roythegrass Posted January 8, 2017 Share Posted January 8, 2017 I have an R796 Stephenson’s Rocket and coaches that I require converting to DCC. The loco and tender are too small for a decoder; however a DCC specialist was confident he could fit a chip in one of the carriages and wire up to the loco. Having had the loco nearly three months it was eventually returned unconverted and the ‘specialist’ conceded defeat.I came across this on youtube: (The text “steam age models” should read “steam era models”.)D & E Videos / DC Kits do these bogies which apparently are being discontinued. I don’t know what bogie or wheels I require, and can someone recommend a specialist who could do the conversion work - way beyond my skill level.ThanksRoy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RDS Posted January 9, 2017 Share Posted January 9, 2017 This is more of a question than an answer to your question but what Decoders do they fit in N gauge Loco's. I imagine they must be a lot smaller although maybe they are not as powerful and would be unsuitable for a larger motor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howbi Posted January 9, 2017 Share Posted January 9, 2017 The Hornby X9659 4 pin decoder is only 17 x 10 x 4mm (same as the R8249) but with only 4 wires attached is much easier to install in a small space.........HB/media/tinymce_upload/6d96fb51d3820c83cdeaffcb683d3f08.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2e0dtoeric Posted January 9, 2017 Share Posted January 9, 2017 In that photo, it looks as though the red and pink wires are shorting at the edge of the board! Pop goes the chip! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nick_ Posted January 9, 2017 Share Posted January 9, 2017 The smallest decoder I have come across so far is the Lenz silver mini+ at 11.5 x 7.5 x 2.6 mm, they are a bit more expensive than the X9659 though. It has 7 wires but you can cut off or unsolder the 3 function wires that you don't need /media/tinymce_upload/fb8a7494f2cfb99b2f90ef1753b3c43d.jpg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howbi Posted January 9, 2017 Share Posted January 9, 2017 @2eric........it's just an illusion......the red wire is connected on the underside.......... 😆..........HB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roythegrass Posted January 10, 2017 Author Share Posted January 10, 2017 Thanks folks.HFMMy camara is poor on close up so I'll borrow my sons and post a photo in the next few days.Roy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
96RAF Posted January 10, 2017 Share Posted January 10, 2017 Zimo do a tiny N gauge decoder which may be able to cope withh the current load of this loco. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mac1707821932 Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 I know the new Rocket thats just been delivered as a socket in the barrel on the tender so I guess it is ok for you to convert on a 6 pin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinB Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 Yes 96RAF, I agree. I have one of those really old Dapol terriers where there is virtually no room to fit a decoder. Talked to YouChoos and they suggested their smallest decoder, I can't remember which one, but it works perfectly. I imagine it should be ok for the old Hornby Stephensons Rocket, the current consumption I assume is about the same. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LTSR_NSE Posted January 17 Share Posted January 17 To answer @Mac: (& warn others that this is a resurrection of an old thread)Yes there is no real difficulty with fitting a decoder to the New Hornby Rocket - just need to choose an appropriate size.However with the Old Rocket (topic of this thread) there are 2 significant issues that must be overcome:• firstly it is a split chassis model, so modification is necessary to isolate motor & pickups - not an easy task in such a tiny loco.• secondly the decoder will need placing in another piece of rolling stock & then somehow devising a method of wiring decoder to loco - without ending up with a tangled mass of wires. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ColinB Posted January 18 Share Posted January 18 I didn't realise it was a split chassis, I just assumed it had an incredibly old motor. I haven't got one so I don't know if you could fit it in the loco or tender. Looking at a photo on Hattons website, is there not enough room under the tender. You only need four wires so you could use a x6113 cable. With a Zimo decoder and a Bachmann 6 pin socket it might fit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The son of Triangman Posted January 31 Share Posted January 31 I have fitted a decoder to the old ex-Tri-ang moulding Stephenson's Rocket you have.It is possible using a micro decoder, however there are a few things to watch out for, the wires on the decoder need to be flexible and it needs to be able to handle a 1Amp stall current as the X.500 motor is quite current hungry.It is just possible to fit a decoder in the loco body behind the motor, with the decoder mounted vertically, I have done it. However if you aren't used to such fine work it is better to fit a decoder in the tender or underneath the tender. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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