Quote from: ncc1701 on October 13, 2009, 10:24:12 AM
My current locomotive project includes hardwiring a locomotive. This is the first time I have done this, and I am clear on all the issues involved except the unique problem of smaller scales in regard to physically fitting the decoder into the locomotive shell. The loco is a dcc ready spectrum 2-8-0 in N scale and the decoder is a digitrax dz-143 decoder. Anyway I see it, I will need to shave some weight off of the cast frame.

I really do not want to do this! I have had very bad experiences with metal filings and motors, and I have no Idea how to disasember a steam locomotive and put it back together again with her drivers in quarter.

You don't need to disassemble the engine other than removing the shell.
This picture shows an in-process DZ123 installation. 
http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u293/fieromike/Railstuff/100_0607a.jpg
Just remove the weight and its plastic tray(?), shave the excess heatshrink off the end of the decoder, and you're in business.
May I ask why you want to use a 4 function decoder on this loco?

Mike

You will need to buy an accessory decoder for turnouts, one that is made for controlling twin coil type machines.

NCE makes this one:
http://www.ncedcc.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=garden_flypage.tpl&product_id=59&category_id=7&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=1

And Digitrax':http://www.digitrax.com/prd_statdec_ds52.php
Digitrax makes several other models, but they may require setup using a Digitrax loconet system.

On a simple figure eight, there is no reverse loop, so insulated joiners and such are unnecessary. 
A DCC equipped engine  will continue in the direction it was instructed to go unless it comes upon a change in track polarity.  If that happens, you will have a short circuit unless you have a reversing module.

I was  trying to play nice.  If I really let loose, the Bach-people would most likely show me the door...

Nope!  I refuse to pay for articles that should have been in the magazine instead of the insipid pap that they print.  They print pretty pictures and the cover shows empty promises of what should be.  All glamour and no guts!

Ex subscriber
Mike

John Anderson uses some of his scenery powder to mix a batch of stucco for his adobe type walls.  A large adobe depot pictured here:
http://www.rrscenery.com/ashfork2.html

Mike

ISTR reading somewhere that there are "issues" of some sort with using 28 step decoders in 14 step mode.  That might be why you are having problems with some of your other engines as well.

Mike

Quote from: smittyclaws6 on August 28, 2009, 06:21:20 PM

  I am having trouble with my engines running because of too much bastes ,
  I should I raise the tracks in order to clear the powder ?


                                                                                                               thanks,

Wouldn't it be easier to lower the bastes?

Nearly all of the current Bachmann locos use a circuit board that requires a "hard wired" decoder.  The decoder's wires are soldered to the circuit board after you remove two jumper clips.  A typical decoder would be a Digitrax DZ125 two function decoder.  They are about the least expensive quality decoder for your purpose.

Mike

A more popular coupler for the 44 tonner is to use M-T's 905 Z scale coupler.  It will work with their N-scale couplers, and the back wall of the coupler box can be removed to give a bit more clearance for the trucks.  Looks better too...

IIRC, the tender floor of the Mountain sits low, same as the 2-8-0, so it would take the 2004 offset coupler.

Mike

The "DCC ready" tenders are most likely very similar to the tender that came with your 2-8-0.  Either that, or they have a pc board and plug hidden inside with the drawbar supplying track power to the board in the tender.

The more adventurous have been replacing the dummy pilot coupler with a M/T 903/905 Z scale coupler.  It does involve a bit of fitting and removing the back wall of the coupler pocket.  IIRC, you also have to trim the trip pin so it doesn't hit the pilot.  Semiautomatic couplers are better than useless ones...

Yes... and no.  The older stock all have Rapidos, but the newer stuff has dummy knuckles.  AFAIK there is no change in catalog #s; you just pays your money and takes your chances.

The Mc Henry coupler is the easy fit answer to the coupler question, however the  MT 905 coupler has a shorter shank.  To install the 905, cut the back off of the coupler box (carefully!).

Pictures:
http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=110068

Slow boat from China?

Other than inflicting a neighbor with your cats, locking them out of the layout area is the best way.  Cats hate citrus oil.  You can temporarily place your orange  and grapefruit rinds on the layout.  They will soon learn that it isn't worth the bother of investigating if all they get is a whiff of citrus.  I have also had good luck with Bounce, etc., dryer sheets.  Just toss a few on the layout when not play..., I mean operating.