DCC Readiness

In his article on page 47 of the Nov/Dec 2006 N Scale Magazine, Ron Beardon defines six groups of DCC readiness based on like amounts of work required to install the decoder. He fits most North American diesels into one of the groups. The NTRAK Steam Information Book is considering similar groups of North American steam engines in a future addendum.

Below is the first attempt. Conversion information on the internet is noted where available. These are also an excellent source of disassembly instructions.

Modern (1996 and after) models missing are Atlas 2-6-0, Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-4J, and Model Power 2-6-0 and 4-4-0. Can someone please help with these locos? Suggestions are also welcome.

Manufacturer/Model/Comments

DCC EQUIPPED
Factory Installed decoder capable of both DCC and DC (analog) running

Athearn/4-6-6-4/On board sound for both DCC and DC options.

DCC PLUG AND PLAY
Decoder plugs into a socket after removing the shell. No other disassembly, soldering, removal of screws or modification.

Con-Cor/2-10-2/Socket in tender. Concern on one forum that the socket, although NRMA, is larger than those for plugs on small decoders. Replacing the plug requires soldering.
Con-Cor/4-8-4/Socket in tender. No DCC headlight control.

DCC READY
Replace stock board after removing shell. May require screw removal. No other disassembly, soldering or modification.

None

DCC FRIENDLY
Shell removal and soldering required. No modification of any kind including weights.

Con-Cor/4-6-4 Kato /Modification required for headlight control. See note 1.
Con-Cor/4-6-4 China/Minor differences from 4-6-4 Kato.
Model Power/4-6-2/ Color coded wires in tender. Modification required for DCC headlight control. See notes 1 and 2.
Model Power/2-8-2/ Same as Model Power 4-6-2. See note 2.

DCC ALMOST FRIENDLY
Soldering and modification required. No routing of wires.

Bachmann/ 4-4-0/Hide the decoder on the tender under a raised coal or wood pile. See note 4.
Bachmann Spectrum/ 2-8-0/Color coded wires. Remove engine weight to install decoder. See notes 1, 2 and 3. Decoder in tender requires routing wires.
Bachmann Spectrum/ 4-8-2/Difficult shell to remove. Color coded wires. Remove engine weight to install decoder. See notes 1 and 2. Decoder in tender requires routing wires.
Bachmann Spectrum/ 2-6-6-2/ Remove weight and insulation plate from cab. See note 2.
MDC/2-6-0 /Add printed circuit board and raise coal bunker on tender. See notes 1 and 2.
MDC/Athearn/2-8-0/ Similar to MDC 2-6-0.

DCC CAPABLE
Soldering, modification and routing wires required.

Atlas/Shay/Must isolate the motor and hard wire the decoder.
o-Modify shell option. See notes 1 and 2.
o-Rewire decoder to avoid cutting shell option. See page 31 of the July/Aug N Scale Magazine.
Kato/2-8-2/One of the more difficult DCC installations because of difficulty of disassembly. Tender modification required. See notes 1 and 5.
LifeLike/Walthers/ 2-8-4/Possably the most difficult DCC conversion as must totally disassemble the drive train to grind a groove in the frame. See note 1.
LifeLike/Walthers/ 2-8-8-2/Must modify headlight circuit board. See notes 1 and 3. Options to retain tender light are:
o-Wire tender to the engine.
o-Install a separate decoder in the tender.
Rivarossi /4-6-2/Must isolate motor from frame and pickups. See note 1.

Notes
1. Detailed how tos for many DCC conversions are at www.trainweb.org/nrmrc/dcc/conversions.html.
2. DCC installation instructions for some locos are at www.tcsdcc.com/installation_pictures_and_inform_N_Scale.htm.
For MDC 2-6-0 see www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/mdc-n-scale-mogul.html.
3. Photos of on board sound in tenders are at www.tonystrains.com/gallery/loco_section.htm.
4. Instructions for a Bachmann 4-4-0 conversion are at www.trainbuddy.com/References/decoding%20Engines/N440.htm.
5. Detailed instructions with many photos for a decoder and sound in a Kato Mikado are at: http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/blogs/viewblog.php?userid=3206&entry=559