Hornby N15 Sir Dinadan DCC?

[Ard Lochan]

I have a N15 Hornby Sir Dinadan with Magnahesion, Is it OK to convert to DCC? Input gratefully recieved, Ard.

[Jupiter 1707822591]

Believe it to be an x04 motor .

Should be straight forward enough

[Going Spare]

Follow the procedure set out in FAQ1 in the Hornby DCC FAQ Index sticky post at the top of this section.

To avoid the possibility of short circuits, it may be advisable to remove the Magnadhesion chassis magnet or ensure it can not come in to contact with the insulated driving wheel alongside it.

[Ard Lochan]

Sorry, I am aware how to convert it, I will rephrase the question, Will the magnet cause a problem?

[Brew Man]

I think GS has intimated that it might. You would need to go over all the magnahesion connections and make sure there are no electrical pathways between the motor and the chassis. I've never used magnahesion so can't speak with any authority on the matter.

[Ard Lochan]

Thanks all I have finally got it, All this chemotherapy has affected my brain cells, I have good days and bad ones and today was a bad one, Cheers Ars.

[Going Spare]

In fairness to Ard Lochan, I was editing my post to add the second paragraph to answer that part of his original question when he posted the second time.

I think, on balance, as it is now of no use and potentially a source of trouble, it would be better to remove the magnet despite the work involved but the cost of a new axle insulating bush (£6.50 or less for 10) is better value than having to replace the decoder after a short.

The problem with the magnet set in to the chassis block is that it tries to pull one side of the adjacent driving wheels towards the chassis block, causing the wheels to run out of true with wear in the axle journal, leading to a greater potential for a short circuit from the insulated wheel touching the chassis block or from a build-up of magnetic material in what can be a reduced gap between the wheel and the block.

[Bulleidboy]

The other thing that is drummed into all of us before converting "older" loco's to DCC, is that they should run perfectly before conversion.