Elite and N gauge

[simonhaz]

Is it feasible to be able to run an N gauge railway in the same way as a hornby 00 gauge, with an Elite DCC?

 

Also, will a 6 pin decoder in the N gauge locos be compatible with the Elite in the same way the Hornby decoders are?

 

I will need

 

to set up an N gauge railway due to space limitations but only want to use Elite/Railmaster so will not bother if its going to be a hassle.

 

Thanks guys most helpful!

[Fishmanoz]

Simon, poliss our resident N gauge modeller will be along to add to this in no time but the answer is yes you can. With few exceptions (mostly older and cheaper Hornby such as the Select), all controllers and decoders function to the same NMRA specification

 

and so are interchangeable and can drive any 12 volt motor which includes N gauge. So your Elite will work with them.

[Flashbang]

Hi

You should have no issues with the Elite and nearly all N gauge locos or using 6, 8 or 21 pin decoders of any make.

Some really old GF locos (1980s may be into the early 90's too?) had coreless motors and these might be an issue with the motor

 

running hot under the PWM feed from a decoder, but more recent N gauge locos all use more standard motors and will be fine.

Also some non DCC Ready GF locos will require a special 'Top Hat' insulating bush to be fitted, this is to prevent the chassis being

 

in contact with the motor brush terminal.

But any N gauge loco sold as DCC Ready will be fine and only need the blanking plug removing and a decoder of choice fitted.

[The son of Triangman]

I have no problems with running an Elite with DCC fitted n gauge locos in the workshop.