0-4-0 DCC Conversion

[null_null15]

Having installed a decoder into an old 0-4-0 Hornby engine, it works but the slow speed response is very jerky and not smooth running. Is the old motor just not up to the job? would the X9108 motor be a direct replacement and give me better slow driving?

[2e0dtoeric]

First question - did the 0-4-0 run very slowly on dc? Probably not, as they either ran like F1 cars, or sat and grumbled, without moving!

With it only having four wheels, it probably only has four-wheel pick-up (if you are lucky, and they all work!) so the slightest bit of muck on the track or wheels, and you've lost electrical continuity - so that's your next check.

No doubt others will add their own conclusions as well.

[null_null15]

First question - did the 0-4-0 run very slowly on dc? Probably not, as they either ran like F1 cars, or sat and grumbled, without moving!

With it only having four wheels, it probably only has four-wheel pick-up (if you are lucky, and they all work!) so the slightest bit of muck on the track or wheels, and you've lost electrical continuity - so that's your next check.

No doubt others will add their own conclusions as well.

 

[null_null15]

All wheels and contacts have been cleaned and I'm testing on brand new track. I wondered if the older motor is not built to work with DCC and if there is a newer replacement available? 

[poliss]

People have successfully converted Tri-ang locos to run on DCC.

As 2e0 says, the first question that needs to be answered is how did it run on DC?

[96RAF]

If your decoder and controller supports it restrict the max speed to say 50 and your 128 speed steps will reflect that range thus improving control smoothness but prior running will guide DCC running.

[The son of Triangman]

Lots of good advice there. Locos have to be good runners on DC before you consider converting to DCC. If it's a Tri-ang 0-4-0, then it's X.04 motor is an easy conversion to DCC and they run very well but need to be in clean condtion and in good running order before the conversion. Other factors mentioned are dirt on wheels, the motor capacitor can also have an effect too causing erratic running.