before I go and bid on anything as my track will be dcc

[Wobblinwheel]

I have actually found out that SOME older DC locos can perform BETTER on DCC, with the right decoder. Oddly, the normally lousy R8249 can work incredibility well on old motors, with it's BEMF, and "slow" pulses, it can really "nudge" a weak motor. Smoothes the speed control also. Sadly, if the motor is in really bad shape, it can fry the decoder. I found this out the hard way...

[Paul60]

 Thanks to all who helped out with this.

 

I'll go ahead (and also get a sapphire decoder).

[Buz]

 Hi paul60

It is a myth that older loco's can't be fitted with DCC they just need a bit more work.

As others have said it needs to be a good runner since you mention evil bay as a posible scource

Make sure the loco has a very thorough over haul regardless of it's scource including replacing the discusting knurled wheels if fitted 

If it's the Midland Pullman replacement modern after market wheels are avalable, they have to go so you don't have any electrical noise to upset the DCC.

I am not going to comment on suitable DCC chips etc for me that is a don't know don't care area as I am strictly an analogue person, I think I might even have met the man that invented cuniform text  🤐

regards John

[Howbi]

 Hi John

 I think I might even have met the man that invented cuniform text  🤐

I assume you mean 'Cuneiform Text' that was developed by the Sumerians of Mesopotamia over 5000 yrs ago, you can't be that old John........... 😮      HB

 

[Ruffnut Thorston]

 Thanks guys,

 

I am looking around for an old 1960's Tri-ang Hornby Blue Pullman train set. I see they come up on ebay from time to time.

 

Just want to know if that can be done before I go and bid on anything as my track will be dcc

 

The Blue Pullman is fitted with what is known as the EMB, which means Early Motor Bogie.

 

The same basic pattern was widely used, EG. Th eDMU, SR EMU, and the basic Transcontinental Motor Bogie (also used in the Dock Shunter).

 

This uses a brass strip to take the "return" current to the chassis frame and the non-insulated wheels.

 

Basically, as I see it, DCC will mean isolating both brushes from the chassis and pick-up wire.

 

A "Hard-Wire" job....

 

The pick-up wire would need to go to the decoder, and a decoder wire to the brush clip.

 

It would seem that the return side of the brush spring could be fitted with an insulating sleeve, the same as on the "Feed" side of the brush spring.

 

Another brush clip (brass bit) could then be used to take the return to the decoder.

 

A wire from the brass return strip to the decoder would complete the return path.

 

Well, that is how I understand fitting DCC to a Tri-ang Hornby model... 😉

[poliss]

There's a video guide for fitting a decoder to the Blue pullman here.

[Paul60]

 Thanks to all for the great info. 😀