Get your old locos ‘DCC-Ready’ by adding an 8-pin decoder socket
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- Опубліковано 25 лип 2024
- Older, second-hand locos are a cheap way of getting into model railways, but without a decoder socket they are far from “DCC-ready". Demonstrating with a vintage Lima Class 33, I show how easy it is to add one for yourself, with inexpensive parts and just basic soldering skills, bringing your loco bang up-to-date for the digital era.
For the socket, search "8 pin DCC socket" on eBay or other sites. Expect to pay about £1.50 plus P&P. All of the product endorsements are my own, and not paid.
Note, the video is based on an edited section of my full Class 33 lighting tutorial, the full version of which can be seen here: • Realistic directional ...
Chapters:
0:00 Intro
0:19 My Lima Class 33
0:43 Body removal
1:06 Removing the old DC wiring
1:36 The new 8-pin DCC socket
2:13 Wiring the socket:
2:39 Soldering the black wire...
3:09 ...and the red
3:35 Adding the grey wire to the motor...
4:00 ...and the orange
4:18 Installing the decoder
4:38 Replacing the body
4:44 Running the converted loco - Навчання та стиль
Fabulous video. Clear, concise and really helpful to anyone doing that job for the first few times :)
Thank you! Much appreciated,
Thank you so much. Well explained and photographed.
Great! Glad it was helpful. I'm planning a follow-up with a simple 'how to add directional lights' guide - slightly more straightforward than my full DIY Class 33 headcodes video (ua-cam.com/video/9SdaQ_uuG4E/v-deo.htmlsi=hTD_KtrM639fClyg).
Super cool 😎🚂🚂
Cheers!
For wire stripping I recommend automatic wire strippers. Much nicer than those where it's up to you to pick the correct slot!
I’ll have to look out for some of those. Once set up, mine are pretty good, but anything that makes it easier is worth a try.
Nowt wrong with Lima loco's. I have several that I have converted to 8-pin DCC and also added additional pick-ups and they run just as well as the more recent expensive offerings. Another advantage with older models is that you can add as much detail as you want.
Absolutely! The old Airfix, Mainline and even some of the Hornby/Tri-ang ones also make for great projects.