Barry1946 Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 Very new to forum (1st post), so I may be asking an old question! There are lots of 0-4-0 and similar tank engines on "well known" auction websites at very good prices. As I need a shunter for my DCC layoutI am considering this route to obtain one. Is it difficult to squeeze the chip into say the new Hornby Caladonian tank engine or some of the GWR tank engines? Is space at a premium? I am confident on the cut the wires/soldering iron bit, it's space I am worried about. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flashbang Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 Hi This is the Hornby guide to fitting a decoder into an 0-4-0 loco which is typical of this range of locos. https://www.hornby.com/hornby-dcc/decoder-installation-guides/standard-0-4-0-decoder-installation-guide/ What you must be sure of before starting any conversion is that the loco runs faultlessly on dc power rails. No stalling, failure to start of stuttering etc. As if any of these are present on dc the loco will become far worse on DCC! 0-4-0 locos are not the best at picking up rail power (and data for DCC) due to their lack of wheels. You might like to consider using a small 'Stay Alive' decoder from another manufacturer to aid the running of a small wheeled loco especially over points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2e0dtoeric Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 Or cheat slightly, and have a permanently coupled 'shunter's tool truck', with added wheel pickups, and somewhere to hide the decoder chip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry1946 Posted February 27, 2013 Author Share Posted February 27, 2013 Flashbang said: Hi This is the Hornby guide to fitting a decoder into an 0-4-0 loco which is typical of this range of locos. https://www.hornby.com/hornby-dcc/decoder-installation-guides/standard-0-4-0-decoder-installation-guide/ What you must be sure of before starting any conversion is that the loco runs faultlessly on dc power rails. No stalling, failure to start of stuttering etc. As if any of these are present on dc the loco will become far worse on DCC! 0-4-0 locos are not the best at picking up rail power (and data for DCC) due to their lack of wheels. You might like to consider using a small 'Stay Alive' decoder from another manufacturer to aid the running of a small wheeled loco especially over points. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry1946 Posted February 27, 2013 Author Share Posted February 27, 2013 Thanks Falshbang, think that is good advice, will look out for an 0-6-0 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry1946 Posted February 27, 2013 Author Share Posted February 27, 2013 2e0dtoeric said: Or cheat slightly, and have a permanently coupled 'shunter's tool truck', with added wheel pickups, and somewhere to hide the decoder chip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry1946 Posted February 27, 2013 Author Share Posted February 27, 2013 Mmmm! sounds an interseting idea Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fishmanoz Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 Barry, there is generally room to fit a chip in 0-4-0s and 0-6-0s. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry1946 Posted February 27, 2013 Author Share Posted February 27, 2013 Thanks, thats what I hoped I would hear! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
koo9 Posted February 27, 2013 Share Posted February 27, 2013 Barry1946 said: Thanks, thats what I hoped I would hear! With experience you can progress to fitting them without cutting the decoder wires and keeping the plug in place! That way you won't invalidate the warranty. After all it is only 4 wires to connect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barry1946 Posted March 11, 2013 Author Share Posted March 11, 2013 Chip now fitted and loco running great, thanks to all for their advice and help. It should be noted by anyone wanting to convert the neew "Caledonian" 0-4-0 that this IS A VERY TIGHT FIT! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Graskie Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 PP and WTD like fitting tights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregd99 Posted March 12, 2013 Share Posted March 12, 2013 Barry, what sort of decoder did you use in the end? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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